How she turned a simple idea into a SaaS Empire... From her living room

Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful business?

Not just any business. A SaaS business.

And not just any SaaS business. A SaaS business… that grew into an empire with 2,000 users.

After you're done with today's Margin Makers, you'll understand SaaS better than 99.99% of the digital crowd.

Today, we’ve got insights from my good friend and HighLevel superstar Julie Chenell of FG Funnels.

Today in 5 minutes or less:

✔️ How Julie crafted FG Funnels

✔️ Secrets of a Strong SaaS

✔️ The framework for “S.A.A.S.” Success

HOW JULIE CRAFTED FG FUNNELS

Once upon a time in the land of digital dreams, there was a WordPress enthusiast named Julie Chenell.

Julie had a knack for building websites that were as elegant as they were functional.

But, as all great tales of transformation go, she was destined for something even bigger.

In her own words, "I was just slogging through WordPress problems...and then I discovered marketing automation."

This pivotal moment led her to pivot her focus towards sales funnels, significantly increasing her revenue potential.

By 2017, her skills in marketing automation had caught the attention of industry leaders like Russell Brunson, setting the stage for her eventual role at Clickfunnels and later, her departure to start FG Funnels…

SECRETS OF A STRONG SAAS

Build once, sell forever? Sounds dreamy, right?

But beneath the motto's simple surface are complex strategies that you need to know for a strong SaaS model.

Diving into the essentials, Julie pinpointed three essentials: epic support, education, and shortcuts.

These are the bread and butter of any successful SaaS platform.

1. Epic Support: Imagine this—every user’s issue is a ticking time bomb, and excellent support is the bomb squad. Effective, timely support doesn't just fix problems; it turns potential disasters into testimonies of reliability and customer commitment. *PSST* HL Pro Tools is a no-brainer for this piece. Julie uses us, and you should, too.

2. Education: Here’s where many get it wrong. They throw sophisticated tech at users and wish them luck. Not on our watch! A SaaS thrives on its users’ success with the platform. Comprehensive tutorials, webinars, and real-time help sessions transform novice users into power users, creating a cycle of success and loyalty.

3. Shortcuts: Efficiency isn't just about doing things faster. It's about smart solutions that make life easier. Why do it the hard way when a shortcut can get you there with less fuss? Offering users these golden nuggets means they spend less time struggling and more time creating value.

These elements are what Julie believes transform a tech tool into a well-rounded business solution.

It's not just about offering a tech product but about educating users on effective marketing, which in turn, enhances their business growth. 🔥 

THE FRAMEWORK FOR “SAAS” SUCCESS

Launch 2,000+ SaaS subscriptions, and you'll learn a thing or two.

Julie’s method of getting customers through simplified funnels really shows her strategic planning.

For instance, the transition from live demos to an evergreen funnel model greatly cut costs but still kept the quality of leads.

"It was just hard to run paid traffic to a sales demo funnel...so we wanted to turn our funnel evergreen," she explains.

Her team’s skill in making complicated tasks easy and practical for business owners shows how much FG Funnels focuses on its users.

The "five core foundations" of an online business that Julie talks about in her webinars—CRM, scheduling, web and funnel builders, membership systems, and messaging—are the key tools her SaaS provides, making it an all-encompassing platform for digital marketers.

Here’s Julie’s SAAS framework for success:

1. Simplify: The key here is to focus on user-centric design. Start by mapping out the user journey and identify any points of friction. Are there too many steps to sign up? Too many features that confuse rather than aid? Streamline these processes. For example, integrate a more intuitive dashboard and clearer navigation paths. Use tooltips, interactive guides, and FAQs that help users help themselves without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Amplify: Here’s a secret: knowledge is the currency of the digital age. Boosting customer knowledge does NOT = dumping info on them. It’s about delivering it in digestible, engaging ways. Host regular free webinars that tackle common pain points, create short video tutorials for easier tasks, and develop comprehensive training modules for complex integrations. Remember, informed users are empowered users. They’re more likely to explore the full range of functionalities you offer and become advocates for your product. 💪 

3. Automate: Begin with the basics. Set up automated onboarding emails that guide new users through the initial setup process. Use behavior-triggered emails to provide tips on features users haven’t tried yet. On the backend, Julie uses automation to alert her team about at-risk accounts based on usage patterns so they can proactively engage them before they churn. Automation should act as both a facilitator for your users' journey and a tool for predictive analytics on user engagement.

   • PRO TIP: Julie's uses email marketing to not only nurture leads through tailored content but also to address common objections. Her emails are crafted to convert skeptics into believers, emphasizing the stability and all-in-one nature of FG Funnels. Hop on her email list for examples of 🔥 copywriting.

4. Streamline: Evaluate your current offerings by gathering user feedback through surveys and direct communication channels. Ask what features they use the most and which ones they ignore. Consider phasing out underutilized features or bundling them into advanced toolsets for power users. This helps keep your core product lean and more manageable for the majority while still catering to power users who want more sophisticated tools.

In the world of SaaS, these foundational pillars uphold the weight of rising user expectations and growing market demands. 📈 

So, while the idea of "build once, sell forever" is catchy, the reality is: build wisely, support fervently, educate thoroughly, and yes, then, sell forever.

It's not just setting up the tech—it's about crafting an environment where users feel supported and empowered as they build their businesses.

Now, it's your turn to mix these strategies into your own SaaS.

I’ll leave you with this:

How can you simplify, educate, and automate to make your service more delightful?

To profiting more and working less. 💸 

-Matt

News you want to read...

🤔 Did you know? We’re all technically living in the middle of an ice age.

🧠 Tough workday? Don't let it ruin your evening. These "transition rituals" can shift your brain into chill, no-work mode.

💤 Check out four ways to redefine rest and prioritize sleep.

👑GOLDEN NUGGET OF THE WEEK 👑

📈 Ready to take your agency to the next level? 

I’ll be at the Level Up Agency Growth Summit, sharing insider tips on winning big clients and boosting retainers. 

Reserve Your Free Seat.

Can’t wait to see you there and share how we can all grow together!

READY TO JOIN THE HL PRO TOOLS FAM?

Ready to kick your agency into high gear? HL Pro Tools has got your back with two awesome options to join our community and start making moves:

🌟 Get branded support for your HighLevel agency at hlprotools.com. We give you all the tools you need to kick SaaS, complete with personalized branding that will make you feel like a boss.

🌟 Join our Facebook group and connect with other CEOs who are revolutionizing the game by sharing insider tips and tricks that will make you feel like a true industry leader in no time!

HAVE A TOPIC YOU’D LIKE ME TO COVER?

Sweet! I’m all ears.

Here’s your VIP pass to shape the future editions of Margin Makers 👇

Submit your ideas here.

DID A FRIEND FORWARD YOU THIS NEWSLETTER?

First, give them a BIG thank you!

Then, subscribe here to get your free weekly dose of entrepreneur life hacks.