How to Launch Micro-SaaS with $0 Marketing Budget
You don’t need a pile of cash to get attention for your Micro-SaaS. Many indie hackers have launched profitable products with zero ad spend. Here's how you can do the same using only your time, creativity, and hustle.
1. Build in Public
Share your process from day one. Post regular updates on platforms like:
- Twitter/X
- Indie Hackers
- Medium
- Peerlist
Be honest about wins and failures. People love following authentic stories and they’ll often become your first users.
2. Launch on Directories & Communities
Submit your project to relevant platforms:
- Product Hunt
- MicroLineup (😉)
- Betalist
- SideProjectors
- Hacker News (Show HN)
- Reddit (e.g. r/Entrepreneur, r/SaaS)
- Plus hundreds of others out there
Each one can bring a small wave of early users and together, they add up.
3. Leverage Free Tools
Use free platforms to create a mini content engine:
- Write helpful blog posts or guides on your site (SEO gold but takes time to see returns)
- Create a free Notion template, checklist, or tool that links back to your SaaS
- Record a short explainer video with Loom or OBS and share on YouTube
4. DM Your Target Users (Without Being Spammy)
Find 20-30 people who fit your ideal customer profile. DM or email them with a friendly note, something like:
“Hey! I built a small tool that helps [specific pain point]. It’s free to try and I'd love your feedback. Totally cool if not!”
Ideally you go for something more specific and personal and don’t mass-copy-paste.
5. Add Value in Niche Communities
Hang out where your users already spend time: forums, Discord servers, Slack groups, Subreddits.
Don’t pitch. Instead:
- Answer questions
- Share tips
- Drop your product link only when truly helpful
People notice and appreciate real contributors.
6. Offer Lifetime or Early Bird Deals
Even without a huge following, you can offer:
- Early access
- Lifetime plans
- Founding member perkd
Final Thoughts
A $0 budget isn’t a limitation, it’s a filter. It forces you to get scrappy, talk to your users, and build something real. And often, that’s exactly what separates a flash-in-the-pan from a sustainable Micro-SaaS.
Good luck and if you’re launching, submit it to MicroLineup and get featured!