What’s the most creative way you’ve marketed a SaaS product without paid ads?

Question

Let’s share creative approaches that worked!

AnnaHo · Accepted Answer

We used a strategy called "product-led storytelling," where we created an interactive microsite that walked users through real-world scenarios using our product. This drove organic engagement and allowed users to experience the product in a meaningful way without any ads.

An · Answer

I don't have much experience in marketing that stands out, but I saw a security gateway tool host an online hacking competition where everyone could attack his tool, and the winner could receive $1,000. In the end, according to his sharing, he earned ten times more than this cost, which left a deep impression on me.

AnnaHo · Answer

@an_zuo That’s a brilliant approach! Hosting an engaging competition like that can definitely generate buzz and attract attention. Thanks for sharing this unique idea!

Vlad Yan · Answer

We actively blogged and promoted SaaS through search traffic.

Archana Jha · Answer

Joined platforms like Reddit, Quora, or forums where most target customers spend time. Helped answer their questions and solve their problems without trying to sell our product right away. Over time, people become interested and start checking out our product on their own.

AnnaHo · Answer

@veeresh_devireddy That’s a smart approach! Collaborating with established apps must have provided great exposure. Thanks for sharing this unique strategy!

Claire Martin · Answer

I haven't done it yet, but I have read a lot about starting a podcast and building in public

AnnaHo · Answer

@claire_martin2 That sounds like a great approach! Podcasts and building in public can really help create transparency and engage your audience organically.

AnnaHo · Answer

@archanajha That’s a great approach! Engaging in communities and offering value without being pushy definitely builds trust and long-term interest. Thanks for sharing!

Veeresh Devireddy · Answer

We collaborated with several popular apps to push notifications and get quick traction.

Harald Frank · Answer

@annaho2000 sounds cool, does it still exist? can you share the link?

AnnaHo · Answer

@vladislav_yanchenko Great strategy! Blogging is such a powerful way to attract organic traffic and build credibility over time. Thanks for sharing your approach!

Timothy Bramlett · Answer

So definitely the most creative way I have marketed a SaaS product without paid ads is when I was marketing Notifier by actually using Notifier to market it. So I started listening for mentions of "social listening" on Reddit and would assess and figure out if that was a good post or comment for me to reply to. Bye to.

Answer

I built a free tool for my audience and shared it in communities, which sparked interest and got people to explore my product without needing ads

AnnaHo · Answer

@cerca_hedgecock That's a brilliant strategy! Offering free value upfront really builds trust and drives organic engagement. I’ll definitely consider this approach for my next launch.

What’s the most creative way you’ve marketed a SaaS product without paid ads?

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