Building a SaaS MVP doesn't have to take years. With the right framework, you can go from idea to launch in 90 days. This blueprint is based on real lessons from building Shiftwell and helping dozens of founders navigate their own launches.
Why 90 Days?
The 90-day timeframe isn't arbitrary. It's based on three key principles:
- Urgency breeds focus: A tight deadline forces you to prioritize ruthlessly
- Market validation window: 90 days is enough time to validate your idea without losing momentum
- Resource optimization: Most founders can sustain intense focus for 90 days without burning out
💡 Key Insight
Your first version doesn't need to be perfect. It needs to be valuable enough that people will pay for it while being simple enough that you can build it quickly.
The 90-Day Framework
Days 1-30: Foundation & Validation
The first month is all about getting your foundation right. This is where most founders either set themselves up for success or create problems that will haunt them for months.
Week 1-2: Market Research & Problem Validation
- Conduct 20+ customer interviews
- Analyze competitor landscape
- Define your unique value proposition
- Create user personas and journey maps
⚠️ Critical Lesson
The biggest mistake many founders make is building something they think people want, instead of something they know people need. Always validate your assumptions with real customer conversations.
Week 3-4: MVP Scope & Technical Planning
- Define core features (limit to 3-5 essential features)
- Create wireframes and user flows
- Choose your tech stack
- Set up development environment
Days 31-60: Build & Iterate
Month two is where the magic happens. You'll build your MVP while continuously validating your assumptions with real users.
Week 5-6: Core Development
- Build authentication and user management
- Implement core functionality
- Set up basic analytics
- Create landing page
Week 7-8: Testing & Refinement
- Internal testing and bug fixes
- Get feedback from beta users
- Refine UX based on user behavior
- Prepare for launch
🔧 Technical Tip
Use no-code or low-code tools where possible. Tools like Bubble, Webflow, or Airtable can help you build faster while validating your concept.
Days 61-90: Launch & Learn
The final month is about getting your MVP in front of real customers and learning from their behavior.
Week 9-10: Soft Launch
- Launch to a small group of early adopters
- Gather feedback and iterate quickly
- Set up customer support processes
- Monitor key metrics
Week 11-12: Full Launch & Optimization
- Public launch with marketing campaign
- Analyze user behavior and conversion rates
- Plan next iteration based on data
- Set up systems for ongoing development
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Feature Creep
The temptation to add "just one more feature" can derail your timeline. Stay focused on your core value proposition.
2. Perfectionism
Your MVP should be the minimum viable product, not the minimum perfect product. Ship early and iterate.
3. Skipping Validation
Don't assume you know what customers want. Validate every assumption with real data.
Tools & Resources
Here are the tools that can help you stick to the 90-day timeline:
- Project Management: Notion, Trello, or Linear
- Design: Figma, Canva
- Development: Vercel, Netlify, Firebase
- Analytics: Google Analytics, Mixpanel
- Customer Feedback: Typeform, Calendly
Measuring Success
Your 90-day MVP is successful if it achieves these key metrics:
- 10+ paying customers (or clear path to monetization)
- Product-market fit indicators (high user engagement, positive feedback)
- Clear roadmap for next 90 days
- Validated business model
What's Next?
After your 90-day MVP launch, you'll have real data to guide your next steps. Whether that's scaling your user base, adding features, or pivoting based on what you've learned, you'll be making decisions based on real customer behavior, not assumptions.
The 90-day framework isn't just about speed-it's about building the right thing, for the right people, at the right time. By the end of 90 days, you'll have a product that customers actually want and a clear path to growth.
📚 Want to dive deeper?
Check out our comprehensive guide on building products that people actually want for more tactical advice on product development.