How to Use AI to Supercharge Your SaaS Product

It's hard to believe that it's only been about a year since OpenAI released its popular generative AI product ChatGPT.

That's because of the complete paradigm shift that ChatGPT caused. It brought artificial intelligence into the mainstream and kicked off an industry-wide race to adopt AI features in all kinds of tech products, including those in the software as a service category.

In fact, in a July 2023 survey by Tech Jury, 35 percent of SaaS businesses reported that they are already using artificial intelligence to some degree. And even more interesting, another 42 percent of SaaS companies said they plan to implement an AI system or feature in the near future.

In other words, if you're not planning on using AI in the near future, at least one of your competitors is.

What's the best way to incorporate AI tools like machine learning, predictive analytics, natural language processing and large language models in your SaaS product? We'll break down some best practices for getting started below.

A Quick Intro to Artificial Intelligence

While ChatGPT helped bring AI into popular culture, artificial intelligence has been around for a while.

The roots of AI can be traced back to the mid-20th century, with the development of the first neural networks. Since then, AI has evolved significantly, branching into various disciplines and applications. "Artificial intelligence" now generally refers to technology that allows machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, making decisions and learning from experience.

In SaaS, businesses have benefited from machine learning algorithms that allow for the analysis of vast amounts of data and large language models that enable new ways to engage users. The combination of these AI elements in SaaS solutions can help you achieve insights you couldn't have before, improve customer experiences and deliver innovative services that were once thought impossible.

Integrating AI into SaaS Products

AI is great, but don't get ahead of yourself and start using it as a solution in search of a problem.

Integrating AI systems into your SaaS company is all about understanding the specific needs of your users and tailoring AI solutions to enhance your product's value. This involves identifying the right AI tools that align with your product goals, ensuring seamless integration with your existing infrastructure and continuously refining these tools based on user feedback and evolving market trends.

Identifying Integration Opportunities

Integrating AI into SaaS products demands a strategic approach, and how you identify and plan for integration opportunities is crucial.

1. Identify User Needs for Features or Functionalities

• Assess both external and internal user needs for AI-driven features or functionalities. For example, an internal user might benefit from next-gen analytics to understand platform user behavior better. An external user on an ecommerce marketplace might benefit from an AI-driven recommendation engine.
• Evaluate how AI can address specific challenges or enhance user experiences.

2. Define Business Outcomes and Objectives

• Clearly outline the business outcomes you aim to achieve with AI integration. It's not enough to solve user problems. Your AI solution must also have a measurable impact on the business.
• Set specific KPIs tied to the integration, like increasing revenue, reducing churn, boosting sign-ups, activations or upgrades.

3. Begin Building an Implementation Plan

• Decide whether to build AI capabilities internally or use API-based AI tools. Consider the costs, skill support and IT infrastructure requirements.
• Assess the extent of customization needed for the AI solution to effectively address user needs.

4. Understand Data Governance and Compliance Requirements

• Ensure that your AI integration adheres to data governance standards and compliance requirements for the GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA and any others that might be applicable to your business.

5. Set Expectations

• Establish realistic expectations around costs, implementation timelines and the functionality of the AI feature.
• Set expectations internally that AI models are not 100% perfect. Determine what level of accuracy is acceptable and what functionality level is needed, particularly for user-facing features.

6. Begin Building

• Once the groundwork is laid, start the process of building the AI integration, keeping in mind the defined objectives, user needs, and business outcomes.
• Continuously evaluate the integration process against the set expectations and make necessary adjustments.

AI SaaS Implementation Ideas and Examples

AI can solve a range of user problems and add significant value to SaaS offerings. Here are a few examples we've seen recently of how SaaS companies have incorporated AI into their products:

AI-driven Analytics for Better Decision Making

AI-driven analytics tools can process large datasets to provide actionable insights, helping businesses make informed decisions. These tools can identify patterns and trends that are not easily visible to the human eye.

For instance, incorporating a user behavior modeling AI tool into your workflow can enable product and marketing leaders at your company to identify users more likely to active or upgrade in your platform. This solves the problem of sifting through overwhelming data, allowing users to focus on strategic decision-making.

Generative AI for Creative SaaS Platforms

Generative AI can be used in creative SaaS platforms like design tools or content creation software. It can generate graphics, write content or even compose music based on user inputs.

This addresses the challenge faced by many creators in generating original ideas or designs, significantly speeding up the creative process and offering a springboard for further innovation.

Large Language Models in Chat Features

Integrating large language models in chat features of a SaaS product can enhance customer support and user engagement.

These AI models can understand and respond to user queries in natural language, providing quick and accurate assistance. This solves the problem of slow and inefficient customer service, improving user satisfaction and engagement.

Next-Gen Recommendation Engines

Next-gen recommendation engines use AI to analyze user behavior and preferences to make personalized suggestions.

For example, a SaaS marketplace platform can use such an engine to recommend products, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction. This addresses the challenge of navigating through vast catalogs, providing users with tailored choices.

Automating Operations with Machine Learning

Machine learning can automate routine operations, improving efficiency and reducing the scope for error.

For instance, an AI feature in a project management tool could automate task assignments based on team members' workload and expertise. This tackles the problem of manual task management, optimizing operations, and enhancing productivity.

AI in Marketing and Sales SaaS Solutions

AI can transform marketing and sales SaaS solutions by personalizing user experiences, optimizing ad campaigns and predicting sales trends.

For example, an AI-powered CRM system could analyze customer interactions to identify sales opportunities and suggest effective communication strategies. This solves the challenge of personalizing marketing at scale and improves the chances of closing sales.

Introducing Archie, Our AI-Driven Solutions Architect

8base Makes Building AI Tools Easy

As one last example, we wanted to introduce you to an AI tool that we built in-house. Archie is our AI-based solutions architect.

We work with a lot of startup founders and innovators, people who are frequently having to tackle tough questions about things like product-market fit, monetization strategies and backability potential. Archie leverages the enormous dataset behind GPT-4, the extremely versatile backend of 8base's Backend-as-a-Service and our beautiful frontend App Builder to create an assistant that helps founders think through some of those questions.

We built Archie's backend using 8base’s Data Builder, creating a dynamic data model essential for its operation. This process generated a GraphQL API instantly, connecting smoothly to our frontend. We enabled Archie's AI capabilities by integrating OpenAI's GPT-4 API through custom TypeScript functions.

The frontend of Archie, built with 8base’s App Builder, showcases a responsive, user-friendly interface. Utilizing drag-and-drop components and custom JavaScript, we achieved a sleek design and seamless functionality. The entire development, including setting up a custom URL and deploying the product, was streamlined thanks to 8base’s comprehensive platform. Archie stands as a testament to the power of the right tools in transforming digital product creation.

Wrapping Up

AI is reshaping how SaaS products are developed and delivered. The key is identifying the right opportunities for AI integration, carefully planning the implementation and using the right frameworks and tools when you build.

Archie, developed using 8base, stands as a prime example of the transformative power of AI in SaaS. By leveraging the capabilities of GPT-4 and the flexibility of 8base's Backend-as-a-Service and App Builder, we've created a tool that not only addresses complex challenges faced by startup founders but also illustrates the seamless integration and efficiency of AI in solving real-world problems.

Find out how easy it is to build SaaS solutions that incorporate AI systems with 8base. Sign up for free.