Best SaaS Tools for 2023

The Software as a Service (SaaS) model has transformed how businesses leverage technology. By paying a recurring subscription fee, companies can access sophisticated applications that run in the cloud and are handled and updated by the service provider.

SaaStools are easy to deploy, scale on demand, and always have the latest updates and features without clients needing to manage or maintain the software themselves. This model has made mission-critical applications accessible for even small businesses.Each year promises to bring a wave of new and improved SaaS tools for businesses of all sizes. Advances in automation, artificial intelligence, and the cloud will augment the capabilities of existing applications and enable whole new categories of SaaS products.The best SaaS tools for any business depend on their size, industry, and needs.

However, some categories of applications are poised to make the most significant impact in 2023.

After reviewing numerous SaaS applications and evaluating based on features, ease of use, pricing, security, and reviews, we have made a list of the best SaaS for 2023.

Folio

Folio is an all-in-one storytelling tool that allows you to create and share interactive product demos, tutorials, and guided presentations without any coding skills. Some reasons to consider Folio a top SaaS pick for 2023:

• Screen Capture - Folio makes it easy to capture screens, navigate menus, and record product interactions within your demos. Captures include animations, tooltips, models, and more.
• Element Customization - You can customize any element within your captures using Folio's simple editor. Options include logos, text, images, numbers, features, and annotations.
• Annotation Guides - Folio provides multiple annotation options that let you guide viewers through your demos and make sure they understand key points. This creates a more engaging experience.
• Video Narration - You can record a video narration that syncs your story, adding a personal touch and helping explain complex features or processes.
• Team Collaboration - Multiple team members can access, edit and customize a single demo using Folio's publishing tool. This allows different perspectives to be incorporated into each story.
• Branding - Folio lets you include your company logo and domain when sharing demos, helping elevate your brand and establish credibility with customers.
• Publishing - Publishing and embedding Folio demos on your website, in emails, or on social channels to reach broader audiences is simple. Demos can also be downloaded or shared via URL.

Why consider Folio?‍

Folio product demo tool is applicable for sales, marketing, and customer teams:

• Sales teams can create targeted product demos for prospects to help explain key features, benefits, and use cases. This can aid in selling more effectively.
• Marketing teams can generate how-to tutorials, walkthroughs, and guided product tours to sharing on their website, via email, or social media. This helps improve user engagement and onboarding.
• Customer teams can build guided presentations and educational content for existing customers to help them get the most out of the product. This improves support, satisfaction, and retention.

Folio is easy and free to get started.

Unlike its competitors, Folio allows users to immediately create an account, access most features and start capturing demos - without going through a demo request or sales process.

The Folio free plan is generous. This makes Folio a frictionless solution for teams that want to quickly generate interactive demos and stories without purchasing an entry-level plan or consulting sales.

Ideally, the free tier is suitable for initial testing and proof of concepts.The self-serve model significantly reduces the time and effort required for evaluation, letting users get up and running with Folio's app capabilities in just minutes.

There are only a few limits placed on the free tier. So, in summary, Folio combines ease of use and a free self-serve option with applicability for multiple team types - making it a versatile no-code storytelling tool that businesses can quickly leverage to improve selling, marketing, and customer efforts through the power of interactive product demos.

Zendesk

Zendesk is a powerful customer service platform that helps businesses provide a superior customer experience. Some features that make Zendesk a great SaaS tool for 2023 include:

• Rich AI capabilities - Zendesk uses AI to enhance functionality like routing tickets to the right agents, suggesting knowledge base articles, and identifying customer sentiment in conversations. These AI features will likely continue to improve throughout 2023.
• Scalability - The software easily scales to meet the needs of companies with varying numbers of customers, agents, and support requests. Businesses can quickly and cost-effectively expand usage as needed.
• Omnichannel support - Customers can get help via email, web forms, phone, live chat, and popular messaging apps, all through the Zendesk interface. This enables businesses to meet customers on their preferred channels.
• Personalized experiences - Zendesk uses customer and ticket data to provide more tailored support experiences. The software will likely gain even better personalization tools in the coming year.
• Flexible integrations - Zendesk’s open API makes it easy to integrate the software with hundreds of other apps that businesses already use. This allows organizations to create customized workflows and automate processes across their tech stack.
• Analytics and reporting - Businesses gain insights into support trends, agent performance, resolution times, and more through Zendesk’s reporting and analytics dashboards. These features aim to help organizations continually improve customer service.

In summary, Zendesk’s AI-powered omnichannel support platform, scalability, rich feature set, and integrations make it a top SaaS tool for any company looking to enhance its customer service in the year ahead. Continued improvements to personalization, automation, and AI capabilities also position Zendesk for ongoing relevance and value for businesses in 2023 and beyond.

Jotform

Jotform is an online form builder that allows users to easily create document intake, data collection, and survey forms. Some reasons to consider Jotform as a top SaaS tool for 2023 include:

• User-friendly interface - Jotform has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that simplifies form creation, even for non-technical users. The easy-to-use builder can rapidly generate professional-looking forms.
• Wide range of form types - Besides standard data entry forms, Jotform can create payment forms, order forms, satisfaction surveys, applications, and other forms for any purpose.
• Powerful collection capabilities - Form responses are saved automatically in Jotform’s system. Users gain access to data, can export responses to Excel or PDF, and create customized reports based on the collected data.
• Rich question capabilities - Jotform offers a variety of question types beyond basic text fields, including drop-down menus, checkboxes, file uploads, signatures, and multiple language options. Conditional logic is also supported.
• Embeddable forms - Users can embed Jotform creations into websites, blogs, email, and social media to reach a wide audience and gather information from broader user bases.
• Integrations - Jotform integrates with 200+ apps, including Google Workspace, Salesforce, Zapier, Slack, and Dropbox. This allows forms and data to trigger workflows, messages, and saves across various tools.
• Security features - Jotform’s security capabilities include SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, IP whitelisting, audit logs, and other features to ensure data protection.

In short, Jotform’s versatile form builder, powerful data collection, embeddable forms, integrations, and security make it a great option for companies looking for a simple yet effective SaaS tool to digitize processes involving data and document intake in 2023. The tool’s user-friendly design also promises to accelerate ROI for organizations of all sizes.

HubSpot

HubSpot is an all-in-one marketing, sales, customer service, and CRM platform. Some reasons to consider HubSpot a top SaaS pick for 2023 include:

• AI-powered marketing automation - HubSpot uses AI to personalize marketing campaigns, recommend the right content to customers, optimize ads, and predict lead behavior. These AI features are constantly improving.
• Omnichannel support - Customers can get support via email, chat, phone, social media, and community forums, all within HubSpot. This omnichannel approach allows for thoughtful engagement across all customer touchpoints.
• Contact management - HubSpot provides tools to capture leads, track their progress, and nurture relationships over time. AI aids in lead scoring and routing.
• Scalable CRM - The CRM system grows with a business, from basic contact management to advanced sales and customer insights. Sales reps can manage deals and activities and access a full view of client relationships.
• Reporting and Dashboards -HubSpot offers customizable dashboards and reports to track key metrics like lead status, pipeline progress, and campaign performance. Data can be broken down by source, team, and individual.
• Integrations - HubSpot connects with over 3,500 apps, including Gmail, Google Analytics, Slack, Zapier, and Shopify, to extend functionality and automate processes.
• Free starter version - Even without a paid plan, businesses gain access to basic CRM and marketing tools that can help prove the value of a full HubSpot investment.

In summary, HubSpot’s AI-powered marketing automation, omnichannel support, contact management, CRM capabilities, reporting features, a large ecosystem of integrations, and free starter tier combine to offer businesses a comprehensive, scalable growth platform. Constant improvements to AI and personalization also position HubSpot as a leading SaaS tool for any company’s 2023 objectives.

Pipedrive

Pipedrive is another CRM and sales automation tool designed for small businesses and sales teams. Some reasons why Pipedrive qualifies as a top SaaS pick for 2023 include:

• Intuitive interface - Pipedrive’s clean and simple UI makes it easy for sales reps of all experience levels to get started quickly and be productive. The tool doesn’t overwhelm users with excessive features.
• Lead management - The system provides tools to capture, qualify, and route leads based on rules and automated workflows. Sales reps can flag certain leads and filter based on status.
• Opportunity and pipeline tracking - Pipedrive gives sales teams a real-time view of sales opportunities from first contact to close. Reps can manage multiple pipelines in a structured and organized way.
• Activity management - Reps can schedule tasks, set reminders and create to-do lists within the context of specific leads or deals. Activity history is tracked for each contact.
• Customizable dashboards - Users can create colored graphs and monitors to track key metrics on one screen. Data is automatically updated in real-time.
• Integrations - Pipedrive connects with over 150 third-party tools, including Google Suite, Slack, and Zapier, to extend its capabilities and streamline processes.
• Sales report - The system provides out-of-the-box reports covering important metrics like new contacts, active opportunities, lead sources, etc. Reports can help identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Affordable pricing - Even for its most robust plan, Pipedrive remains an economical sales tool, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

In summary, Pipedrive’s intuitive interface, lead management, pipeline tracking, activity management, dashboards, integrations, reporting, and competitive pricing make it a cost-effective yet feature-rich CRM ideal for sales teams of any size looking to improve results in the year ahead. The tool’s customizability also ensures an optimal fit for various industries and use cases.

Asana

Asana is a work management platform for teams. Some reasons to consider Asana a top SaaS pick for 2023 include:

• Intuitive interface - Asana’s simple yet powerful visual interface helps teams organize and track their work from tasks to strategic objectives. The tool is easy to learn and use.
• Automatic task breakdown - Users can create objectives and turn them into actionable tasks with deadlines and assignees. Asana will automatically divide large projects into smaller steps.
• Real-time visibility - All task updates, and changes are instantly visible to managers and team members. Status, progress, comments, and files are viewable in one centralized location.
• Custom views and filters - Users can create personalized boards, lists, calendars, and charts to focus on relevant work based on status, priority deadline, and more. Over 40 filters are available.
• Built-in chat - Asana’s in-app messaging allows teams to have quick conversations in the context of specific tasks and projects. History is saved for future reference.
• Integrations - Asana connects with hundreds of apps, including Slack, G Suite, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, to automate workflows between systems.
• Mobile app - Asana’s native apps keep team members updated and productive from iOS and Android devices. Tasks can be assigned, files accessed, and chats viewed on the go.
• Templates - Asana provides prebuilt templates for common workflows like agile, project, and launch management. These can accelerate setup and onboarding for new teams.

In summary, Asana’s simple yet robust task management capabilities, automated task breakdown, real-time visibility, custom views, in-app chat, integrations, mobile app, and templates make it a suitable work management solution for all types of teams looking to improve focus and productivity in the new year. The tool’s flexibility also ensures an optimal fit for various industries and use cases.

Monday.com

Monday.com is a visual work OS that allows teams to plan, track, automate, and improve every work process. Some reasons why monday.com qualifies as a top SaaS pick for 2023:

• Visual interface - Monday.com uses a Kanban-style board to provide an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that requires minimal learning. Team members can quickly grasp how to use the system.
• Template library - The app has over 300 ready-made workflow templates for common processes like project management, HR, marketing, and more. Custom templates can also be created.
• Customization - Users have full control over how data is structured and displayed within monday.com. Virtual spaces can be customized to perfectly suit the needs of each team or department.
• Automation - The tool allows users to set up triggers and automation using Monday bots. This helps reduce manual work and errors by automating routine tasks.
• Integrations - Monday.com connects with over 250 apps, including Slack, Google Workspace, Zapier, and Jira, to extend its capabilities and facilitate info flows between systems.
• Real-time updates - Changes within a board are automatically synced across all team members’ screens to ensure everyone has a live view of the current status of projects and tasks.
• Mobile app - Monday’s native iOS and Android apps provide access to boards and the ability to update tasks on the go. Data is synced in real time between all platforms.
• Analytics - Monday.com provides automated analytics and viewable dashboards covering metrics like completion rates, time spent, and task dependencies. Data helps teams improve strategies and maximize efficiency.

In summary, monday.com’s visual interface, template library, extensive customization options, automation, large network of integrations, real-time updates, mobile features, and analytics make it a perfect fit for teams from any industry that need a highly adaptable work OS to manage projects, processes, and workflows more productively in the new year.

Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a leading social media management platform that helps businesses and organizations streamline their social media strategies. Some reasons to consider Hootsuite a top SaaS pick for 2023:

• Management of multiple profiles - Businesses can connect all their social media accounts in one place for easy oversight and coordination. Hootsuite currently supports over 30 social networks.
• AI-powered scheduling - Posts can be scheduled in advance, and the AI algorithm learns from past engagements to suggest the optimal time, day, and frequency for future posts. Success rates improve over time.
• Team collaboration - Multiple users within an organization can collaborate on campaigns, content, and social efforts, all within the Hootsuite dashboard. Teams have full visibility into each other’s work.
• Content Curation - The system provides tools to curate relevant user-generated content and media to share on social channels. Employees save time by reposting engaging posts from fans and followers.
• Social listening - Hootsuite helps businesses monitor all social mentions and stay on top of emerging topics, trends, and conversations in real-time. AI surfaces the most important discussions.
• Reporting - Comprehensive real-time reports and historical analytics provide key metrics like posts, reach, engagement, traffic, and new followers. Data helps optimize social strategies.
• Integrations - Hootsuite connects to over 400 third-party tools like Google Analytics, MailChimp, and Salesforce to extend its capabilities and streamline workflows.
• Scalable pricing - Monthly costs scale based on the platform’s number of linked social profiles and team members. Plans start as low as $15/month for the Essential tier.

In summary, Hootsuite’s management of multiple networks, AI-powered scheduling, teamwork features, content curation, social listening, reporting, an ecosystem of integrations, and affordable pricing - especially for growing businesses - make it a leading social media management solution for any organization aiming to improve their presence and results across platforms in 2023.

Plausible Analytics

Plausible Analytics is a privacy-focused analytics tool for website owners. Some reasons why Plausible qualifies as a top SaaS pick for 2023:

• Full GDPR and CCPA compliance - Plausible does not use personally identifiable information or track individual users. All data is anonymized to protect visitor privacy.
• Simple, lightweight code - Plausible uses a small piece of JavaScript that loads quickly and has minimal impact on site performance. The code is very easy to implement.
• Open-source and free - Plausible offers a free tier with no restrictions on data or features. There are no hidden fees or upcharges.
• Valuable metrics - The tool provides key metrics like the number of visitors, page views, referral sources, countries, browsers used, and more.
• Data dashboard - Website owners gain insights through an analytics dashboard that displays data in an organized, visual manner. Reports can be filtered and customized.
• Automated calculations - Plausible handles calculations in real-time to provide accurate metrics without requiring manual tag management.
• User-friendly settings - The interface empowers website owners to activate or deactivate features, choose data to track, and set up goals and segments with simple switches and fields.
• Exports - All analytics data can be easily exported to CSV and JSON formats for further analysis outside Plausible. Export history is available.

In summary, Plausible Analytics’ full privacy compliance, simple implementation, open source and free option, set of valuable metrics, customized dashboards, automated calculations, user-friendly settings, and export features combine to offer website owners a viable alternative to big-name analytics platforms in 2023 - without compromising on core functionality or insights. Plausible’s transparent business model also ensures ongoing control and security for user data.

Calendly

Calendly is an online appointment-scheduling tool allowing users to book meetings, consultations, and video calls directly into the calendars of the people they’re scheduling. Some reasons to consider Calendly a top SaaS pick for 2023:

• Easy scheduling - With Calendly, people can pick available times that work for them without engaging in lengthy back-and-forth communication. It streamlines the scheduling process.
• Wide range of styles - Users can choose from different scheduling styles like standard appointments, interviews, 1-1 meetings, and group events to fit their needs.
• Integrated confirmation - People who book through Calendly immediately receive an automatic confirmation with reminders, joining details, and other important info. No follow-up is required.
• Sync with calendars - Calendly integrates natively with Google Calendar, Outlook, iCal, and more. Scheduled appointments appear directly within users’ calendars for ease of access.
• Mobile-friendly - The Calendly app and website are fully optimized for mobile, allowing people to book from any device.
• Attendee management - Users can manage attendees, set limits and collect important details for each person scheduled through Calendly.
• Embeddable widget - Businesses can embed their Calendly scheduling link and widget on their websites for maximum exposure and bookings.
• Analytics and reporting - Calendly reports metrics like total appointments, times booked, time slots filled, and attendee information. Data insights help optimize strategies.

In summary, Calendly’s user-friendly scheduling experience, variety of styles, automated confirmations, calendar integration, mobile capabilities, attendee management features, embeddable widget, and reporting tools combine to offer businesses, freelancers, coaches, and independent professionals an easy and effective solution for managing their schedules automatically in the new year.

Slack

Slack is a cloud-based communication and collaboration platform for businesses and teams. Some reasons to consider Slack a top SaaS pick for 2023 include:

• Integrated messaging - Slack provides persistent chat channels for easy and organized communication between team members. Direct messages and group chats are also supported.
• Rich media sharing - Users can embed files, images, videos, Google Docs, and more directly within messages to provide context and share information instantly.
• Custom emoji - Slack has various customizable emojis that team members can use to react to messages, make discussions more fun and build workplace culture.
• App integrations - Slack connects with over 1,500 business apps like Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Trello to share data, automate workflows and extend capabilities.
• Custom channels - Teams can create new public or private channels based on team, project, topic, or any other categorization that makes sense for their organization.
• Alerts and mentions - Users receive desktop and mobile notifications for mentions, direct messages, or when added to a channel. This ensures important updates aren’t missed.
• Search and archive - Slack allows users to easily search message history within channels or direct messages. Content can also be filtered and archived for future reference.
• Analytics and reporting - Admins access detailed insights into workspace usage, including message volume, channel activity, and time spent in Slack. Data helps improve team communications and performance.

In summary, Slack’s instant messaging, media and file sharing capabilities, emoji functionality, a substantial ecosystem of integrations, customizable channels, alert features, search tools, archives, and analytics combine to offer businesses and teams a modern, versatile, and effective solution for real-time communication, collaboration, and workflow management in the new year. Continued innovation should ensure ongoing disruption in the collaboration space.

Zapier

Zapier is an automation platform allowing users to connect different SaaS apps and automate repetitive workflows and tasks. Some reasons to consider Zapier a top SaaS pick for 2023:

• Over 5,000 integrations - Zapier connects with more apps than any other automation service, including tools like Google Sheets, Dropbox, Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, and many more.
• Simple setup process - Users can join apps, select triggers and actions, then “zap” them together in just a few clicks. Zapier requires no coding knowledge.
• A broad range of triggers - Zapier supports triggers within connected apps to activate automation. Triggers include form submissions, new file uploads, and message replies.
• Useful actions - Zapier performs actions within connected apps as part of automation. Actions include sending emails, creating records, and posting to channels.
• Reliable performance - Zapier runs in the background, monitoring connected apps for new events 24/7. Automated workflows activate quickly and accurately.
• Scheduling options - Some Zaps can be set to run on a time-based schedule - either once or multiple times on predetermined dates and times.
• Variable input - Zaps can accept variable user input to perform different actions based on changing criteria. For example, a Zip can prompt users for an amount before triggering a payment.
• Mobile app - Zapier’s app allows users to activate Zaps, monitor active workflows, and reload Zap steps - even on the go. The app ensures Zaps keep functioning around the clock.

In summary, Zapier’s massive ecosystem of integrations, simple setup, broad triggers, useful actions, reliable performance, scheduling features, variable input options, and mobile app combine to offer users an incredibly powerful yet easy-to-use automation solution to streamline workflows and save time in the new year.

Rebrandly

Rebrandly is a link management and URL shortening tool that helps organizations improve click-through rates, track link analytics, and manage numerous links from a central dashboard. Some reasons to consider Rebrandly a top SaaS pick for 2023:

• URL shortener - Rebrandly provides easy-to-share shortened links that are customizable, trackable, and optimized for sharing on social media and within text messages.
• Branded links - Users can create branded links with their company name or logo to improve marketing messaging and build brand recognition.
• Link management - Rebrandly gives organizations a central place to create, organize, and modify numerous links. Changes are simultaneously applied across all shortened links.
• Advanced analytics - The platform provides key link and campaign performance metrics, including click-through rate, referrals, new visitors, location, and device data.
• Redirection options - Branded links can route to web pages, files, email addresses, downloadable content, specific landing pages, and more. Destination options are fully customizable.
• Security features - Rebrandly offers IP restrictions, password protection, expiration dates, and other security settings to ensure sensitive shortened links remain secure.
• API access - Rebrandly’s developer API allows links and data to integrate with external apps and business systems for streamlined workflows.
• Team collaboration - Multiple users within an organization can access centralized dashboards, manage links, and collaborate on link campaigns using Rebrandly’s team options.

In summary, Rebrandly’s URL shortening, customized branded links, central link management console, robust analytics, flexible redirection options, security features, API capabilities, and team features combine to offer businesses, marketers, and publishers an advanced yet simple solution to improve marketing link performance, visibility, and security in the new year.

FAQ about SaaS tools:

What is SaaS?‍

SaaS stands for Software as a Service. It refers to software that is licensed and delivered via the cloud rather than installed locally on users' computers or on-site servers. Users access the software remotely via the internet.

‍Some key benefits of SaaS:‍

• Easy to set up and use: No installation or maintenance required. Users simply sign up and log in.
• Always up to date: New features and updates are automatically delivered to all users.
• Scalable: Usage and costs scale up or down as needed.
• Low, upfront costs: No large license fees. Users typically pay a monthly or annual subscription.

‍How do I evaluate SaaS tools?‍

When evaluating potential SaaS tools for your business, consider:

• Integration capabilities: Can the tool integrate with your other apps?
• Features: Does it provide the functionality you need?
• Pricing and value: Do the benefits justify the costs?
• Security: What protections does it have for your data?
• Support and uptime: What support is available, and is the tool reliable?
• Reviews and reputation: Check online for unbiased reviews and the vendor's track record.
• Flexibility: Can the tool grow with you and adapt to your changing needs?
• Ease of use: Particularly important if non-technical users will also use the tool.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SaaS tools provide businesses with powerful, cost-effective solutions to streamline processes and improve productivity. As we've discussed, common SaaS applications cover CRM, marketing automation, project management, work management, and many other functional areas. When evaluating potential SaaS tools, it's important to consider factors like integrations, features, pricing, security, ease of use, and flexibility - in addition to basic functions.

The ever-growing list of SaaS options indicates this delivery model's staying power and continued relevance. As internet connectivity and cloud computing continue to improve, we can expect even more innovation from SaaS vendors in the form of advanced AI, automation, and collaboration features. Overall, SaaS tools represent a simple yet powerful way for businesses of all sizes to access enterprise-grade software that would have previously required substantial IT resources and budgets.

With the right choices, SaaS can be transformational for organizations aiming to improve efficiency, productivity, and data-driven decision-making.Ultimately, choosing best-in-class SaaS tools that meet your specific needs and integrate smoothly with your existing tech stack remains key to unlocking the full benefits this model offers your business. By taking an evaluative approach that considers the points outlined in this FAQ, organizations can make wise SaaS selections that set them up for success now and in the future.