Website vs Web App vs SaaS: Which One Should You Build?
Choosing the wrong product type creates avoidable cost and complexity.
Here is a practical way to decide between a website, a web app, or SaaS.
1) Build a website when the goal is clarity + conversion
A website is the right move when you need to:
- communicate trust
- explain services clearly
- capture demand through contact or booking
- improve visibility through SEO
If your core goal is marketing + lead generation, start here.
2) Build a web app when users need workflows
A web app is right when users need to do work, not just read content.
Typical signs:
- account areas and permissions
- dashboards and reporting
- process automation
- internal tooling replacing spreadsheets/manual steps
If users need repeat actions and structured data, this is usually web app territory.
3) Build SaaS when monetization is product-led
SaaS is a business model decision, not only a technical one.
You likely need SaaS architecture when you require:
- subscription billing
- multi-tenant accounts
- usage controls
- product analytics tied to retention/revenue
If the product itself is the revenue engine, design for SaaS from day one.
A simple decision test
Ask one question:
Is this primarily for visibility, workflow, or subscription product value?
- Visibility → Website
- Workflow → Web App
- Subscription product value → SaaS
Final thought
You can evolve across these categories over time.
Many strong products start as a conversion website, then add app capabilities, then mature into SaaS.
The key is matching architecture to your current business objective.
If you want help choosing the right build path, visit tizzle.org