Building a Software as a Service (SaaS) company from scratch with zero budget is challenging but not impossible. Here's a step-by-step guide and some ideas to get you started:

Step 1: Idea Generation

1. Identify a Niche: Look for a specific problem or need within a particular industry or market segment.
2. Research Competitors: Analyze existing solutions in the market. Look for gaps or areas where you can improve upon existing offerings.
3. Solve a Pain Point: Your SaaS product should address a pain point or challenge that potential customers face.

Step 2: Validate Your Idea

1. Create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Develop a basic version of your product with limited features to test the market demand.
2. Conduct Surveys and Interviews: Gather feedback from potential users to validate your idea and understand their needs better.
3. Build a Landing Page: Create a simple landing page describing your product and its benefits. Use it to collect email addresses of interested users.

Step 3: Development

1. Utilize No-Code/Low-Code Tools: Leverage platforms like Bubble, Glide, or Adalo to build your MVP without extensive coding knowledge.
2. Open Source Software: Use open-source frameworks and libraries to speed up development and reduce costs.
3. Freelancers and Partnerships: Collaborate with freelancers or partners who are willing to work for equity or revenue share instead of upfront payment.

Step 4: Marketing and Growth

1. Content Marketing: Create blog posts, tutorials, or videos related to your niche to attract potential users.
2. Social Media: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and relevant forums to engage with your target audience.
3. SEO Optimization: Optimize your website and content for search engines to improve visibility.
4. Referral Programs: Encourage existing users to refer others to your platform by offering incentives or discounts.
5. Partnerships: Collaborate with complementary businesses or influencers to reach a wider audience.
6. Free Trials and Freemium Model: Offer free trials or a limited version of your product to attract users, with the option to upgrade to a paid plan for additional features.

Step 5: Customer Support and Feedback

1. Provide Excellent Customer Service: Offer timely support and assistance to users to ensure a positive experience.
2. Collect and Analyze Feedback: Gather feedback from users to identify areas for improvement and prioritize feature development.
3. Community Building: Create a community around your product where users can interact, share experiences, and provide feedback.

Step 6: Monetization

1. Subscription Model: Offer monthly or annual subscription plans with different tiers based on features and usage.
2. One-Time Purchase: Charge a one-time fee for access to your software or specific features.
3. Ads or Sponsorships: Monetize your platform by displaying ads or partnering with sponsors relevant to your audience.
4. Affiliate Marketing: Partner with other businesses and earn a commission for referring users to their products or services.

Step 7: Scaling and Expansion

1. Invest Revenue Wisely: Reinvest profits into further development, marketing, and scaling efforts.
2. Scale Infrastructure: As your user base grows, invest in scaling your infrastructure to ensure performance and reliability.
3. Expand Features: Continuously improve and expand your product based on user feedback and market demand.
4. Explore New Markets: Consider expanding into new geographic regions or target industries to reach a broader audience.

Remember, building a successful SaaS company takes time, dedication, and persistence. Stay focused on providing value to your users and adapting to their needs and preferences as you grow.