{"id":18628,"date":"2026-05-04T13:25:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T17:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=18628"},"modified":"2026-05-04T13:26:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T17:26:43","slug":"saas-pricing-models","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/saas-pricing-models\/","title":{"rendered":"SaaS pricing models: What they are and how to choose the right one"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSaaS pricing models: What they are and how to choose the right one\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAre you looking to optimize pricing for your SaaS product? Explore eight proven SaaS pricing models to find the right fit for your product, customers, and growth stage.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-04T13:25:16-04:00\">May 4, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"SaaS pricing models: What they are and how to choose the right one\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/saas-pricing-models\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/joechurchwoods\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/Joe-Yard-2-crop-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Joe Church Woods\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Joe Church Woods<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-sage-container is-constrained\"><div class=\"sage-container__inner\">\n<p><em>This article was originally published in May 2023, then updated in July 2025, but has been refreshed and re-published with new content.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a SaaS founder, product manager, or CFO, choosing the right pricing model for your SaaS product is one of your most important decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The right approach drives product-market fit, helps differentiate your offering, and creates predictable revenue streams to fuel long-term growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When thoughtfully selected and paired with accurate forecasting and tools, SaaS pricing models can accelerate growth more than nearly any other lever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But making the wrong choice or using outdated or rigid subscription billing systems can slow you down and create unnecessary friction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoiding these missteps starts with understanding how the most common SaaS pricing models work, exploring SaaS pricing models\u2019 examples, comparing the pros and cons of each approach, and reviewing SaaS pricing best practices for choosing a model that fits your product, buyers, and growth stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The right SaaS pricing model helps you align prices with customer value while supporting predictable recurring revenue and long-term growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Common pricing models for SaaS include flat-rate, per-user, tiered, usage-based, feature-based, freemium, performance-based, and hybrid approaches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A strong SaaS pricing strategy should reflect your product\u2019s value, customer buying behavior, growth stage, and operational complexity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automated SaaS billing and accurate revenue forecasting help reduce manual work, improve visibility, and support scalable growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll cover:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-saas-pricing-model\" data-level=\"2\">What is a SaaS pricing model?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-saas-pricing-models-versus-saas-pricing-strategies\" data-level=\"2\">SaaS pricing models versus SaaS pricing strategies<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-are-saas-billing-models-different-from-traditional-pricing-models\" data-level=\"2\">Why are SaaS billing models different from traditional pricing models?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-operational-implications-of-saas-pricing-models\" data-level=\"2\">Operational implications of SaaS pricing models<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-eight-saas-pricing-models-to-scale-your-business\" data-level=\"2\">Eight SaaS pricing models to scale your business<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-when-do-hybrid-saas-pricing-models-make-sense\" data-level=\"2\">When do hybrid SaaS pricing models make sense?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-choosing-the-right-pricing-model-for-your-saas-business\" data-level=\"2\">Choosing the right pricing model for your SaaS business<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faqs-about-saas-pricing-models\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs about SaaS pricing models<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-saas-pricing-model\">What is a SaaS pricing model?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A SaaS pricing model is the framework a software company uses to charge customers for access to its product or service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It determines how value is packaged and monetized, whether through a fixed monthly fee, per-user charges, usage-based billing, or a combination of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These models can range from straightforward flat-rate pricing to more flexible and scalable options like usage-based or hybrid SaaS revenue models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal is to align pricing with customer needs while supporting sustainable growth for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-saas-pricing-models-versus-saas-pricing-strategies\">SaaS pricing models versus SaaS pricing strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before diving into specific SaaS pricing models, it\u2019s important to distinguish between pricing models and pricing strategies. These are often confused, but they serve different purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A SaaS pricing model defines how you charge customers\u2014for example, per user, usage-based, tiered, or flat-rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A SaaS pricing strategy defines how you decide what to charge, based on factors like customer value, market positioning, and growth goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, you might use a tiered pricing model (how you charge), while applying a value-based pricing strategy (why you set your prices at a certain level).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding this distinction is important before choosing the right pricing structure for your SaaS business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-saas-pricing-strategies-to-know\">SaaS pricing strategies to know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SaaS pricing strategies shape how you position and price your product(s) in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are seven key strategies you should be aware of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Penetration pricing: <\/strong>this strategy involves setting a low initial price to attract customers quickly and gain market share. Once you\u2019ve established a customer base, you can gradually raise prices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Captive product pricing: <\/strong>this model involves offering your main product at a low price but charging higher prices for complementary or essential products (e.g., accessories, add-ons) that customers need to use the main product fully.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skimming pricing: <\/strong>with this strategy, you set a high initial price to maximize profits from early adopters, then gradually reduce the cost over time as demand decreases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prestige pricing: <\/strong>this pricing strategy focuses on setting a higher price to create the perception of premium quality or exclusivity. It works well for high-end products or brands looking to position themselves as market leaders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Free trial pricing: <\/strong>offering a free trial allows customers to experience your product before committing to a paid subscription. This can help increase conversions by letting users see the value before purchasing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost-plus pricing:<\/strong> this straightforward model involves calculating the service\u2019s cost and adding a markup to determine the price. It\u2019s a simple and effective approach but may not fully account for the product\u2019s perceived value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Value-based pricing<\/strong>: with this strategy, you set prices based on the perceived value your product delivers to customers, rather than your costs. This model aligns your pricing with customer needs and the outcomes they expect to achieve.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-are-saas-billing-models-different-from-traditional-pricing-models\">Why are SaaS billing models different from traditional pricing models?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SaaS billing models differ from traditional software pricing because they are subscription-based and tied to ongoing service delivery, meaning revenue is earned and managed over time rather than through a one-time purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because SaaS revenue is earned over time, pricing decisions affect retention, expansion, billing operations, cash flow visibility, and revenue recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what sets SaaS billing models apart?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Recurring revenue: <\/strong>most SaaS subscription pricing models rely on ongoing monthly or annual payments. This recurring structure makes it easier to forecast revenue, plan growth, and build long-term customer relationships.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Data-driven decision-making:<\/strong> you can closely monitor key metrics like Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR), churn rate, Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), and Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV). These metrics help guide pricing strategies, product development, and marketing efforts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ASC 606 compliance: <\/strong>unlike traditional software sales, SaaS revenue must be recognized over time based on service delivery under ASC 606 accounting standards. This replaces up-front revenue recognition with allocation across the contract period based on performance obligations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">The Definitive SaaS Buyer\u2019s Guide to Planning Software<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-5cf8c4bd-86d1-40d3-a7b4-712a65585d3b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1483132604-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Woman using accounts payable KPIs to improve efficiency and reduce costs\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1483132604-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-operational-implications-of-saas-pricing-models\">Operational implications of SaaS pricing models<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These structural differences don\u2019t just affect accounting; they shape how SaaS pricing models are designed, implemented, and scaled in real businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Billing system requirements:<\/strong> SaaS pricing models often require automated billing infrastructure capable of handling subscriptions, usage tracking, credits, and mid-cycle changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pricing model constraints:<\/strong> not all pricing structures are equally viable. For example, usage-based, hybrid, or credit-based models require tighter integration between product usage data and billing logic than flat-rate pricing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Revenue forecasting complexity:<\/strong> because revenue is distributed over time and often varies by usage or expansion, forecasting becomes dependent on behavioral data rather than fixed transaction values.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cross-functional alignment:<\/strong> pricing decisions must align finance, product, and engineering teams to ensure billing logic, contract terms, and revenue recognition rules remain consistent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Operational risk if misaligned:<\/strong> when pricing, billing, and accounting systems are not properly aligned, it can lead to revenue misstatement, reporting inconsistencies, and inaccurate forecasting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to develop SaaS pricing models<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re developing your pricing model, start with your value metric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In SaaS, the strongest pricing models usually charge against the thing customers most closely associate with success, such as users, usage, transactions, or outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider the following key steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Analyze your costs: <\/strong>make sure your pricing covers your expenses while delivering a healthy margin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assess the value you offer: <\/strong>determine the true value your product provides to customers and price accordingly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research the market: <\/strong>study competitors and industry trends to position your pricing strategically.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choose the right pricing structure: <\/strong>select the model that best aligns with your business goals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Refine as you grow:<\/strong> continuously adjust your pricing based on customer feedback and market shifts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be transparent and communicative:<\/strong> clearly explain your pricing structure and any changes to build trust with your customers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-eight-saas-pricing-models-to-scale-your-business\">Eight SaaS pricing models to scale your business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a SaaS founder, product manager, or CFO, your long-term success depends on choosing a SaaS pricing model that supports sustainable growth, maximizes customer value, and aligns with your product strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are eight effective SaaS revenue models, along with real-world examples of companies that use these SaaS pricing models, key advantages, and potential drawbacks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-usage-based-pricing\"><strong>1: Usage-based pricing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/building-and-forecasting-a-usage-billing-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Usage-based pricing<\/a> charges customers based on how much of your product they consume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It works best when product value scales directly with usage, such as API calls, transactions, data volume, or compute time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, not all usage-based models work the same way. There are three common approaches, each with different implications for revenue predictability and customer experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pay-as-you-go (true usage billing)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>With pay-as-you-go pricing, customers are billed based on actual usage during a billing period, typically after consumption occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example: Twilio charges customers based on usage metrics like messages sent or minutes used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Highly transparent and flexible for customers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong alignment between cost and value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Revenue can be unpredictable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harder to forecast and budget.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best fit when:<\/strong> usage is unpredictable and directly tied to infrastructure, API calls, or transactional activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Usage-based subscription (tiered usage)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This model combines subscription pricing with usage limits. Customers pay a fixed recurring fee for a plan that includes a defined amount of usage, with overage charges or upgrades as they scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example: Zapier offers tiered plans based on the number of tasks (automations) a user can run per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>More predictable revenue than pure usage-based models.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easier for customers to budget.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Requires careful plan design to avoid confusion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can create friction at usage limits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best fit when: <\/strong>you need a balance between predictable recurring revenue and scalable usage-based pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drawdown or credit-based pricing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In a drawdown model, customers pre-purchase credits or usage allowances that are consumed over time. These credits typically reset or renew on a recurring basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example: Many AI and cloud platforms use credit-based systems where usage (e.g., compute or API calls) deducts from a prepaid balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improves cash flow through up-front payments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offers flexibility while maintaining some predictability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Can be harder for customers to understand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requires clear visibility into usage and remaining credits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best fit when: <\/strong>customers prefer up-front commitment and you want predictable cash flow while maintaining flexible usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While usage-based pricing offers flexibility, many SaaS companies choose more structured models to improve predictability, such as per-user pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-per-user-per-active-user\"><strong>2: Per-user<\/strong> \/ per active user <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Per user (or per active user) charges by seat or active user, and it works best for collaborative products where value increases as more people adopt the tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s one of the most widely adopted SaaS subscription pricing models, especially among collaborative tools and B2B platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This model is commonly used by companies like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/advisor\/business\/software\/asana-vs-trello\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Trello, Asana, and HubSpot<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Easy to scale as customer teams grow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourages bulk seat purchases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not ideal for single-user or low-collaboration tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Team churn can significantly impact revenue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for: <\/strong>collaboration and team-based SaaS products where value increases as more users adopt the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-tiered-pricing\"><strong>3: Tiered<\/strong> pricing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tiered pricing packages product features or service limits into multiple plans, and it works best when you serve different customer segments with different needs and budgets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the most widely used and flexible SaaS pricing models, with companies like <a href=\"https:\/\/flippa.com\/blog\/top-saas-companies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dropbox, Salesforce, and Shopify<\/a> successfully adopting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Appeals to a wide range of customer types.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourages upgrades as your users grow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>May deter price-sensitive prospects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poorly structured tiers can confuse buyers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> SaaS products serving multiple customer segments (SMB, mid-market, enterprise) with different needs and budgets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-flat-rate-or-subscription-based\"><strong>4: Flat-rate<\/strong> or subscription-based<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With flat-rate pricing, your customers pay a fixed monthly or annual fee for full access to your product, regardless of usage or team size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This straightforward model is used by popular platforms like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dashly.io\/blog\/marketing-tech-stack\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grammarly, Hootsuite, and Zoom<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Simple and easy for customers to understand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Streamlined billing and forecasting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lack of flexibility for different user needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limits opportunities for upsells or expansion of revenue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> early-stage SaaS products with a simple value proposition and a narrow user base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-feature-based-or-per-feature\"><strong>5: Feature-based or per feature<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The feature-based pricing model charges customers based on the specific features or functionality they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These features are typically bundled and tailored to different segments, such as freelancers, small businesses, or enterprise clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach allows pricing to closely reflect the value delivered to each user group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enables precise targeting based on user personas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Makes it easier to align marketing and product positioning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Can overwhelm prospects with too many options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requires deep insights into your customer base.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> modular SaaS products where different customer segments need clearly separated feature sets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Bundling or roll your own<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The bundling or roll-your-own pricing model allows customers to mix and match features to create a personalized service package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than forcing users into pre-set tiers, this model gives them flexibility to pay only for what they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s especially effective for SaaS companies with a broad range of tools or feature sets, such as Google Workspace, Salesforce, or Microsoft Office 365.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Empowers users to customize their own solutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increases potential for high-value purchases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Makes revenue forecasting more challenging.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some customers may opt for only basic features, reducing potential revenue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for: <\/strong>complex platforms with many tools or features that customers need to mix and match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-freemium-or-ad-supported\"><strong>7: Freemium or ad-supported<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Freemium is not a standalone pricing model but an acquisition strategy that can be layered on top of other SaaS pricing structures, such as tiered, usage-based, or flat-rate pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It gives users limited access to the product for free, with the goal of converting them into paying customers over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, some products use an ad-supported model to generate revenue from non-paying users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach is used by platforms like Dropbox and Spotify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Low barriers to entry encourage adoption.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build goodwill while collecting user insights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monetization is often delayed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher likelihood of churn among non-paying users.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> product-led SaaS companies where viral adoption and self-serve onboarding are key growth drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Performance-based<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Performance-based pricing ties your revenue to the results your software delivers, such as increased revenue, improved efficiency, or cost savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This model works well if you can clearly demonstrate Return on Investment (ROI) for your customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Align your pricing with customer outcomes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can justify premium pricing if value is proven.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Difficult to implement and track accurately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requires strong attribution and analytics systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best for: <\/strong>SaaS products where outcomes are measurable and directly attributable to product usage (e.g. marketing, sales, optimization tools).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-do-hybrid-saas-pricing-models-make-sense\">When do hybrid SaaS pricing models make sense?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hybrid SaaS pricing models, which combine two or more pricing methods, make the most sense when you need predictable base revenue but also want expansion revenue to grow as customers adopt more of your product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, tiered pricing might be paired with usage-based add-ons, or per-user pricing might be bundled with feature-based options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hybrid models are especially useful for companies moving upmarket, launching AI or usage-heavy features, or supporting both self-serve and enterprise buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choosing-the-right-pricing-model-for-your-saas-business\">Choosing the right pricing model for your SaaS business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing the right SaaS pricing model is one of the most important decisions in building a scalable software business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The right model aligns how customers pay with how they perceive value, while also supporting predictable revenue and operational scalability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no universal \u201cbest\u201d model; the right choice depends on your business stage, product type, customer segment, and operational constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key factors to consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before selecting a pricing model, evaluate the core drivers that influence pricing effectiveness:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Your product\u2019s value proposition: <\/strong>what core outcome or value do customers actually pay for?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customer buying behavior: <\/strong>how do customers evaluate, approve, and purchase software in your category?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Competitor pricing:<\/strong> how are similar products structured, and where can you differentiate?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brand positioning:<\/strong> is your product positioned as budget-friendly, mid-market, or premium?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Revenue goals and growth stage:<\/strong> are you optimizing for rapid adoption, expansion revenue, or enterprise contracts?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Operational complexity:<\/strong> can your billing, finance, and systems support the pricing structure reliably?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ability to test and iterate:<\/strong> pricing should be treated as an evolving system, not a fixed decision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scalability:<\/strong> will the model still work as you expand into new segments or usage patterns?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Decision framework: How to choose your SaaS pricing model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By business stage<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Different pricing models work better at different stages of company maturity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Early-stage SaaS:<\/strong> flat-rate or simple tiered pricing is often best due to simplicity and fast go-to-market execution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Growth-stage SaaS:<\/strong> tiered or usage-based models support expansion revenue and customer segmentation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enterprise SaaS:<\/strong> hybrid or custom pricing is typically required due to procurement complexity and varied usage patterns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By product type<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Your product category strongly influences the most effective pricing structure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Developer tools\/APIs:<\/strong> usage-based or credit-based pricing aligns with consumption-driven value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collaboration tools:<\/strong> per-user pricing works well when value increases with team adoption.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vertical SaaS:<\/strong> tiered or feature-based pricing supports different industry workflows and requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI\/infrastructure products:<\/strong> usage-based or hybrid pricing models handle variable compute and data costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By customer segment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Different customer groups prefer different levels of simplicity and flexibility:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>SMB:<\/strong> simple, predictable pricing models reduce friction and improve conversion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mid-market:<\/strong> tiered pricing with clear upgrade paths supports account expansion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enterprise:<\/strong> custom or hybrid pricing models are often required due to negotiation and procurement complexity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SaaS pricing best practices for businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most effective SaaS pricing models are easy for customers to understand, flexible enough to support growth across segments, and strong enough operationally to be billed, forecasted, and recognized correctly under systems like ASC 606.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good pricing approach should be treated as a system, not a static decision. And you should continuously refine it as product usage, customer behavior, and market expectations evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Anchor pricing to a clear value metric: <\/strong>price based on a unit of value customers immediately understand (e.g., per seat, per usage unit, per workflow, or per outcome). Avoid metrics that are difficult for buyers to map to ROI, as this increases friction in the sales process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Design explicit expansion paths:<\/strong> build pricing tiers or usage thresholds that naturally encourage upgrades as customer adoption increases. Expansion revenue (not just acquisition price) should be a core design goal of the pricing structure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use product and revenue data to guide decisions:<\/strong> before changing pricing, evaluate signals like expansion MRR, Net Revenue Retention (NRR), churn by cohort, win\/loss reasons, and feature adoption. Pricing changes should be evidence-driven, not assumption-led.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensure billing and revenue systems can support the model:<\/strong> validate that your billing infrastructure can handle your pricing structure (usage tracking, proration, credits, tier changes, and contract modifications) and that finance can accurately recognize revenue under ASC 606 without manual workarounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Test and iterate pricing instead of redesigning it wholesale:<\/strong> where possible, use controlled experiments (tier adjustments, packaging tests, or segment-specific pricing) to validate impact before rolling out system-wide changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Revisit pricing as part of your product life cycle:<\/strong> reassess pricing when you enter new customer segments, launch new value drivers, or see shifts in willingness to pay. Mature SaaS companies typically revisit pricing at least annually, not reactively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building and forecasting a subscription billing business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After exploring several effective pricing models for SaaS, the next step is understanding how to confidently build and forecast a subscription-based business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/how-automation-accounting-can-streamline-saas-billing-processes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Automated SaaS billing<\/a> plays a critical role in scaling operations, enhancing billing performance and minimizing variability in financial forecasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some key strategies to help optimize your SaaS billing process and improve the accuracy of your revenue forecasting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-capture-and-increase-cmrr\"><strong>Capture and increase CMRR<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/glossary\/what-is-committed-monthly-recurring-revenue-cmrr-in-saas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contracted Monthly Recurring Revenue (CMRR)<\/a> is one of the most critical metrics for any SaaS finance leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To scale predictably, it\u2019s essential to capture CMRR accurately and implement strategies that drive consistent growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by ensuring your revenue recognition process aligns with ASC 606 standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means matching billing events with contractual obligations to prevent revenue leakage and maintain compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To grow CMRR, focus on upselling, optimizing pricing structures, and expanding existing customer accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even small adjustments, like adding new pricing tiers or bundling high-value features, can make a measurable difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flexible pricing models, such as tiered or usage-based billing, can further increase CMRR by improving customer retention and maximizing lifetime value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-build-the-dataset-to-reduce-forecast-variability\"><strong>Build the dataset to reduce forecast variability<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reliable forecasting starts with the right data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To improve accuracy and make informed decisions, track the following key metrics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR):<\/strong> your core source of predictable income.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Churn rate: <\/strong>indicates how well you\u2019re retaining customers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC):<\/strong> measures how efficiently you bring in new users.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV):<\/strong> helps project long-term revenue from each customer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Building strong forecasts based on these KPIs can help fine-tune your SaaS pricing strategy, minimize revenue surprises, and support better financial planning as your business grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter which SaaS pricing model you choose, understanding the differences and their advantages and disadvantages will help you scale confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to put your SaaS pricing strategy into practice?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore Sage solutions for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/industry\/subscription-saas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AI-powered accounting and subscription management<\/a> to reduce manual work, improve forecast accuracy, and unlock real-time insights that fuel long-term, intelligent growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs-about-saas-pricing-models\">FAQs about SaaS pricing models<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777910086140\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the best SaaS pricing model?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The best SaaS pricing model is the one that aligns what customers pay with the value they receive while still being easy for your team to sell, bill, forecast, and manage. For many growing SaaS companies, tiered or hybrid pricing offers the best balance of predictability and expansion potential.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777910125656\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What\u2019s the difference between SaaS pricing models and SaaS pricing strategy?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A SaaS pricing model is how you charge customers, such as per user, tiered, or usage-based. A SaaS pricing strategy is the logic behind your pricing decisions, including market position, customer value, margin goals, and growth plans.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777910153358\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do you choose between usage-based and tiered pricing?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Choose usage-based pricing when product value scales with consumption, such as API calls, storage, or transactions. Choose tiered pricing when you serve multiple customer segments and want clearer packaging, simpler budgeting, and more predictable recurring revenue.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777910182691\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How does ASC 606 affect SaaS pricing and billing?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">ASC 606 affects how SaaS companies recognize revenue over time based on contract terms and performance obligations. That means your pricing model, billing logic, and revenue recognition workflows need to stay aligned to avoid compliance issues and reporting errors.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1777910206232\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When should a SaaS company change its pricing model?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A SaaS company should revisit its pricing model when growth stalls, customer segments evolve, expansion revenue is limited, churn rises, or billing complexity starts to outweigh the model\u2019s benefits.<br><br>It\u2019s also worth reassessing your approach when your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/intacct-5-saas-billing-and-revenue-forecasting-models-for-the-recession\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SaaS billing and revenue forecasting models<\/a> no longer support predictable, scalable growth.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Sage Ahead: Finance\u2019s secret weapon for subscription and SaaS start-ups<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Discover how Sage Ahead can take you from seed to IPO and beyond.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/sage-business-cloud\/intacct\/industry\/subscription-saas\/early-stage\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-22097\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Learn more<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1358\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1430300481-1358x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1430300481-1358x810.jpg 1358w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to our Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get our latest business advice delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working from home with tea in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you looking to optimize pricing for your SaaS product? Explore eight proven SaaS pricing models to find the right fit for your product, customers, and growth stage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1847,"featured_media":18631,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[46,44],"tags":[195,170,299,420,128,153,272,155],"business_type":[40,41],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[450],"persona":[100,98,96,97],"imagine_tag":[461,468,444,434,233,462,471,230],"coauthors":[592],"class_list":["post-18628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-growth-customers","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-boss-your-business","tag-business-strategy","tag-cash-flow","tag-cloud-financial-management","tag-customer-acquisition","tag-growing-a-business","tag-productivity","tag-staying-competitive","business_type-small-business","business_type-growing-business","industry-software-saas"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Joe Church Woods","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/GettyImages-1261563841.jpg","imagine_tags":{"461":"Cloud","468":"Grow your business","444":"Intacct Medium Business","434":"Large Business","233":"Medium Businesses","462":"Payments","471":"SaaS","230":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1847"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18628"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18628\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36452,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18628\/revisions\/36452"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/18631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18628"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=18628"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=18628"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=18628"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=18628"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=18628"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=18628"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=18628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}