1. Introduction
Did you know that 84% of startups fail due to premature scaling? Building an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) quickly and cost-effectively is critical for validating ideas before committing to full-scale development. Yet, many founders struggle with limited resources, technical debt, and slow development cycles.
This is where Make (formerly Integromat) comes in—a powerful automation and integration platform that enables startups to connect apps, automate workflows, and build functional MVPs without heavy coding. By leveraging Make, founders can test hypotheses faster, iterate based on real user feedback, and reduce upfront engineering costs.
For SaaS developers and product teams, Make offers a competitive edge: the ability to prototype, validate, and scale MVPs efficiently. Whether integrating payment systems, syncing customer data, or automating marketing workflows, Make accelerates the path to product-market fit.
2. What is Make (Integromat)?
Make is a visual automation platform that connects apps, databases, and APIs to automate workflows without writing extensive code. Think of it as a no-code glue between your SaaS tools—enabling seamless data flow between CRM, email marketing, payment processors, and more.
Originally launched as Integromat, Make was rebranded in 2022 but retained its core functionality: drag-and-drop scenario building where users create automated workflows (called “scenarios”) by linking triggers and actions across multiple apps.
Key Features:
- No-code/low-code automation – Ideal for non-technical founders.
- 600+ app integrations (Slack, Shopify, Stripe, Airtable, etc.).
- Flexible data manipulation (filters, routers, error handling).
- Scalable workflows – From simple MVPs to complex automations.
For startups, Make bridges the gap between idea validation and full-scale development, allowing teams to test core functionalities before investing in custom development.
3. Why Make Matters for MVPs and SaaS
1. Speed to Market
Startups don’t have months to build a polished product. With Make, teams can launch an MVP in days or weeks by automating key workflows instead of coding them from scratch.
Example: A subscription box startup used Make to automate order processing between Shopify, Stripe, and their fulfillment system—cutting development time by 70%.
2. Cost Efficiency
Hiring developers for custom integrations is expensive. Make eliminates the need for backend engineers in early stages, reducing MVP costs by thousands.
Example: A fintech startup built a loan approval MVP using Make to sync data between Typeform, Google Sheets, and their CRM—saving $15K in development costs.
3. Iteration & Validation
MVPs are about testing assumptions. Make allows startups to tweak workflows on the fly based on user feedback without rewriting code.
Example: A B2B SaaS company used Make to test different onboarding flows by adjusting Slack notifications and email sequences without developer involvement.
4. Scalability
As startups grow, Make scales with them. Workflows can evolve from simple automations to complex, multi-step processes.
4. How to Use Make for Your MVP (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Identify Core MVP Features
Focus on one key problem your MVP solves. Example:
- E-commerce MVP: Order processing, payment sync, customer notifications.
- SaaS MVP: User onboarding, data syncing, automated emails.
Step 2: Map Out Workflows
List the tools involved (e.g., Stripe, Airtable, Slack). Sketch how data should flow between them.
Step 3: Build Scenarios in Make
1. Choose a trigger (e.g., “New Stripe Payment”).
2. Add actions (e.g., “Update Airtable record,” “Send Slack notification”).
3. Test & refine using Make’s debugging tools.
Step 4: Deploy & Monitor
- Launch the MVP with basic automations.
- Track performance (e.g., failed tasks, user engagement).
- Iterate based on feedback.
Example Workflows:
- Lead Capture MVP: Webhook → Google Sheets → Email automation.
- Marketplace MVP: Typeform submission → Airtable → Stripe invoice.
5. Best Practices & Mistakes to Avoid
Best Practices
✔ Start simple – Automate one workflow first.
✔ Use error handling – Set up fallback actions for failed tasks.
✔ Monitor usage – Avoid hitting API rate limits.
✔ Document workflows – Helps onboarding new team members.
Common Mistakes
❌ Overcomplicating early workflows – Keep MVP automations minimal.
❌ Ignoring API limits – Some apps throttle requests.
❌ Skipping testing – Always test scenarios before full deployment.
6. Conclusion
For startups, speed, cost, and flexibility are everything. Make (Integromat) empowers founders to build and iterate MVPs faster by automating workflows without heavy coding. From validating ideas to scaling operations, Make bridges the gap between concept and execution.
Ready to accelerate your MVP? Start using Make today to automate workflows, reduce costs, and validate your product faster.
🚀 Try Make for free and power your first MVP in days!