🚀 Introduction
Next.js 14 is redefining full-stack development — and it's the perfect framework to build modern SaaS apps fast. With app routing, React Server Components, and seamless API handling, it's never been easier to launch your own software-as-a-service project.
In this guide, you'll learn how to build and deploy a real SaaS app using Next.js 14, complete with authentication, Stripe subscriptions, and deployment on Vercel.
🛠️ Tools & Stack
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Frontend: Next.js 14 (App Router)
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Backend: API Routes + Server Actions
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Auth: NextAuth.js (or Clerk/Auth.js)
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Database: PostgreSQL (via Prisma)
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Payments: Stripe
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Hosting: Vercel
🪜 Step-by-Step Guide
✅ Step 1: Initialize Your Next.js 14 App
npx create-next-app@latest my-saas-app --app
cd my-saas-app
npm install
Make sure to use the App Router layout (app/ directory) and enable Server Actions.
✅ Step 2: Setup Prisma & PostgreSQL
npm install prisma @prisma/client
npx prisma init
.env: DATABASE_URL="postgresql://user:password@localhost:5432/mydb"
schema.prisma with basic User and Subscription models, then run: npx prisma migrate dev
✅ Step 3: Add Authentication
Install NextAuth or Clerk:
npm install next-auth
Configure a basic auth flow using GitHub, Google, or email/password.
// app/api/auth/[...nextauth]/route.ts
export { auth as GET, auth as POST } from 'next-auth';
Set up a session provider in your root layout and protect SaaS-only routes.
✅ Step 4: Stripe Integration for Subscriptions
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Set up Stripe account and create products.
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Use
stripenpm package:
npm install stripe
// app/api/webhook/route.ts
export async function POST(req: Request) {
// Stripe logic here
}
✅ Step 5: Build Your Dashboard UI
Use Tailwind CSS or shadcn/ui:
npm install tailwindcss postcss autoprefixer
npx tailwindcss init -p
Design components for:
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Dashboard overview
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Billing history
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Account settings
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Feature access gates (based on plan)
✅ Step 6: Deploy to Vercel
Push your code to GitHub, then:
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Visit vercel.com
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Connect GitHub → Import project
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Set up environment variables
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Deploy!
Vercel detects Next.js 14 and optimizes for App Router automatically.
⚙️ Optional Enhancements
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Add team plans with invite logic
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Integrate webhooks for usage-based billing
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Build a marketing site in
/pageswith SEO
💰 Monetization Tips
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Start with a free plan + Pro tier
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Offer trials using Stripe coupons
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Launch on Product Hunt + IndieHackers
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Collect emails with ConvertKit / Resend
📦 Final Project Folder Structure
/app
/dashboard
/auth
layout.tsx
page.tsx
/lib
auth.ts
stripe.ts
/prisma
schema.prisma
.env
🔗 Useful Resources
📈 Conclusion
With Next.js 14 and modern tools like Prisma and Stripe, launching a SaaS app has never been faster or smoother. Whether it’s a productivity tool, AI dashboard, or membership platform — you can build production-grade SaaS in weeks, not months.