How to Build a Winning MSP Tech Stack

Building a tech stack is no longer considered an optional task for MSPs.   

And if you’ve come here after reading our blog on breaking up with break-fix, then you already know that the key to being a successful MSP is having a solid tech stack. 

But when it comes to building a tech stack, there really is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every MSP is different. Every customer is different. And because of that, every tech stack needs to be, you guessed it, different.   

As a growing MSP or even an MSP looking to shake things up, knowing where to start when building a tech stack can be challenging.  

With so much noise surrounding this topic, it’s no wonder MSPs are having a hard time building and scaling their tech stacks.   

But it doesn’t have to be this way.  

There are so many valuable and informative resources out there that will help you get started. Even your peers on Reddit are having great discussions about what they should add or remove from their stacks.   

They even give vendor recommendations that you know you can trust – especially all those five-star reviews about CloudRadial (ready to book that demo yet?) 

Building a tech stack is tough, so we have compiled a few best practices you’ll want to follow when building it out.   

Let’s dive in.   

Understand Your Client’s Needs 

When it comes to investing in new tech, the only question you should be asking yourself is, 'Does this fit my clients' needs?'.   

And if the answer is no, move on to the next.   

There is no need to invest in tech simply because you want it or because there is a deal running, and you might need it in the future. The more you buy, the more return you'll need. Don't overcomplicate it.   

And to answer your question about how to figure out your clients' needs, it's simple: you need to spend less time talking at them and more time listening to them.  

As a growing MSP, set time aside to get to know your new clients. What are their business goals? How are they looking to drive growth? What areas do they want to scale? And yes, sometimes it's handy to know their shirt size because everybody loves a free T-shirt.   

When you get to know your clients and understand their expectations, you can start addressing their challenges and enhancing their successes. The more you learn about their business, the more innovative your tech stack will be.   

Putting your clients at the forefront of every decision you make will not only help you build and grow a loyal customer base, but it will also create a tech stack that sets you apart from your competition and helps you deliver unstoppable value.   

Define Your MSP Service Offerings  

As an MSP, diversifying your tech stack is critical. But it's not just about diversification – it's about investing in quality technology that suits the unique needs of your business, sets you apart from your competitors, and attracts new customers.   

And while that might seem a little overwhelming, it doesn't need to be.  

To help you define your service offerings, you'll want to pay attention to industry trends, market demands, and, of course, your own capabilities—try not to stretch yourself too thin.  

It's also important to look at what other MSPs are offering in your area. Are there any technology gaps? What does your competition look like? The more research you do, the more informed you will be, and the quicker you can start investing in the tech you want.   

Of course, you'll need to implement the foundations first. In Syncro's recently released 2024 MSP Tech Stack Insights Report, it states that PSA and RMM tools are the foundations to building a successful tech stack.  

Once you have the foundations in place, you can begin to add other solutions, such as Security Software, Backup and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) software, Network and Cloud Management Software, Email and Data Protection software, Client Services Automation software, and any others that will enhance user experience and cater to your clients' needs.  

There really is no limit to what you can offer; however, as you continue to add to your stack, make sure each solution is scalable, flexible, and customizable. 

Choose Your Vendors  

Imagine you’re an investor on Shark Tank. But there’s a twist.  

Instead of entrepreneurs asking you to bet on their business, it’s different MSP vendors.   

Each one tells you how they will support your goals, help your customers, and, of course, help you grow and scale your business. It’s your job to decide if they meet your criteria.   

You might feel rushed, under pressure, and underprepared. You don’t want to make on-the-spot decisions, but you really want to get your tech stack up and running.   

The good news is you’re not on Shark Tank (although, don’t let us squash any dreams!), so you don’t need to rush your decisions.  

And if you take the time to choose the right vendors now, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run.   

When considering which vendors you want to partner with, you’ll want to:    

• Look for vendors who can help you build out your offerings and grow as an organization. These partnerships will set you up for success and help you build a strong MRR.  
• Work with vendors who are experts in their field and who have experience working with new and growing MSPs – this is important for you as your requirements are not the same as an MSP with thousands of clients on their books.  
• Research each vendor – do they have a good, solid reputation? Do MSPs vouch for them? Do they maintain industry standards and promote best practices? 
• Look for vendors with top-notch customer support – do they have the technical resources to help you when you need it? 
• Try to ensure that you invest in solutions that can easily integrate with others – having too many solutions working in a silo won’t do wonders for your business.  
• And of course, make sure you pay attention to pricing – do they offer competitive rates? Do they have any hidden costs? Does their pricing structure fluctuate.

To deliver the best possible service to your customers, you need vendors that have your back. That starts with reliable products that are easy to deploy and manage. But that’s just the beginning. The best IT vendors are more than just technology providers. They deliver top-notch customer support, understand your business, and have a partner program that supports your revenue-generation efforts. 

Set Your Pricing  

Money. If we’re all being honest, we are all here to make money. 

Nothing in this world is free, and despite wanting to do what’s best for your clients, you need to charge a fee for your services. So, let’s look at a few MSP pricing models. 

Per-device: Customers are charged based on the number of devices managed by the MSP:

• MSP benefit: This model enables you to predict your revenue and forecast more accurately. 
• Customer benefit: This model is very straightforward and enables your customers to easily scale up or down their IT infrastructure. 

Per-user: Customers are charged based on the number of users who access the managed services:

• MSP benefit: Billing becomes much more streamlined as pricing is tied to users, making it easier for MSPs to manage client accounts. 
• Customer benefit: With the focus on users, your customers can better manage their IT costs. 

Tiered: MSPs can design bespoke service packages with prices increasing from tier to tier as they offer more comprehensive services:

• MSP benefit: This model enables you to cater to various customers with different needs and budgets, helping to enhance customer satisfaction. 
• Customer benefits: Customers can choose the option that works best for them, paying only for what they need and knowing they can upgrade or downgrade at any time.  

A La Carte: Clients have the option to pick and choose the desired options to create a tailored plan:

• MSP benefit: This model helps increase revenue opportunities by allowing you to upsell additional services to your customers as their needs change.   
• Customer benefit: Your customers can prioritize the solutions that align with their goals, avoiding unnecessary costs associated with fixed pricing.  
  

Get Ready to Go to Market  

If you’re like most MSPs, you probably have difficulty showcasing your true value.   

And that’s not because you have nothing to show; it’s because you don’t know how to show it and lack the tools to prove it. 

Luckily, we know a thing or two about the importance of showcasing your value. In fact, we built a whole product around it.  

Our Unified Client Portal enables MSPs like you to support your clients’ needs while proving your value as a trusted advisor.  

Purpose-built to empower MSPs to deliver excellent customer service, our portal’s features highlight your value at every opportunity.  

• Our service catalog enables you to showcase your solutions, making it easier for your clients to understand the range of services you offer and their benefits.   
• Our customizable QBR reports give your customers key insights into their infrastructure and show how you’re taking great care of their business.  
• We offer a variety of training courses to help educate your clients, so they feel empowered and confident using your services.   
• And our vCIO Planner enables you to build customized IT roadmaps so your clients are always looking at ways to innovate their business with your tech. 

If you want to be one of the most ambitious players in the technology sector, you’re going to have to go for it. And with CloudRadial in your corner, you’ll be an unstoppable force in a competitive market.