Adding a “Scan a Demo App” option was the best decision I made

I run a cybersecurity SaaS — mainly a pentesting platform.

A couple months ago, we added a “Scan a Demo App” button on our homepage. No signup. No email. No config.

Just launch, test a realistic (vulnerable) app, and see the results.

Hands down the most high-impact move we’ve made.

The setup wasn’t even that hard:

• Hosted a dummy web app with actual OWASP-style flaws

• Created a read-only user dashboard that shows exactly what the tool finds

• Added a banner in the UI clarifying this is a safe, simulated environment

• Embedded subtle CTAs to “Run Your Own Test” or “Book a Demo”

• Included a QR-code style share feature so teams can view results together

Results?

✅ Demo engagement blew past regular sign-up forms
✅ Higher lead quality — people who converted knew what they were getting
✅ Support load dropped — way fewer “can your tool do X?” questions
✅ Sales cycles are faster because users experience value instantly

Honestly, for pentesting or security tools, letting users see the engine run is so much better than a PDF, slide deck, or video.

If you’re in the cybersecurity/SaaS space, I highly recommend building something like this. It’s worth the weekend.