Build and pre-launch OR collect subscribers and launch?
Hi everyone. I want to build a SaaS boilerplate for developers.
I need some feedback on which plan-to-go I should choose:
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1. Build it all and make a pre-launch
Spend time to actually build it, and then make a pre-launch to get purchases and feedback.
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2. Engage users before building
Make a landing and start promoting it, add discount and collect subscribers
Question
- Do people really want to subscribe if there is no product ready? Will it push them away? Or it depends on how good landing would be?
It really comes down to the time and effort that each option takes. If it is faster to make an early version of your solution, then by all means take that route. It can be easier to get feedback on a working product - but it should be the simplest version - just the core functionality that is required to start. Nothing more.
If your idea would take considerable time and/or money it is definitely best to test that the idea has viability first before writing and code. You can still offer “screen shots” by mocking up what the UI would look like on your landing page. An older example of this which you can google is Buffer and their initial landing page.
All things considered, testing your idea first will save you the most trouble and either give you the push you need to make it or the wake up call to pivot.
I agree with this advice.
Also "engage users" doesn't necessary mean building a landing page. It could also mean talking with users on Indiehackers and other forums for feedback on your idea and also your work in progress.
I think the best advice is to do both build and engage at the same time continuously.
Good luck!
Cool, that's a nice tip
Thank you!
BTW, the second way to write the title is better? :
1: "Tool to help you with X"
2: "I'm building a tool to help you with X"
I'll post it, for example, on Reddit
I think either is fine. Before you post on Reddit, make sure you have a good sense of rules/etiquette for the subreddit you're posting in. Some have strict rules against promotion and you may get banned. Other communities want to see genuine engagement from you before you post something about what you're working on.
In general, self-promotion and getting feedback here on Indiehackers is fine as long as you're not being spammy. The Microconf slack channel (https://microconf.com/microconf-connect) is also a good place to get feedback.
Wow, thank you!
It will take ~10 hours to build my idea, and a few more to build landing, billing.
Looks like in my case it's better to get feedback directly when I'll have minimum features.
Expenses are also very minimal:
Very cool, look forward to see what you do!