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5 killer tactics to get your first 100 paying users for free (Works every time).

Acquiring your first batch of paying users can seem like scaling a mountain, formidable and often pricey. Dive into this note to uncover 10 foolproof tactics that can help you secure your first 100 paying customers without spending a dime and it works every single time. Iterate this process and repeat several times.

It's important to underscore the need to test your business model's scalability and messaging strategy. This means understanding how well your operations can grow in response to market demand, as well as how effectively your promotional messages resonate with your target audience. Ideally, you should have a keen understanding of your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) beforehand.

Knowing who your ICP is can accelerate the process of converting prospective users into paying customers. After this step experiment with the following:

  1. Conduct a Google search using 'subreddit' coupled with your industry or ICP, like 'Subreddit notetakers' or 'Subreddit writers'.
    Consider adding startups and solopreneur subreddits for variety.
    Engage by commenting on posts that resonate with you.
    If you come across someone seeking advice for a notetaker, for instance, share your thoughts in that subreddit.
    Remember, the goal isn't to promote your links initially but to contribute constructively to the dialog.
    You might proceed to a direct message for a more in depth discussion, and share your product link only when specifically requested.

  2. Craft a Reddit thread to share your milestones, such as acquiring your initial 10 users.
    In case there's been no progress so far, create a post with a clear ask: seek either 100 users within a 24hrs or around 15 beta/alpha testers for 2 weeks.
    Share these posts in suitable platforms related to startups or apps, including but not limited to subreddits like r/sideproject or r/ShowMeYourSaas. Remember, there are a lot of subreddit options to explore.

  3. Carry out a lot of launches and relaunches, and submit your projects to as many directories as possible. Example of cool directories are Product Hunt, Uneed, Pitchwall, Betalist, etc.
    A comprehensive list detailing where to submit your startup can be found in this link: https://workspace.mindnote.online/share/638e93b0-8f5a-41df-b4a1-23c3ac6cada8

  4. Reach out to groups on Telegram, Whatsapp, Slack, and Discord. 
    Some of these groups might even have a dedicated promotion channel. If not, feel free to become a member, introduce yourself, and share that you are seeking a certain number of users. You might find that people are more supportive and responsive than anticipated. If you do not know where to find groups, you can start searching here: https://slofile.com

  5. Utilize social media platforms. 
    Independent of whether you have a social media presence for your product or not, it's beneficial to use your individual account. Start follwowing build in public groups on Twitter, share your app link coupled with an attractive screenshot. Follow a similar approach for Facebook within appropriate groups such as startup, built in public, your specific industry, or ICP groups.

Numerous posts on Twitter ask you to display your creations, which provides you with free exposure.

For 3 more extra tactics, please visit: https://workspace.mindnote.online/share/ba3b7a67-4cbd-479c-95a2-cb6bd8392eb4

on May 1, 2026
  1. 2

    solid resources tommat. the 100+ directories is insane, i had only listed on 10 of these. checking out the additional resources added on #8 of your list. thanks for sharing.

  2. 1

    Wonderful!
    I’ll keep adding more tested tactics over time, I just didn’t want to make this post too long for now.

  3. 1

    I am scared. tommat23. i am so scared. the darkness is everywhere. it is EVERYWHERE. tommat23 do you see it? In the lines and the posts? Shrinking so small? So small I cannot see it but still I can see it I can see it I can see it I can see it MAKE IT SMALLER

    Whoops! My bad. Just a little stream of consciousness. I’ll definitely check out the AI Erotic Role Play site you made. I’ve always liked meeting new people. ;)

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