For those without a product, how do you build an audience?
The build in public folks already have a product they're working on.
But for those without a SaaS idea and in the exploratory phase, what do you write about? Are your topics focused on your ideal customer demographic or do you write about anything?
Before I run any side projects, I spend my time putting content on Linkedin and Twitter. All the interactions and comments led me to run a products to help people simplify their life.
I feel like proactively talking and writing about your expertise is the way to go. I've been using this method to start my side projects including VenturesList
Currently working on my English writing skills as English isn't first language by writing on Medium. Right now it's non technical, but I will start writing more articles that are in my field of expertise, DevOps.
I'm also planning Micro-SaaS ideas in Notion and finding the right people who have the time and energy to commit to these projects with me.
Last year, I had no audience. I had a few hundred twitter followers. This year, I have around 30k. Although I still don't have a SaaS idea, I've built an audience by giving away free valuable stuff. I created two guides, one on how to get into coding and another on job hunting resources.
I think the turning point to me was that I watched Daniel Vassallo's twitter course about giving away value instead of asks. He discusses the 'Giving' vs 'Asking' tweets. Basically, asking tweets are asking someone to share your blog post, or join your email list. And a giving tweet is about creating value for others that will help others.
Thanks for sharing that course recommendation. I think I'll give it a go!
We used to write about topics on "how to do X (manually)" X = the problem the SaaS solves.
For example, if you're providing a FB ads management tool, there are 100s of topics related to "How to manage your FB ads".
This is exactly my thinking. Give away the logic and value of the product, and then when users see the solution integrated into your product, it may be more likely to convert.
Have atleast an idea before starting to build an audience.
Build around the subject where you can add value. Involves lots of giving to your ideal target audience. You'll eventually get to build in public once you arrive at a product.
I'm in a similar position!
Here's how I'm thinking about it:
First, I write content that's clearly for my target audience. I'm targeting marketers, so my content is a free newsletter that gives marketers 3 non-mainstream growth ideas every week.
My goal is to get thousands of marketers to subscribe. And to get this profitable (from ads, and potentially courses / paid newsletter / something else TBD) before worrying too much about SaaS. Or pretending that I know what SaaS to build and spending time building a product that ships to crickets.
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