I've learned it the hard way that you have to start sales even before you launch the product.
That's what I'm doing with my project, an alternative for Zapier:
https://github.com/dotenx/dotenx
So far I have built a community of around 160 on Discord, receive thousands of weekly visits to my github repository and people talk about my product even before I upload a landing page for the domain.
100% of the focus is on sales and building what matters.
When do you start the sales and marketing?
That's absolutely right! Sales is a fundamental aspect of any business, and it starts from the very beginning, even before the product or service is launched. Here are some key ways that sales can be integrated into the early stages of building a business:
Market research: Before launching a product or service, it's important to conduct thorough market research to understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of potential customers. This research can help inform product development and marketing strategies, and ensure that the product or service meets the needs of the target market.
Branding: A strong brand can help attract customers and build trust and loyalty. By developing a clear brand identity and messaging that resonates with the target market, businesses can establish themselves as a credible and trustworthy option in the market.
Product development: Sales should be considered throughout the product development process, from concept to launch. By involving sales teams in product development, businesses can ensure that the product meets the needs of customers and can be effectively marketed and sold.