Why I’m ignoring SEO to fix my "leaky bucket" first (Users vs. Backlinks)

I recently launched my text-based SaaS, ConvertlyAI, and now that the initial launch dust has settled, I’m mapping out the next phase of growth. I immediately ran into the classic bootstrapper’s dilemma:

Do I start grinding out domain authority and backlinks from day zero, or do I ignore SEO entirely to hyper-focus on a small cohort of early users?

I’ve decided to pause on the SEO moat and go all-in on early users. Here is the logic I’m operating on:

1. The Leaky Bucket Reality
   Driving top-of-funnel SEO traffic to an interface that hasn't been completely battle-tested is just pouring water into a leaky bucket. If the app doesn't retain those visitors because of early friction points, the time and effort spent on those backlinks is entirely wasted. I only get one first impression.

2. The Feedback Loop is Greater Than Traffic
   Early users are going to break my workflows in ways I didn't anticipate. I need them to find the friction points in the UI before I attempt to scale traffic. The data I get from 50 highly engaged users right now is worth more to the product's survival than 5,000 passive site visits.

3. Organic Backlinks Follow Retention
   If the core product genuinely solves the content repurposing problem, early retained users will naturally create backlinks by mentioning the tool in their own communities, newsletters, or blogs. Product-led growth is the best SEO strategy.

My current roadmap: Secure a small, active user base ➔ Patch the leaks ➔ Build the backlink engine.

I know a lot of founders swear by building domain authority from the absolute beginning. Am I making a mistake by delaying SEO, or is this the right sequence for an early-stage SaaS? Would love to hear how you all prioritized this in your early days.