Introduction
Launching a product is exciting—but getting people to actually use it? That’s the real challenge. Whether you’re rolling out a side project, a SaaS tool, or a community-driven app, your first 100 users set the foundation for everything that follows. This isn’t about magic hacks or vanity metrics. It’s about practical, low-cost strategies to get real users who care about what you’re building.
TL;DR
- Leverage existing networks—your first users are closer than you think.
- Content and SEO—create useful, searchable content to bring in organic traffic.
- Launch on Product Hunt & Lovable Launched—early adopters hang out there.
- Offer incentives—lead magnets, referral programs, and free resources can work wonders.
- Use social media—but in a targeted, non-spammy way.
- Cold outreach—if done right, direct outreach can be surprisingly effective.
- Collaborate with niche influencers—borrow their trust and audience.
- Test and iterate—run A/B tests and validate interest before going all in.
1. Tap Into Existing Networks
Your first users are likely in communities you’re already part of—whether it’s a Slack group, a subreddit, or a personal Twitter following. Instead of spamming, be genuinely helpful and mention your product when relevant.
Where to Start:
- Identify personal connections (friends, colleagues, acquaintances) who might benefit from your product.
- Engage in online communities relevant to your product's niche (e.g., Reddit, Indie Hackers, Discord groups).
- Participate authentically, offering value before mentioning your product.
- Find relevant industry groups in Slack, Twitch or Telegram and engage authentically.
👉 [Example] If you’re launching a dev tool, start by helping people in r/webdev or r/programming and mention your tool naturally when it fits.
🧰 Gummysearch, Casixty, Discord
2. Validate Ideas and Continuously Test
Before going all in, validate demand and optimize conversion rates.
Where to Start:
- Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to test with early users and gather feedback.
- Conduct A/B testing on different aspects of your product and marketing strategies to determine what resonates best.
- Analyze data to make informed decisions and iterate on your product or approach accordingly.
👉 [Example] A startup tested two landing pages: One focused on features, the other on user pain points. The pain-point-focused page had 3x better conversion.
3. Content Marketing & SEO
People search for solutions every day. If you can create content that solves their problems, you’ll get users—organically.
Where to Start:
- Create solution-focused content (blog posts, tutorials, case studies) addressing your target audience's pain points.
- Optimize content for long-tail keywords with low competition to improve search engine visibility.
- Repurpose content into different formats (e.g., turning a blog post into a video or infographic) to reach a broader audience.
👉 [Example] If you’re launching a code deployment tool, write “How to Deploy Your App in 3 Minutes”, optimize it for search, and share it in dev communities.
4. Plan and Execute a Strategic Launch
Platforms like Product Hunt and Lovable Launched are goldmines for early adopters. They work best when you have a clear audience and a compelling launch message.
Where to Start:
- Prepare a clear and concise landing page that effectively communicates your product's value proposition.
- Engage with communities on platforms like Product Hunt and Lovable Launched prior to your launch to build anticipation.
- Coordinate a launch day plan, including announcements in relevant groups, mailing lists, and social media channels.
👉 [Example] A founder launched a simple AI-powered calendar tool and got 500+ upvotes on Lovable Launched just by engaging with early adopters in startup circles beforehand.
🧰 Product Hunt, Lovable Launched, Hacker News, Devto, Indie Hackers
5. Offer Incentives & Lead Magnets
People love free stuff—especially when it’s valuable. Lead magnets help you build an email list of potential users who actually care about your product.
Where to Start:
- Develop valuable lead magnets (e.g., free templates, eBooks) to encourage sign-ups.
- Implement referral programs rewarding users for bringing in new customers.
- Provide exclusive beta access or early-bird discounts to create a sense of urgency and exclusivity.
👉 [Example] Dropbox famously used a double-sided referral program, which helped them grow from 100K to 4M users in 15 months.
6. Use Social Media (the Right Way)
Posting about your launch once won’t cut it. Instead, create value-driven content that naturally attracts attention.
Where to Start:
- Share engaging content on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, or Instagram, tailored to your audience. Use videos to showcase product use cases creatively.
- Interact with followers by responding to comments and messages promptly.
- Join and contribute to groups and discussions where your target audience is active.
👉 [Example] Instead of just tweeting "We launched!", share a story: “We built this to solve [problem]—here’s why it’s different.”
7. Cold Outreach (When Done Right)
Reaching out to potential users directly can work—if you personalize it and avoid sounding salesy.
Where to Start:
- Identify potential users through platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter (X), or industry-specific forums.
- Craft personalized, short, non-spammy messages that address specific needs or challenges of the recipient.
- Offer value upfront, such as exclusive access or personalized demos, without being overly promotional.
👉 [Example] Instead of "Hey, check out my tool!", say “I saw you posted about struggling with X. We built something that might help—want early access?”
8. Collaborate with Niche Influencers
Find micro-influencers who already talk to your target audience and partner with them.
Where to Start:
- Research and identify micro-influencers whose audience aligns with your target market. Look for YouTubers, bloggers, and Twitter creators in your space.
- Propose mutually beneficial partnerships, such as offering free access in exchange for honest reviews or mentions.
- Ensure collaborations are authentic and provide real value to the influencer's audience.
- Sponsor content if budget allows (but focus on genuine partnerships).
👉 [Example] If you’re launching a design tool, partner with small UX YouTubers for an honest review.
9. Consider Paid Acquisition (As a Last Resort)
While organic methods are cost-effective and build a loyal user base, there might come a time when you consider paid acquisition to scale your efforts. However, it's essential to approach this cautiously to ensure a positive return on investment (ROI).
Where to Start:
- Set a modest budget: Begin with a small budget to test the waters without significant financial risk.
- Target specific audiences: Use platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to reach users who fit your ideal customer profile.
- Monitor and adjust: Regularly track the performance of your ads. If certain campaigns aren't delivering results, tweak or discontinue them.
- Optimize landing pages: Ensure that the pages users land on are compelling and relevant, increasing the chances of conversion.
Remember, while paid acquisition can provide a quick influx of users, it's crucial to balance it with organic strategies to build a sustainable and engaged community.
Conclusion
Getting your first 100 users isn’t about luck—it’s about being intentional with your approach. Start with what’s free and available: existing networks, community engagement, content, and targeted outreach. Test what works, double down, and iterate.
What’s next?
Congratulations on reaching your first milestone of acquiring 100 users! This achievement validates your MVP's value and its ability to address real user needs. Now, it's time to scale up. By continuously iterating and enhancing your product based on user feedback, the journey to your next 1,000 users will unfold naturally. Keep focusing on delivering value, and success will follow.
- Deepen User Engagement: Engage directly with your initial users to gather feedback and foster a community for sharing insights.
- Expand Your Reach: Identify potential users through personalized outreach and collaborate with influencers to increase visibility.
- Enhance Product Value: Continuously refine your product based on user feedback and introduce unique features that differentiate your offering.
- Leverage Content and SEO: Produce content addressing your audience's pain points and optimize it with relevant keywords for better search rankings.
- Implement Referral Programs: Encourage existing users to refer others by offering incentives.
Good luck and keep building with Lovable!
