The original poster is seeking advice on acquiring their first 100 users for a new B2B SaaS product aimed at small businesses and solopreneurs. They've already built an MVP and are looking for strategies beyond traditional marketing like SEO and social media, which they feel are too slow and competitive. They're specifically interested in tactics that have worked for others in gaining early traction, particularly those involving direct outreach and community engagement.
The Hacker News post titled "Ask HN: How are you acquiring your first hundred users?" poses a fundamental question for nascent businesses and projects: how does one effectively build an initial user base? The author seeks advice and shared experiences from the Hacker News community on the strategies and tactics employed to reach this critical early adoption milestone. They are particularly interested in understanding the specific methods used by others to attract those first one hundred users, recognizing that this initial group can be instrumental in validating a product, generating valuable feedback, and serving as a springboard for future growth. The question implies an understanding that the approaches effective for acquiring the first hundred users may differ significantly from those used to scale to larger audiences, and that this early stage often requires a more hands-on, personalized approach. The post invites a discussion around various user acquisition techniques, from traditional marketing and advertising to community building, content creation, and leveraging personal networks. The author's implicit goal is to learn from the collective wisdom of the Hacker News community and glean practical insights that can be applied to their own endeavors in building an initial user base.
Summary of Comments ( 196 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43970837
The Hacker News comments on "Ask HN: How are you acquiring your first hundred users?" offer a variety of strategies. Several commenters emphasized the importance of directly reaching out to potential users, whether through cold emailing, participating in relevant online communities, or attending industry events. Content marketing, particularly creating valuable resources like blog posts, tutorials, and free tools, was also a recurring theme. Some suggested leveraging existing networks, like friends, family, and former colleagues, for early adoption and feedback. Others highlighted the importance of offering a strong incentive for early users, such as exclusive features, discounts, or personalized onboarding. A few cautioned against paid advertising in the initial stages, recommending focusing on organic growth strategies first. Finally, several commenters stressed the importance of iterating based on user feedback and continuously refining the product.
The Hacker News post "Ask HN: How are you acquiring your first hundred users?" generated a robust discussion with a variety of suggestions and experiences shared. Many commenters emphasized the importance of directly engaging with potential users, particularly within communities relevant to the product. Several suggested leveraging existing networks, including friends, family, and former colleagues, for early feedback and adoption.
A recurring theme was the value of targeted outreach. Instead of broadly advertising, commenters recommended identifying specific online communities, forums, and social media groups where the target audience is active. Engaging in these spaces authentically and offering genuine value was seen as crucial for attracting early adopters.
Content marketing, specifically creating valuable content relevant to the product's niche, was another popular strategy. This includes blog posts, tutorials, and videos that showcase the product's benefits and attract organic traffic. Several commenters highlighted the long-term benefits of this approach, even if it takes time to see results.
Some users shared their success with offering free trials or beta programs, incentivizing early adoption and gathering valuable feedback. Others emphasized the importance of providing exceptional customer support and building strong relationships with early users, fostering loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.
A few commenters cautioned against relying solely on paid advertising, especially in the early stages. They argued that organic growth through community engagement and content marketing is more sustainable and cost-effective for acquiring the first hundred users.
Several compelling comments highlighted specific tactics:
The comments overall provide a practical and insightful guide for early-stage startups grappling with user acquisition. The emphasis on community engagement, targeted outreach, and continuous iteration resonates throughout the discussion.