PostHog, a product analytics company, shares 50 lessons learned from building their own product. Key takeaways emphasize user feedback as paramount, from early access programs to continuous iteration based on observed behavior and direct conversations. A strong focus on solving specific, urgent problems for a well-defined target audience is crucial. Iterative development, rapid prototyping, and a willingness to abandon unsuccessful features are essential. Finally, internal alignment, clear communication, and a shared understanding of the product vision contribute significantly to success. They stress the importance of simplicity and usability, avoiding feature bloat, and consistently measuring the impact of changes.
Distro, a Y Combinator (S24) startup building tools to streamline software distribution and updates, is seeking a Marketing Lead in Palo Alto. This role will own and execute Distro's marketing strategy, focusing on content creation, community building, and demand generation to reach software developers. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in developer-focused marketing, strong communication skills, and a passion for developer tools. Experience with PLG (Product-Led Growth) and the software distribution landscape is a plus.
Several commenters on Hacker News express skepticism about the Distro marketing lead role, questioning the requested experience level for a Series A startup and the emphasis on traditional marketing tactics like billboards and radio ads. Some find the high salary ($170k-$250k) surprising for a marketing position, while others debate the effectiveness of older advertising channels versus digital strategies. A few commenters suggest the role might be better suited to someone with experience in growth marketing rather than brand marketing, given the company's stage and the nature of the product. The relatively high cost of living in Palo Alto is also mentioned as a factor influencing the salary range.
Nango, a platform simplifying the development and management of product integrations, is seeking a senior full-stack engineer. The role involves building and maintaining core product features, including their SDKs and API. Ideal candidates have strong experience with TypeScript, React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL, as well as a passion for developer tools and a desire to work in a fast-paced startup environment. This remote position offers competitive salary and equity, with the opportunity to significantly impact a growing product.
Hacker News users discussed Nango's hiring post with a focus on the broad tech stack requirements. Several commenters expressed concern about the expectation for a single engineer to be proficient in frontend (React, Typescript), backend (Node.js, Python, Postgres), and DevOps (AWS, Terraform, Docker, Kubernetes). This sparked debate about the feasibility of finding such a "full-stack" engineer and whether this listing actually indicated a need for multiple specialized roles. Some speculated that Nango might be a small team with limited resources, necessitating a wider skill set per individual. Others suggested the listing could deter qualified candidates who specialize in specific areas. A few commenters also questioned the use of both Python and Node.js, wondering about the rationale behind this choice. The overall sentiment leaned towards skepticism about the practicality of the required skillset for a single role.
Trellis is a YC-backed startup building a platform to simplify and automate legal processes for startups, initially focusing on Delaware incorporations. They aim to make legal tasks like forming a company, issuing stock options, and managing cap tables as easy as possible, reducing the time and cost typically associated with these processes. Trellis is currently hiring engineers and designers to join their team.
Commenters on Hacker News express skepticism about the value proposition of Trellis, questioning whether automating social media for local businesses is truly a significant pain point. Some argue that the cost likely outweighs the benefits for small businesses, especially given existing free or low-cost scheduling tools. Others point out the difficulty in creating engaging, authentic social media content automatically, suggesting that genuine interaction is more effective than automated posts. The limited customization options within Trellis are also criticized. A few commenters offer alternative solutions like Buffer or Hootsuite, implying that Trellis doesn't offer enough differentiation to justify its existence. Finally, several commenters note the potential for abuse and spam if the platform isn't carefully managed.
Summary of Comments ( 7 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43267095
Hacker News users generally praised the PostHog article for its practical, experience-based advice applicable to various stages of product development. Several commenters highlighted the importance of focusing on user needs and iterating based on feedback, echoing points made in the original article. Some appreciated the emphasis on internal communication and alignment within teams. A few users offered specific examples from their own experiences that reinforced the lessons shared by PostHog, while others offered constructive criticism, suggesting additional areas for consideration, such as the importance of distribution and marketing. The discussion also touched on the nuances of pricing strategies and the challenges of transitioning from a founder-led sales process to a more scalable approach.
The Hacker News post titled "Things we've learned about building successful products" (linking to a PostHog newsletter article) generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a handful of comments focusing on specific points from the article and offering further insights or alternative perspectives.
Several commenters appreciated the practical, experience-based nature of PostHog's learnings. One commenter highlighted the value of the list's emphasis on focusing on user needs and iterating quickly, praising the advice to "Ship, talk, iterate" as fundamental. They expanded on this, stating that constant communication with users is crucial for understanding their true needs and ensuring the product's relevance.
Another commenter zeroed in on the importance of niching down initially, as advocated in the article. They agreed with this strategy, explaining that starting with a specific, well-defined target audience allows for a deeper understanding of their needs and facilitates faster product-market fit. They also cautioned against prematurely broadening the target market, emphasizing that focusing on a niche allows for more efficient resource allocation and a stronger initial foothold.
The discussion also touched upon the challenge of balancing short-term wins with long-term vision. One commenter pointed out the inherent tension between delivering immediate value to users and building a sustainable, long-term roadmap. They suggested that while quick wins are essential for maintaining momentum and demonstrating progress, it's crucial to align them with the overall strategic direction of the product.
One commenter provided a contrasting perspective on the advice about saying "no" more often. While acknowledging the importance of focus, they argued that early-stage companies should be more open to exploring different opportunities. They suggested that saying "yes" more often in the beginning can lead to unexpected discoveries and potentially uncover valuable new directions.
Finally, some commenters engaged in a brief discussion about the effectiveness of different product development methodologies. One commenter mentioned their positive experience with the Shape Up methodology, while another questioned its suitability for all types of projects. This exchange highlighted the ongoing debate around choosing the right development process and the importance of adapting methodologies to specific team structures and project needs.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a general appreciation for the practical advice offered in the PostHog article. The discussion provides further nuance and context to the original points, offering valuable insights from various perspectives on product development challenges and best practices.