Map the tactics that actually get first users

Getting first users rarely happens on its own. Apply the approaches that work when you're starting from nothing.

Instructions

There is no shortage of advice on how to get your first users. There is a shortage of honest advice about what actually works when you're starting from nothing. The reality is that most early traction comes from a small number of uncomfortable, direct, human activities — not from clever campaigns, viral content, or passive inbound.

The most common mistake at this stage is spreading effort across too many tactics at once. You try direct outreach and content and paid ads and community and partnerships all at the same time, see modest results in each, and can't tell which is working. The smarter approach is to pick one or two tactics that fit your situation, commit to them fully for two weeks, and measure what happens.

This step helps you map the full range of options availabl...