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Home/r/SaaS/2025-07-21/#how-unicorns-got-their-first-users
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Here’s How Unicorns Got Their First Users

r/SaaS
7/21/2025

Content Summary

The post discusses various strategies used by successful SaaS companies to acquire their first users, including manual outreach, leveraging social media, and community engagement. It highlights the importance of manual efforts and value-first interactions in initial growth. Comments suggest using Reddit for organic growth and automating marketing tasks for efficiency.

Opinion Analysis

The mainstream opinion is that manual, value-first interactions are crucial for initial growth. There is a debate on the efficiency of manual versus automated marketing tasks.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
TikTok-Social MediaLong app names for App Store optimization
Strava-Fitness TrackingLeveraged word-of-mouth and direct friend invitations
Pinterest-Social MediaManual store visits and brand placement
Etsy-E-commerceAttending art/craft shows
Cameo-Social MediaHiring interns to DM talent on social media
Tinder-Dating AppLaunch party with download requirement
WhatsApp-Messaging AppTargeted Russian immigrant community
Udemy-Online LearningManual course creation and expert recruitment
DoorDash-Food DeliveryDoor-to-door restaurant recruitment
SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
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TikTok-Social MediaLong app names for App Store optimization
Strava-Fitness TrackingLeveraged word-of-mouth and direct friend invitations
Pinterest-Social MediaManual store visits and brand placement
Etsy-E-commerceAttending art/craft shows
Cameo-Social MediaHiring interns to DM talent on social media
Tinder-Dating AppLaunch party with download requirement
WhatsApp-Messaging AppTargeted Russian immigrant community
Udemy-Online LearningManual course creation and expert recruitment
DoorDash-Food DeliveryDoor-to-door restaurant recruitment
Discord-CommunicationReddit community engagement
Behance-Portfolio PlatformManual user interviews and portfolio creation
Uber-Ride-hailingStreet teams for referral codes
Netflix-Streaming ServiceEngaged fringe internet communities
Superhuman-Email ClientPR in tech media outlets
TaskAGIhttps://taskagi.netMarketing AutomationAI agent for Reddit monitoring and engagement

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty in acquiring first users
  • Time-consuming manual marketing

Problems to Solve:

  • Gaining initial traction
  • Efficiently reaching target audiences

Potential Solutions:

  • Manual outreach and community building
  • Utilizing social media and forums
  • Automated Reddit monitoring and engagement

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Manual user acquisition methods
  • Leveraging social media and communities

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Direct friend invitations
  • Attending industry events
  • Hiring interns for social media outreach

Monetization & Product:

  • Proven value through initial manual efforts
  • Engaging with specific user groups

User Engagement:

  • Building organic growth through value-first interactions
  • Automating manual marketing tasks