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I'm trying to launch a startup but don't know how to get my initial organic traffic
r/SaaS
7/21/2025
Content Summary
The post discusses the challenges of obtaining initial organic traffic for a startup, particularly on Reddit. The author seeks advice on how to promote their startup without breaking rules or appearing spammy. Comments provide various strategies, including building value in communities, leveraging niche directories, and using content marketing. The discussion also touches on tools like Leadium and Product Hunt for lead generation and product promotion.
Opinion Analysis
The mainstream opinion is that building value and contributing to communities is crucial before promoting a startup. Many users emphasize the importance of providing genuine help and insights rather than direct promotion. There is a consensus on leveraging niche directories and content strategies for initial traction. Conflicting opinions include the use of black hat SEO techniques, which are generally discouraged. The debate revolves around the balance between promotion and community engagement.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leadium | https://leadium.app | Lead Generation | AI-powered lead generation tool |
| Product Hunt | https://www.producthunt.com | Product Launch Platform | Showcase and discover new products |
| BetaList | https://betalist.com | Product Launch Platform | Showcase and discover new products |
| IndieHackers | https://www.indiehackers.com | Community Platform | AI-powered lead generation tool |
| Product Hunt | https://www.producthunt.com | Product Launch Platform | Showcase and discover new products |
| BetaList | https://betalist.com | Product Launch Platform | Showcase and discover new products |
| IndieHackers | https://www.indiehackers.com | Community | Build in public and share startup journey |
| FindYourSaaS | https://findyoursaas.com | SaaS Directory | Discover and list SaaS products |
| Sprout24 | https://sprout24.com | SaaS Directory | Free product submission for discovery |
| Leadium | https://leadium.app | Lead Generation | AI-powered tool for lead generation |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Difficulty in getting initial organic traffic for a startup
- Fear of being banned on platforms like Reddit for promotion
Problems to Solve:
- How to effectively promote a startup without being spammy
- Strategies to build a user base and gain initial traction
Potential Solutions:
- Building value and contributing to communities before promoting
- Using niche directories and content strategies
- Leveraging personal networks for feedback and early users
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Building in public and sharing startup journey
- Providing value through contributions in relevant communities
- Leveraging niche directories and product launch platforms
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Engaging in relevant subreddits and forums
- Submitting products to platforms like Product Hunt and BetaList
- Focusing on content creation and sharing insights
Monetization & Product:
- Not directly mentioned in the post
User Engagement:
- Building relationships and credibility in online communities
- Focusing on problem-solving rather than direct promotion
- Using AI tools for lead generation and traffic
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Building in public and sharing updates
- Creating helpful content and tutorials
- Reaching out to personal and professional networks for feedback
Monetization & Product:
- Not explicitly discussed in the post
User Engagement:
- Actively participating in discussions and answering questions
- Building a waitlist for early users
- Directly engaging with users through comments and DMs
- Utilizing AI tools for lead generation
User Engagement:
- Engaging in long-term conversations rather than short-term promotions
- Rotating subreddits to maintain a clean profile
- Directly interacting with users through comments and DMs