Content Summary
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinion supports the idea that most SaaS startups fail due to lack of market validation before building. Many commenters agree that starting with paying customers is crucial. Some argue that Product Hunt is more about visibility than real customer acquisition. Others debate whether it's possible to get paying customers before building, with some suggesting platforms like Kickstarter as a solution. There's also discussion about the role of AI in creating more SaaS products that solve non-existent problems. The post sparks conversations about the need for better validation methods and the importance of focusing on real customer needs.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Hunt | https://www.producthunt.com | Launch Platform | A platform for launching and discovering new products, but criticized for promoting spectacle over substance. |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Building products without validating demand leads to failure
- Confusing interest with actual demand
- Over-reliance on Product Hunt for validation
- Lack of customer acquisition strategies
- Difficulty in finding paying customers before building
Problems to Solve:
- Validating product-market fit before development
- Identifying real customer needs and willingness to pay
- Creating sustainable business models
- Avoiding the 'build first, find customers later' approach
Potential Solutions:
- Pre-selling solutions before building
- Engaging with target communities to validate problems
- Focusing on customer wallets rather than opinions
- Using platforms like Kickstarter for pre-orders
- Building solutions based on real user pain points
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Starting with paying customers before building
- Validating demand through pre-sales and deposits
- Focusing on solving real problems that people are willing to pay for
- Leveraging community engagement for feedback and validation
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Using Slack communities for problem validation
- Engaging with niche forums and industry groups
- Utilizing social media for amplification after initial validation
Monetization & Product:
- Emphasizing recurring revenue models (MRR)
- Focusing on product-market fit as a prerequisite for growth
- Highlighting the importance of customer retention
- Avoiding feature bloat by focusing on core value
User Engagement:
- Building relationships with potential users early in the process
- Engaging with communities to gather feedback and insights
- Creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity through pre-sales