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How do you find your first customer ?

r/indiehackers
8/15/2025

Content Summary

A developer is struggling to acquire the first customer for their SaaS product aimed at solo builders and indie hackers. They are seeking advice on how to market their idea and find their first user. Comments suggest reading 'The Mom Test', engaging with communities like r/SaaS, using direct outreach, and leveraging tools like LeadSignal.ai for lead generation.

Opinion Analysis

Mainstream opinion suggests that direct engagement, community participation, and product validation are crucial for finding the first customer. Many commenters recommend books like 'The Mom Test' and tools like LeadSignal.ai. Some argue against building for indie hackers due to their limited spending power, while others emphasize the importance of testing the product's value through ads and outreach. There is also debate on whether marketing should be done by the developer themselves or outsourced.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
LeadSignal.aihttps://leadsignal.aiMarketing & SalesHelps track relevant discussions and find interested users for product promotion

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Lack of marketing skills
  • Difficulty in acquiring the first customer
  • Uncertainty about product-market fit
  • Challenges in validating the idea with real users

Problems to Solve:

  • How to effectively market a SaaS product
  • How to identify and engage potential customers
  • How to validate the value of the product

Potential Solutions:

  • Read 'The Mom Test' for validation and traction
  • Use platforms like r/SaaS and r/showmeyoursaas to connect with potential users
  • Engage in direct sales (DMs, calls, emails)
  • Use targeted ads to test product viability

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Engage directly with potential customers through DMs, calls, and emails
  • Validate the product idea early with family, friends, and forums
  • Leverage communities like Reddit and Twitter for outreach
  • Use tools like LeadSignal.ai to find interested users

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Direct sales and outreach to early adopters
  • Engagement on niche subreddits like r/SaaS and r/showmeyoursaas
  • Use of targeted advertising to test audience response

Monetization & Product:

  • Focus on solving real problems for specific user groups
  • Avoid building for audiences that may not have the budget or need
  • Ensure the product provides clear value before scaling

User Engagement:

  • Build relationships through direct communication
  • Participate in communities where target users are active
  • Use feedback from early users to refine the product