5
Founders who scaled their startup, how did you get your first users? (tried running ads and didn't get any traction)
r/microsaas
6/28/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modash | Not provided | Influencer Research | Filter creators with emails, find Instagram usernames |
| n8n | Not provided | Automation | Search Reddit for keywords and concepts, output to Google Sheets |
| saasyDB | Not provided | Database SaaS | Not specified |
| TheSlidee | https://www.theslidee.com/ | Growth Platform | Connect makers with growth experts |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Difficulty acquiring first users despite multiple efforts
- Ads are too expensive and ineffective for early-stage startups
- Cold outreach (DMs, emails) yields no signups or replies
- Lack of launch expertise to connect with right users
Problems to Solve:
- How to acquire first active users cost-effectively
- Finding reliable methods beyond paid ads
- Identifying and reaching target audience efficiently
- Overcoming the challenge of moving past MVP stage
Potential Solutions:
- Using automation tools to find potential users (e.g., n8n for Reddit keyword search)
- Leveraging growth platforms to connect with experts (e.g., TheSlidee)
- Cold outreach with better targeting (e.g., finding business emails via Google)
- Building in public and influencer marketing
- Active participation in professional online groups
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Cold outreach (Twitter DMs, emails, LinkedIn)
- Building in public
- Partnering with marketing influencers
- Active participation in professional online communities
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Cold email targeting businesses found via Google
- Cold DMs to Instagram creators via Modash
- Leveraging influencer marketing (influencers posting about product)
- Using automation for lead generation (Reddit keyword searches)
Monetization & Product:
- Pre-revenue bootstrapped stage indicates need for low-cost acquisition
- Focus on product-market fit validation before scaling
- Potential freemium or low-entry pricing models implied
User Engagement:
- Engaging directly in relevant communities (Discord, Twitter, Reddit)
- Offering value through shared tools/workflows (e.g., n8n automations)
- Direct collaboration between founders (e.g., sharing SaaS solutions for lead generation)