How I Grew Buildside to 130 Users in 2 Weeks by Building in Public

Two weeks after releasing Buildside, the application had attracted 130 users. There was no secret formula for this growth. Instead, I shared the development process on X and LinkedIn, engaged with users, and used their feedback to shape the app. The key takeaway was that marketing should begin well before the product is ready.

I began marketing even before the app was complete. Many founders tend to wait until they believe their product is finished before promoting it. Sharing an unfinished product can be risky, with concerns about judgment, copying, or ignoring. I decided to share despite these concerns. Prior to the launch, I posted about the issue I aimed to solve, my motivation, and what I was learning. By sharing incremental progress and soliciting opinions, I created a reason for people to follow the journey.

On the launch day, I was not soliciting strangers to care about a new app. Instead, I invited individuals who had already observed the idea's growth. Y Combinator advises founders to release early, as waiting too long is often driven by fear and the desire for perfection. The early version allowed me to ask for feedback.

Sharing both successes and failures is challenging. Posting about new users or positive comments is easy, but sharing setbacks is more difficult. However, honest posts often led to the most engaging conversations. When something failed, I acknowledged it. When I changed my mind, I explained the reasoning behind the change. Sharing both positive and negative experiences built trust.

Buffer has been open about its business for years, sharing both successes and hardships through its public platform. The company believes transparency fosters trust and accountability. Buffer's public updates exemplify this approach.

Building in public is not only about attracting attention; it is also about listening. I responded to comments and spoke with users, asking them why they joined, what was unclear, and what they desired for the future. The responses guided improvements to Buildside. A cycle emerged: share the work, initiate a conversation, learn from users, refine the app, and share the updates. Each post could attract users or ideas, partnerships, or insights that were not initially planned.

Stripe emphasizes the importance of early conversations with potential customers, which can shape a better product and potentially lead to sales. Their guide stresses the value of early engagement.

The initial 130 users did more than join Buildside; they contributed to its development. Their inquiries highlighted areas that needed improvement, while their support indicated what was working. Building in public can alter your trajectory. It is not about sharing every detail, but rather providing enough insight into the journey to allow others to participate.

Share your learnings, both successful and unsuccessful, and the small victories that inspire you. Ask genuine questions and listen intently. You may gain users, but you may also discover new friends, partners, ideas, and opportunities. If you are a founder building in public, you do not have to do it alone. Connect with other SaaS founders, share your progress, and grow alongside like-minded individuals on Buildside.app.