How We Got Our First 2,000 Users Doing Things That Don’t Scale: Announcing Product Hunt Maker Grants

How We Got Our First 2,000 Users Doing Things That Don’t Scale: Announcing Product Hunt Maker Grants

When it comes to launching a new product or service, user acquisition is often the top priority for many entrepreneurs. However, at Product Hunt, we took a slightly different approach. Instead of focusing solely on user acquisition, we prioritized engaging our initial users and creating a strong community from the start. In this article, we will delve into how we got our first 2,000 users by doing things that don't scale, and also introduce the Product Hunt Maker Grants program.

Product Hunt started as a daily leaderboard of new products, but before we even had a product, we were already focused on user acquisition. We began with an email list using Linkydink, a tool for creating collaborative daily email digests. This allowed us to not only do customer development but also get our users excited and make them feel like part of the product. Building a community was our primary goal, even before the actual launch of Product Hunt.

When it came to launching Product Hunt publicly, we made sure to take our time. We wanted to ensure that the product was bug-free and enjoyable for users before expanding to a larger audience. Our first users were crucial in shaping the culture of our community, so we knew that getting the right people on board from the start was essential. It's challenging to change the culture once it's established, so we focused on finding early adopters who aligned with our vision.

While user acquisition was important, our primary focus at the early stage was on engagement and retention. We wanted to create a product that users loved and would keep coming back to. To achieve this, we leveraged the power of personal communication. We identified influencers in the tech community and sent them personal emails, inviting them to contribute to Product Hunt and sharing articles about us from publications like PandoDaily and Fast Company. This manual process may seem time-consuming, but it turned out to be an effective way to recruit good contributors and establish lines of communication for future feedback.

Additionally, we didn't just rely on press coverage for growth. We also asked for referrals from our existing users. However, our intention was not solely to acquire more users but to build a stronger and more engaged community. By asking for referrals, we were able to bring in users who were already familiar with our platform and more likely to actively participate.

As Product Hunt continued to grow, we realized the importance of supporting and encouraging makers within our community. Building products can be expensive and challenging, especially for those who are bootstrapping their businesses or working on side projects without the help of venture funding. To show our appreciation for their innovation, grit, and engagement, we introduced the Product Hunt Maker Grants program.

Every month, we review makers who have launched their products in the previous month and select three individuals who exemplify these qualities. Each chosen maker receives a cash gift of $5,000. The aim of these grants is to not only say thank you to the community but also to inspire and incentivize makers to continue building and creating.

In conclusion, getting the first 2,000 users for Product Hunt was not just about user acquisition but also about creating a strong community from the start. By engaging early adopters, leveraging personal communication, and focusing on retention and engagement, we were able to build a platform that users loved. Additionally, the introduction of the Product Hunt Maker Grants program further solidified our commitment to supporting and encouraging innovation within our community.

Actionable advice:

1. Prioritize engagement and retention at the early stage of your product or service. Building a strong user base that loves your product is more important than just acquiring numbers.
2. Leverage personal communication to connect with influencers and potential users. A personal touch can go a long way in building relationships and getting people excited about your product.
3. Consider implementing a program or initiative that rewards and supports your community. By showing appreciation and investing in your users, you can inspire them to continue being active participants and advocates for your brand.