You do not need a finished product to start selling. That is not a mistake. If you are still waiting to complete your big idea before telling anyone about it, you are already late. Today, people need to notice you before they care what you are offering. Back when I launched my first startup, I spent months building in silence. The day I launched, nobody showed up.
I learned the hard way. Now I know how to do it better. Let me walk you through what works before your product is even live.
Talk to People Before You Create Anything
Many founders make the mistake of building something first and asking questions later. That usually leads to disappointment. Instead, start by talking to people who might use what you are planning to offer. Do not try to sell them. Just listen. Ask them what bothers them, what slows them down, and what they wish existed.
Looking back, if I had simply talked to five or six users early on, I would have realized my product was missing something important. Those early talks can save you months of wasted time.
You are not looking for compliments. You are looking for honest feedback and real problems. That is where strong ideas come from.
Pick One Platform and Focus All Your Energy There
Trying to grow on every platform at once is exhausting. I have seen friends try to post daily on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. They end up tired and frustrated. Instead, choose the one platform where your audience already hangs out.
For example, if your customers are mostly professionals, go for LinkedIn. If they are younger, maybe TikTok makes more sense. For software or tech, Twitter still works well.
The point is not to look busy. It is to build a real presence. Pick your spot and show up there every week.
Forget the Hype and Be Honest Instead
Too many people try to create fake excitement. They write posts saying “Big things coming soon” or “Waitlist opening next week” when nothing is ready. That does not build trust. It pushes people away.
A better way is to share real things from behind the scenes. Show a rough draft of your logo. Post your product sketches. Share what you are struggling with. These moments make you feel real. People start cheering for you, even before you launch.
Being open to your audience gives people a reason to care.
Use Helpful Tools to Make Growth Easier
Working hard is good. But working smart is better. There are tools out there that can help you grow faster without burning out—especially when it comes to attracting and retaining followers.
For instance, I tried a small test to compare two different Instagram accounts. One had zero followers. The other used a service focused on building a follower base and looked more active. The page with visible traction saw a 42% increase in signups from visitors.
This showed me something important: followers attract followers. People trust what already seems popular. A growing follower count acts as social proof—it signals value and builds credibility at first glance. That’s why even a small boost early on can make a big difference in gaining momentum.
Of course, the important thing is using tools that are safe and aligned with genuine engagement. When done right, these tools don’t just inflate numbers—they create a foundation that helps real followers find and stick with your content.
Work With People Instead
You do not need millions of followers to build buzz. Sometimes, all it takes is finding five other people who believe in what you are building.
Look for small creators, makers, or business owners in your space. You can do a short video together, write a post together, or just recommend each other’s projects.
These tiny partnerships often feel better than big influencer deals. They are personal and built on shared goals. More people will trust your product if someone they already like supports it.
Start Collecting Emails As Soon As Possible
It is fun to post on social media but remember that you do not own those platforms. Your email list is yours. It stays with you. That is why you should start building it before you even launch.
You do not need anything fancy. Just offer something small in return. It could be early access, a useful checklist, or even a short weekly update on your journey. I once sent out weekly emails showing what I was working on. These updates had a 67% open rate and helped me build deep connections with early users.
Get their permission, then get in touch with them regularly. This is how you turn followers into real fans.
Show the Bad Parts Too
No one connects with someone who looks perfect. People relate to others who are figuring things out just like they do.
Do not be afraid to share your mistakes. One time I ran ads that brought in zero results. I wrote a short post about how I messed up. That post got more attention than anything else I had shared.
The truth is that people love to follow someone who is learning in public. It makes them feel like they are part of the story. So, show your progress, but also show your pain points. Both matter.
FAQs
How soon should I start growing my audience?
You should start as soon as you know who your ideal customer might be. You do not need a finished product. You just need a clear idea. Try to give yourself at least three months before your launch to build real interest.
Do I need to post every day?
No, posting every single day is not the goal. It is more important to post things that actually mean something. Even two or three strong posts a week are enough if they spark real conversation.
Is it okay to use growth tools in the beginning?
Yes, if you use them the right way. Growth tools are not about faking success. They are there to help you get past the empty room phase. Use them to start conversations, not to pretend you are famous.