How I Spent Years Earning Nothing by Creating Products No One Wanted
For years, I poured my energy into the wrong pursuits. My ultimate goal was to develop a product that others would be eager to purchase.
I was convinced that having a “brilliant idea” was the key. It wasn’t. I believed that hard work and execution would suffice. It didn’t. I assumed that adding countless features would attract users. It didn’t happen.
The cycle was always the same:
- Get excited about a new idea
- Spend months building it
- Launch and hear crickets
- Experience disappointment
- Repeat the process
I continually reassured myself, “This next project will be different,” yet I kept falling into the same trap: I failed to validate whether anyone truly wanted what I was creating or if they were willing to pay for it.
After numerous setbacks, I finally developed a product that people were ready to buy. Here’s how I secured my first 100 customers.
What Worked (And What Didn’t)
What Worked:
- Targeting individuals who were ALREADY seeking a solution.
- Rather than sending cold DMs, I sought out conversations like “Does anyone know a tool for…?” or “I’m frustrated with [competitor],” and I offered genuine assistance.
- Focusing on helping rather than pushing for a sale. I typically began by thoroughly answering their queries and only introduced my tool after providing value.
What Didn’t Work:
- Generic cold outreach.
- No one responded to my messages about my “groundbreaking AI platform.”
- Relying on SEO.html" target="_blank">SEO. With a new domain and competitive keywords, it can take months or even years to gain traction.
- Attempting to cater to everyone. My initial versions were cluttered with features that no one had requested.
The “Ready-to-Buy” Framework I Created
The key takeaway: Concentrate solely on those who are:
- Actively searching for a solution
- Dissatisfied with their current options
- Requesting recommendations
These individuals convert at rates 5-10 times higher than cold leads since they are already in a buying mindset.
Essential Lessons for Fellow Founders
- Address a specific pain point
- Focus on excelling at one thing
- Utilize familiar tools. I built with technologies I was comfortable with, allowing me to launch an MVP in just a few days instead of several months.
- Manual outreach can scale more than you might think.
- Start charging from day one. I had a paid plan set up from the beginning—no “we’ll figure out monetization later” mentality.
I hope these insights prove helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! I’d be happy to help.
2 Comments
Thank you for sharing your journey and insights! It’s both relatable and eye-opening to see how the pitfalls of building without validation can lead to frustration and stagnation. The struggle you faced is something many founders encounter, and your “Ready-to-Buy” framework is a valuable guide for those venturing into product development.
I particularly appreciate your emphasis on finding people who are actively seeking solutions rather than casting a wide net with generic outreach. This shift in approach not only makes your efforts more efficient but also fosters genuine connections that can lead to better feedback and ultimately, more engaged customers.
Your key lessons resonate deeply, especially the importance of focusing on one specific pain point and starting to charge right away. It’s a powerful reminder that validation and monetization should be integral to the early stages of product development, rather than afterthoughts.
I’m curious, could you elaborate on how you conducted your outreach? Any specific platforms or communities where you found your initial customers? Your experience could really help others refine their approach to connecting with potential users. Thanks again for sharing your story!
Thank you for sharing your journey—it’s both relatable and incredibly insightful! Your emphasis on the importance of validation resonates deeply, especially in today’s saturated market where many are eager to jump into product development without first understanding their audience’s needs.
One point I’d like to add is the value of building a community around your ideas before launching a product. Engaging potential users through online platforms, forums, or social media not only helps in validating your concept but also creates a sense of anticipation. By involving your audience early on, you’re not just creating a product; you’re fostering a relationship that encourages user loyalty and feedback.
Additionally, consider integrating user feedback loops into your development process. This allows you to iterate based on real customer input, ensuring that what you’re building truly addresses their pain points. It transforms the typical cycle of building and launching into a more dynamic and responsive approach, ultimately leading to higher satisfaction rates.
Lastly, your “Ready-to-Buy” Framework is spot on! Focusing on customers who are already expressing their frustrations creates an ideal scenario for conversion. People are more likely to invest in solutions that directly address their current struggles, and your approach of authentically helping them first establishes trust.
Thanks again for providing such a transparent look into your challenges and successes—it’s a breath of fresh air in the entrepreneurial space! I’d love to hear more about how you continued to refine your approach after finding your first 100 customers. What strategies have worked for you in scaling your user base further?