The First 1,000 Users Challenge
Getting your first 1,000 users is the hardest part of building a startup. Here's the exact playbook to make it happen in 30 days.
Pre-Launch: Days -30 to 0
Build Your Audience Before Your Product
Start marketing before your MVP is ready:
Week 1-2: Create Your Waitlist
• Build a simple landing page• Offer early access or special pricing• Collect emails and pain pointsWeek 3-4: Content Seeding
• Write 3-5 blog posts targeting your audience's problems• Post in relevant communities (don't spam)• Build relationships with influencers in your space**Target**: 500+ waitlist sign-ups before launch
Launch Week: Days 1-7
Day 1: Soft Launch
• Email your waitlist (stagger sends for server stability)• Personal outreach to most engaged subscribers• Ask for feedback, not just sign-upsDay 2-3: Community Blitz
Post in every relevant community:
• Reddit (find your subreddits)• Hacker News (if tech-focused)• Product Hunt (prep your launch)• Indie Hackers• Relevant Facebook groups• LinkedIn**Template for Community Posts**:
"After [X months/problem], I built [product] to solve [specific pain]. It's free for early users and I'd love your feedback. [Link]"
Day 4-5: Product Hunt Launch
• Launch on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday• Prepare assets in advance (description, images, video)• Mobilise your network for upvotes• Respond to every commentDay 6-7: Direct Outreach
• Email 50 potential users personally• Connect on LinkedIn with prospects• Offer demos or onboarding calls**Target**: 300-500 users by end of week 1
Growth Week: Days 8-14
Double Down on What's Working
By now you'll see which channels work:
**If Reddit works**: Post more, engage with comments, become a community member
**If Content works**: Publish daily, repurpose across platforms
**If Outreach works**: Systematise it, consider hiring help
Add Referral Incentives
• Give early users extra features for referrals• Make sharing easy (copy link, email templates)• Track referral sourcesPress & Blogger Outreach
• Create a press kit• Reach out to relevant bloggers and journalists• Offer exclusive angles or data**Target**: 500-700 total users by end of week 2
Scale Week: Days 15-21
Paid Acquisition Tests
Now test paid channels:
Google Ads
• Target high-intent keywords• Start with £500 budget• Optimise for sign-ups, not clicksFacebook/Instagram Ads
• Lookalike audiences based on current users• Test multiple creatives• Start with £500 budget**LinkedIn Ads** (for B2B)
• Job title targeting• Sponsored content performs well• Higher CPCs but better qualityPartnership Launches
• Co-marketing with complementary products• Guest posts on popular blogs• Podcast appearances**Target**: 800-900 total users by end of week 3
Final Push: Days 22-30
Optimise and Scale
Conversion Optimisation
• A/B test your landing page• Improve onboarding flow• Reduce friction in sign-upRetarget Visitors
• Set up retargeting campaigns• Create urgency with limited offersUser-Generated Content
• Ask happy users for testimonials• Encourage social sharing• Feature user storiesCross-Promotion
• Find complementary products• Exchange newsletter mentions• Co-host webinars**Target**: 1,000+ users by day 30
Metrics to Track
**Daily Metrics**:
• New sign-ups• Active users• Conversion rates• Cost per acquisition (if paid)**Weekly Metrics**:
• User retention• Feature usage• Referral rates• Channel performanceCommon Mistakes to Avoid
1. **Launching too quietly**: Tell everyone, repeatedly2. **Ignoring feedback**: Early users are gold3. **Scaling too fast**: Make sure the product works first4. **Wrong channels**: Go where your users are5. **Giving up too early**: First 1,000 is the hardestAfter 1,000 Users
You've proven initial demand. Now:
• Analyse who your best users are• Double down on acquisition channels that work• Focus on retention before more growth• Start thinking about monetisationThe first 1,000 users are the foundation. Everything else builds from here.
