Founder Playbook
Your guide to validating ideas, talking to users, and building products that matter.
Welcome
Building a successful product isn't just about the code—it's about understanding your users, validating your assumptions, and iterating based on real feedback.
This playbook contains the frameworks and strategies we share with every founder to help you validate your idea, find your first users, and come back to us with confidence for your next build.
Validation Framework
1. Define Your Hypothesis
What problem are you solving? Who has this problem? Why will they pay for your solution? Write these down clearly before talking to anyone.
2. Identify Your Target Users
Be specific. Don't say "small businesses"—say "solo real estate agents in suburban markets who manage 5-15 listings." The more specific, the easier to find and validate.
3. Set Success Metrics
What would prove your idea works? 10 people saying they'd pay? 5 pre-orders? 100 email signups? Define this before you start.
Talking to Users
Who to Talk To
- People who currently have the problem (not friends/family unless they genuinely fit)
- People who are actively looking for solutions (searching, asking in forums, etc.)
- People who have budget/authority to buy
What to Ask
- Tell me about the last time you experienced [problem]
- How are you solving this today?
- What have you tried that didn't work?
- If this problem went away, what would that be worth to you?
- Would you pay $X for a solution? (Be specific about pricing)
What NOT to Ask
- Don't pitch your solution first—listen to their problem
- Don't ask "Would you use this?"—ask about their current behavior
- Don't accept vague enthusiasm—push for specifics and commitments
Finding Your First Users
After you launch your MVP, you need to get it in front of real users. Here are proven channels:
Direct Outreach
LinkedIn, email, cold DMs. Personal and targeted. Time-intensive but high conversion.
Communities
Reddit, Discord, Slack groups, Facebook groups. Be helpful first, don't spam.
Content
Blog posts, Twitter threads, YouTube videos. Share your journey and learnings.
Launch Platforms
Product Hunt, Hacker News, Indie Hackers. One-time traffic spikes.
Ready to Build More?
Once you've validated your idea, gathered user feedback, and proven there's demand, come back to us. We'll help you build the next version with confidence.