It took me 4 long years to launch a product
As someone starting out, indie hacking felt like wandering without a map, leaving me second-guessing every move π€. If you're facing the same, I'd like to help a bit.
Here are 8 invaluable resources to help you gain direction π
1 - Where it all started
If you're unfamiliar with the entire process of finding an idea, launching, and monetizing (or exiting), Pieter Levels essentially outlines the entire game here. This is a MUST-WATCH for any indie hacker.
"How to Build a Startup Without Funding by Pieter Levels"
(Addendum to 1)
Here's an addendum to the first video: a great conversation between Arvid Kahl and Pieter Levels. Here, Pieter has shared his thoughts about the evolution of the Indie Hacking movement and the changes that have occurred over the years.
"Pieter Levels β The Indie Hackerβs Guide to AI Startups"
2 - The "why"
For people who have been in π/Twitter for a long time, this might be a cliche. But for those who just started to play the game, you should not miss this π tweet thread.
In it, you could find priceless insights on wealth creation and a mindset geared for long-term success.
How to Get Rich (without getting lucky):
β Naval (@naval) May 31, 2018
3 - Is this a popularity contest?
Many IH become discouraged from pursuing their ideas because they believe that gaining followers is the only path to success.
While it certainly helps, you can start earning from your SaaS even before that. Here, Danny Postma outlines an eye-opening process of finding underserved Google keyword searches where your SaaS could add value. Check it out :D
"You're only successful because you have a large following."
β Danny Postma (@dannypostmaa) April 13, 2023
BS. Here's how you can do the same with 0 followers π§΅π
4 - Speaking of followers...
Everyone wants to eventually build a following, but some goes into questionable practices, damaging their reputation before it even forms.
Arvid Kahl's concept of value alignment in the follower-followee relationship provides a solid foundation for finding your audience amidst ever-changing algorithm updates.
This concept actually came from his paid content, but here's a free video that covers something similar π
5 - Note how you position your product
I've only just discovered this myself, but I wish I'd known it sooner: You might understand your product perfectly, but others just don't seem to get it. Perhaps it's a positioning issue!
In this talk, April Dunford takes you through the experience of buying a toilet (π) to show you what it's like from the buyer's perspective during the sales process. If you're not too familiar with positioning, this is definitely worth a watch!
6 - Marketing examples
Here's a gem: Marketing can be tough and confusing, especially if you're new to it and haven't seen much marketing done stuff before.
But don't worry! Harry Dry has made a collection of top-notch marketing examples that are on point and easy to understand β¨
7 - Grow your product
There are countless ways to grow a product. Each product is unique and requires its own approach to growth. You can't simply copy and paste strategies that work for one product onto another.
Here, Andrea Bosoni has created a treasure trove of case studies! It's unbelievable that it's free! Binge-read it to uncover patterns in product growth.
8. Building as marketing
Passionate about building more than marketing? Check out this resource by Marc Louvion where he concisely outlines what free tool marketing is, why it's effective, and provides guidelines on how to execute it!
Marc Lou
There you have it, 8 invaluable resources to help you clear the fog of your Indie Hacker journey!
Before you go, I'm currently live on Product Hunt! π
I've developed a visual finance tracker using Kanban boards.
It's my very first product launch, and any kind of support would mean a lot to me. ππ
Thank you for taking the time to read! If I miss anything, share it in the replies π If you think someone else could benefit from this thread, feel free to share it!
Good luck with your Indie Hacker adventures!
