How I Got My First Users When Nobody Knew My Name

“Congrats on launching! Now what?”
That pit-in-your-stomach feeling? Totally normal. Here’s how to fight it, get user #1, and build something people talk about.

Do What They Won’t Teach You in Courses

• Pick one micro-community. Not “everyone”—just the spot where your weirdest users complain.
• DM five people directly. Reference something from their post, and ask for pure feedback, not a sale.
• Offer something for free upfront—a quick audit, a teardown, a tip. You earn trust instantly.
• Post your wins (tiny as they are) publicly: “First feedback, first bug fixed, first user DM.”
• Use their exact words as your next headline—what they say sells better than what you invent.

My first app’s launch was silent. The only thing that broke the silence? Relentless, awkward outreach that felt pointless, until suddenly... it didn’t.

People want to help—but only if you show up genuinely. The best users become evangelists. They brag they helped you grow.

The first ten are the hardest. Miss this window, you’re stuck in the “what if” crowd forever.

Your challenge: DM five people today with a real question about their problem. Report back on your win.
PS: One is all you need to get going.