Solopreneurs VS. Big Corporates on Product Huntโ€”Do we even stand a chance?

Marc Lou
11 replies
Hey Hunters ๐Ÿ‘‹ As a solopreneur, it can feel unfair to compete against big startups with 15 employees, a solid user base, and $$$. But it shouldn't. We have solid competitive advantages. I launched 10 startups in 2022 and managed to get most to the top 5. Here are 3 tips for your next Product Hunt day: 1. Sell your story What's more interesting? - Rich people investing in a startup to make more money? - Someone who quit her job to build her dream? Our story, our failures, and our goals make a good story. It triggers the limbic system, the part of the brain involved in our emotional responses. Share your story as it is. It sells. And it inspires other fellow entrepreneurs. 2. Do what they can't Most product demo videos are formal, cold, and well... about the product. But it shouldn't! It should be used to get users excited and let them spread the word. You won't see many CEOs jumping on a fake podcast with Joe Rogan (https://twitter.com/marc_louvion...), or putting their phones in a wrap (https://twitter.com/PereAyats/st...). You can because you're a solopreneur. Be unique, have fun, and entertain us! 3. Leverage our community You might be alone, building an app in your free time, in your bedroom. But together, we are much bigger than any company. I haven't seen a more supportive community than solo/duo makers. Build in public on Twitter, create relationships, and support makers. The day you launch, you'll be surprised by the love you'll get from our community. That's it! I hope it inspires you to launch your product asap. Curious about your Product Hunt experience. PS: My startup "Visualize Habits" has been nominated for the Golden Kitty Award (product demo video category). I'd love your support! ๐Ÿ™ https://www.producthunt.com/gold...

Replies

Marc Lou
And... Launch on Monday! Nice startups don't make employees work on Sunday nights :)
Fabian Maume
@marclou Monday is one of the highest competition day. Friday is usually better if you have a small audience.
Iuliia Shnai
Totally agree Marc. Also need to use benefits of solopreneurs and bootstrap team. 1. Right community 2. Flexibility 3. Personalization
Marc Lou
@iuliia_shnai nice summary! ๐Ÿ’ฏ
Emily Esse
Well said Marc :)
Matt Harbord
Thank you so much for this post - I'm putting it into action, and have taken the plunge to #buildinpublic - hoping to get some traction there just by providing feedback to as many other builders as possible... Also working on some ideas for the launch video - the ones you posted inspired me!
Natasha Nel
@matt_harbord Nice! Wanted to alert you to more demo video inspiration on this nominee list: https://www.producthunt.com/gold... (product videos are on their Product Hunt launch pages) Happy building! โœŒ๏ธ
Oxana
Marc, thanks for tips and inspiration! And all the best with your existing and new products! ๐Ÿ€