Your first 1000 users should have the highest feeback-learning loop

I strongly believe the first 1,000 users should be chosen for learning, not reach.

At this stage, raw signup volume can hide more than it reveals. What matters is whether users experience the problem often, try the product in real workflows, and give feedback that leads to better onboarding, positioning, and product decisions.

I would judge early acquisition channels by the quality of the feedback loop they create, not the traffic they generate. A small community with repeated use and honest conversations can teach you more than a large audience that signs up once and disappears.

What would you optimize for first: direct conversations, retention, depth of use, or referral behavior? Where is this approach most likely to fail?