Building a successful startup is hard (duh, right?). You find a problem you want to solve. You create a product or service you think solves a pain point. You launch your company and then prepare for an onslaught of eager customers. But what if that stampede of customers doesn’t happen? What if the inundation of joyful users you expected turns out to be nothing more than the occasional tire kicker perusing your website or mobile app? How do you get your business in front of customers who will not only buy what you’re selling, but who might also preach the gospel of your brand to their network? If you’re ready to increase the number of eyeballs on your startup, following are five free tools you need to consider using:
SignUpFirst
SignUpFirst can help your startup gain early adopters in exchange for rewards you offer users. Offer anything from premium memberships to reduced rates in an effort to build your user base. Rewards can be permanent or temporary.
The Startup Pitch
The Startup Pitch lets you submit details on your company for free. Include screen shots, features and benefits of your product or service, and any intriguing details you think will interest potential users. You can even request feedback from your early adopters.
Firespotting
Firespotting looks a lot like Hacker News, but is meant specifically to highlight new startups or cool products. Include your company name and tag line as well as your URL. Firespotting is frequented by early adopters and tech insiders, making it an excellent option for engaging with industry influencers.
Beta Bound
If you’re looking for beta testers for your startup, Beta Bound is an excellent tool to discover. Free to use, this handy resource connects you with a database of over 75,000 potential users. Whether you seek testers for a mobile app, need access to private beta testers, or want to offer a beta product just to developers, you can do so via Beta Bound.
GrowthHackers
If you want to get your startup in front of a well-connected crowd of early adopters, GrowthHackers is a must-use tool. Launch your startup under the Show GH banner and receive feedback from marketers, CEOs, and press personnel. Be sure to engage in the comments section when you post your company to maximize the potential of the GrowthHackers community.
Whether you’re a bootstrapped startup or have already accepted investor funding, it is imperative you build a community of early users around your product. Those initial users will not only help you iterate your initial idea, they’ll often be some of your most vocal supporters. Treat them well and they’ll do more to promote your startup than any PR person or tech writer ever will. Do you think you’ll be taking advantage of the above-listed free startup promotion tools to help your young company scale?
