Getting your first users is one of the hardest parts of building a SaaS product.
Most founders assume users will come after launch.
In reality, the most successful founders do the opposite.
They get users before they finish building.
This article explains how to get your first 10 SaaS users before you even launch.
Why the First Users Matter Most
Your first users are not just customers.
They are your feedback system.
They help you understand:
- Whether your idea is useful
- What needs to change
- What features matter most
- Whether people will pay
Without them, you're guessing.
Step 1: Start With a Clear Problem
Before finding users, define:
- What problem you solve
- Who experiences it
- Why existing solutions fail
If you cannot explain this clearly, users will not understand your product.
Step 2: Identify a Small, Specific Audience
Do not target everyone.
Instead, focus on a narrow group:
- Freelancers managing invoices
- Indie hackers building SaaS tools
- Small businesses tracking customers
- Creators managing sponsorships
The smaller the niche, the easier it is to find real users.
Step 3: Reach Out Directly
The fastest way to get early users is direct outreach.
You can:
- Message people on LinkedIn
- Post in niche Reddit communities
- Engage on Twitter (X)
- Join relevant Discord groups
- Comment in forums where your users already hang out
Personal messages work better than broad posts.
Step 4: Offer Early Access
Instead of selling immediately, offer:
- Early access
- Free beta testing
- Exclusive access before launch
This lowers resistance and increases signups.
Step 5: Use a Simple Landing Page
You do not need a full product.
A landing page is enough.
It should include:
- A clear headline
- Problem statement
- Simple explanation
- Email signup or waitlist
This is your validation tool.
Step 6: Show a Demo or Prototype
Even a simple demo helps increase trust.
It can be:
- A clickable prototype
- A short video
- Screenshots of early builds
People are more likely to join when they understand what they are getting.
Step 7: Focus on Conversations, Not Numbers
Your goal is not just signups.
Your goal is conversations.
Ask early users:
- Would you use this regularly?
- What problem does it solve for you?
- What would stop you from using it?
- Would you pay for it?
These answers matter more than analytics.
Step 8: Pre-Sell If Possible
One of the strongest signals of validation is payment.
If someone is willing to pay before launch, you have strong proof of demand.
Even a few paying users is a powerful signal.
Step 9: Avoid Waiting for Perfection
Many founders wait until the product is ready before finding users.
This is a mistake.
By the time you launch, it may already be too late to adjust direction.
Start early, even if things are incomplete.
Step 10: Keep Iterating With Feedback
Once you get your first users:
- Talk to them regularly
- Watch how they use the product
- Fix confusion points
- Adjust based on behavior
Your first users shape your product direction.
Why Most Founders Fail Here
Most founders:
- Build in isolation
- Wait too long to launch
- Focus on features instead of users
- Ignore early feedback signals
This leads to products with no traction.
Where SassyPack Fits In
SassyPack helps founders move faster from idea to user testing by removing infrastructure setup.
It includes:
- Authentication system
- Payment integration
- SEO-ready blog system
- Analytics setup
- Dashboard structure
This allows founders to focus more on getting users instead of building backend systems.
Final Thoughts
Your first 10 users matter more than your first 10 features.
If you can get real people interested before you finish building, you dramatically increase your chances of success.
Start small.
Reach out early.
Talk to users constantly.
That is how real SaaS products begin.