Essential Insights Before Launching Your First Startup

Before diving into your first startup adventure, consider these crucial insights that could save you time, money, and heartache.

1. Validate Your Idea First

I lost five years building things nobody wanted. Validate your market need first.

2. Diminish Your Ego

Focus on what the user wants, not just your personal preferences.

3. Prioritize Users Over Investors

Chase user adoption first; investors will follow.

4. Hire Doers, Not Just Managers

Focus on individuals who will contribute directly to your product until you reach Product-Market Fit (PMF).

5. Simplify Your Landing Page

Opt for an average template and edit the text. Most visitors come with intent from other sources; they don’t need convincing again.

6. Opt for Fullstack Developers

A single fullstack developer can often be more productive than a team of specialized developers.

7. Aim for the Global Market Immediately

If it’s good, it’ll work globally; if it’s bad, it won’t work even locally.

8. Start SEO Early

I regret ignoring SEO for 14 years. Start from day two.

9. Pre-sell Features

Validate demand for new features by discussing them with users before development.

10. Hire People You’d Hug

Hire individuals you genuinely like and respect to avoid future conflicts.

11. Invest in Startups and Networks

Invest your resources in your own startups and those of friends rather than traditional investments like stocks or real estate.

12. Post on Twitter Daily

It’s a powerful tool for networking and driving traffic.

13. Avoid Corporates

Partnerships with corporations often promise much but deliver little.

14. Ignore the Hype

Don’t get distracted by trends like crypto, which can lead to wasted time and negative encounters.

15. Focus on B2B Over Consumer Apps

Consumer apps are like a lottery; B2B offers a more predictable path to success.

16. Don’t Cling to Failing Projects

If it’s not working, cut your losses within a year.

17. Skip Tech Conferences

They’re often expensive, exhausting, and unproductive.

18. Scrum Isn’t Always the Answer

Find a team that doesn’t need micromanagement to succeed.

19. Keep Everything In-House Until PMF

Outsourcing can dilute your vision and product cohesion.

20. Bootstrap If Possible

Raising funds can be distracting and time-consuming. Consider bootstrapping if feasible.

Reflect on these insights and consider what you wish you had known before embarking on your startup journey.