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How To Get Your First 100 SaaS Users (Without a Huge Audience)

How to get your first 100 SaaS users

How to Find Your First 100 Obsessed Users (Without Resorting To Spammy Tactics)

Getting people to sign up after launch is even tougher than launching itself.

You've built this awesome thing, poured your nights and weekends into it, and then...crickets.

But you see these stories about other SaaS projects blowing up overnight, making 5-10k MRR within months, and you think, "How the heck do they do it?"

You start posting because you need to build your audience on X like your favorite SaaS influencers who achieve your dream MRR with every new project…

You started blogging for SEO…

You’ve shared your SaaS url on every Reddit post that are asking you to share your SaaS…

You might have even considered burning cash on paid ads.

Here's the thing most SaaS enthusiasts don't realize: you’re not supposed to be blasting your message to everyone. You should be finding your tribe by now, if you haven't already.

If you’re sick of the phrase, “find your tribe”, here me out.

Those first 100 users, they're not just numbers. They're your early adopters, your testers, your biggest fans. They're the ones who will tell you what's working, what's broken, and what features they actually need.

Would you rather have 10,000 users who barely use your product, or 100 who are obsessed with it and tell all their friends?

Those first 100 users isn't for vanity metrics; it's for building a solid foundation. It's for understanding your users so well that your SaaS becomes indispensable.

So forget the overnight success stories and the crazed self-promotion-on-every-platform for now. We're going to talk about a different way to get those first 100 users. A way that's more targeted, more personal, and way more effective for bootstrapped SaaS startups like yours.

After reading this article, you’ll have what you need to turn that almost impossible challenge into something a bit more manageable.

The Foundation: What Most SaaS Get Wrong About Early Adopters

Now we're on the same page about the importance of those first 100 users. But who are these people? You can't just cast a wide net and hope for the best. You need to be laser-focused.

Think of it like this: you wouldn't try to build a house without knowing what kind of foundation it needs, right? Same goes for your SaaS. You need to know who you're building it for.

I’m NOT talking about demographics. Sure, knowing their age range or job title is helpful, but it's not enough. We need to go deeper.

You need to understand their pain points.

  • What are their daily frustrations?
  • What problems are they desperately trying to solve?
  • What keeps them up at night?

And their aspirations.

  • What are they hoping to achieve?
  • Why would they choose your SaaS over the other options out there (or even sticking with their current, clunky workaround)?

Let's say you're building a project management tool for freelance designers. Your ideal early adopter isn't just "any designer." They're probably someone who's:

  • Tired of juggling multiple clients
  • Missing deadlines
  • Losing track of invoices

They're looking for a way to:

  • Streamline their workflow
  • Get organized
  • Ultimately, make more money

They might be:

  • Active in online design communities
  • Following design influencers on social media
  • Listening to design podcasts

You NEED to understand these nuances if you want to get your first 100 users.

It allows you to:

  • Tailor your messaging
  • Build features that truly resonate
  • Offer real value from day one

These early adopters become your feedback engine. They'll tell you:

  • What's working
  • What's not
  • What they need to see to become raving fans

They're also your initial evangelists, the ones who will spread the word about your SaaS to their networks. They're the foundation upon which you build your entire business. Without them, you're just building on sand.

Where Your First 100 Users Live (And Why You Can't Ignore It)

So, you know who your ideal early adopters are. Now where do you find them? This is where the magic of niche communities comes in.

Forget about spending months of your precious time (and money) at broad marketing tactics that reach thousands of people who don't care about your product.

Think small, think targeted, think community.

These aren't just random groups of people. They're groups of people who share a common interest, a common problem, a common need. They're your potential users, hanging out in digital spaces just waiting for a solution like yours.

Why are niche communities so powerful?

  • Targeted Reach: You're not wasting time and money reaching people who aren't interested. You're connecting directly with your ideal users.
  • Built-in Engagement: These communities already exist, so you don't have to build an audience from scratch. The conversation is already happening.
  • Cost-Effective: Engaging in niche communities is often free or very low-cost compared to traditional marketing.

Where do you find these communities? Here are a few ideas:

  • Slack Groups: Tons of communities exist on Slack, focused on specific industries, technologies, or interests.
  • Forums: Old-school forums are still alive and kicking, especially for more technical audiences.
  • Subreddits: Reddit is a goldmine of niche communities. Just be sure to read the rules before you start posting.
  • Online Meetups: Virtual meetups can be a great way to connect with people in your target market.
  • Industry-Specific Platforms: Many industries have their own online platforms and communities.

But here's the key: don't just lurk. Participate. Offer value. Answer questions. Share your expertise. Become a part of the community.

And don’t just post your SaaS then disappear either!

Think about Figma's early days. Nobody knew who they were, and everyone was using Adobe. It was David versus Goliath.

How did Figma do it?

They focused heavily on the design community, provided free resources and engaged directly with designers. Their targeted focus paid off big time.

So don’t keep pitching your product; you build relationships and demonstrate your expertise.

Next, let's see how to turn these early users into advocates.

Feedback as Fuel: Turn Early Users into Advocates

You've got your first handful of users. Awesome! But the work doesn't stop there. In fact, it's just beginning. Now it's time to listen. Really listen. Your early users hold the key to unlocking the true potential of your SaaS. They're your feedback fuel that can propel you to even more users.

Wait, this is about acquiring users for your SaaS. Why suddenly talk about feedback???

Here’s why:

  • Product Improvement: Your users will uncover bugs, suggest improvements, and point out features you never even considered. They'll help you build a better product.
  • Validation: Positive feedback confirms you're on the right track. It's incredibly motivating and will help you stay focused.
  • User Loyalty: When you act on feedback, you show your users that you value their opinions. This builds trust and fosters loyalty. They feel heard, they feel valued, and they're more likely to stick around.
  • Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Happy users become your advocates. They'll tell their friends, colleagues, and anyone who will listen about your amazing SaaS. This kind of organic word-of-mouth marketing is priceless.

So, how do you gather this precious feedback? Here are a few strategies:

  • Direct Conversations: Don't be afraid to reach out to your users directly. Schedule short calls, ask them about their experience, and listen carefully to their answers.
  • Surveys: Use online survey tools to collect feedback at scale. Keep your surveys short and focused, and ask specific questions.
  • In-App Feedback Tools: Integrate tools that allow users to provide feedback directly within your SaaS. This makes it easy for them to share their thoughts in real-time.
  • Community Forums: Create a dedicated forum where users can discuss your SaaS, share feedback, and connect with each other.

The key is to be proactive and consistent. Don't just collect feedback and let it sit there. Act on it. Show your users that you're listening by implementing their suggestions and addressing their concerns.

This is how you turn early users into passionate advocates. It's how you build a SaaS that people truly love, that people will share through word of mouth.

Next, let’s talk about amplifying your reach.

Amplify Your Reach: Smart, Low-Cost Strategies

You've built a solid foundation with your first users, you're getting valuable feedback, and your SaaS is starting to take shape. Now it's time to amplify your reach and bring in even more users.

But remember, we're still focusing on smart, low-cost strategies. We're not throwing money at ads that might not even reach the right people.

Think of it like this: you've got a small fire burning. You've nurtured it, you've fed it, and now it's time to add some kindling to make it grow. We're not talking about gasoline here; we're talking about carefully selected, targeted tactics that will expand your reach within your niche.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Content Marketing: Create valuable content that resonates with your target audience. This could be:

    • Blog posts: Share your expertise, solve common problems, and offer helpful tips related to your SaaS.
    • Tutorials: Show your users how to get the most out of your product.
    • Webinars: Host live sessions on topics relevant to your niche.
    • Case Studies: Showcase how your SaaS has helped other businesses or individuals.

    The key is to create content that people actually want to read, watch, or listen to. Content that educates, entertains, or solves a problem.

  • Product Hunt: Product Hunt can be a great platform for launching your SaaS, if you do it right. It's not a magic bullet, but it can be a powerful tool for getting early exposure and feedback. The key is to prepare for your launch, build some buzz beforehand, and have a solid product to show off.

  • Social Media (Strategically): Social media isn't about blasting your message to the masses. It's about engaging with your community, sharing updates, and building relationships. Focus on the platforms where your target audience hangs out.

  • Partnerships: Look for opportunities to partner with other businesses or influencers in your niche. This could involve cross-promotion, joint webinars, or even integrating your SaaS with another product.

  • Referral Programs: Incentivize your existing users to spread the word about your SaaS by offering rewards for referrals.

The common thread here is value. You're not just trying to get more users; you're trying to provide something useful, something that will make their lives easier or their work more efficient. That's how you build a loyal following and grow your SaaS organically.

The 100-User Challenge

Okay, now it's your turn. All of this is just theory unless you put it into action. So, here's your challenge:

Think about your SaaS. First, what small niche or community could benefit most from it right now?

Be specific. Don't just say "small businesses" or "developers." Think smaller. Maybe it's "freelance graphic designers who specialize in branding" or "Python developers working on data visualization projects."

Second, how can you connect directly with them today? What's one small, actionable step you can take this week to start building those relationships?

Maybe it's joining a relevant Slack group, participating in a forum discussion, or even reaching out to a potential early adopter for a quick chat.

This isn't just about getting 100 users; it's about building a community around your SaaS. And that starts with a single connection. So, who are you connecting with today?

FAQs - Getting Your First 100 SaaS Users

Do I need a marketing team to get my first 100 users?

Absolutely not. In the early stages, it's much more effective to focus on targeted outreach and relationship building, which you can do yourself. A marketing team becomes more relevant as you scale.

How do I balance building the product with outreach?

It's a juggling act, for sure. Prioritize. Set aside specific time blocks for development and specific time blocks for outreach. Even a little bit of consistent effort each week can make a big difference.

What if my niche is very small?

That's actually a good thing! A smaller niche means less competition and a more focused audience. You can become a big fish in a small pond much more easily than trying to compete in a huge market.

How do I handle negative feedback?

Negative feedback is valuable! It helps you identify areas where your product can improve. Don't take it personally. Thank the user for their feedback and use it to make your SaaS better.

What metrics should I track in the early stages?

Focus on engagement metrics, not just vanity metrics. Track things like:

  • Active users
  • Feature usage
  • Customer churn
  • Customer satisfaction (e.g., through surveys or feedback forms)

How do I know if I'm targeting the right niche?

Pay attention to the feedback you're getting. Are users excited about your product? Are they trying it out? Are they responding when you reach out for feedback? If not, you might need to revisit your target audience.

How do I avoid coming across as too salesy when engaging in communities?

Focus on providing value. Offer helpful advice, answer questions, and share your expertise. Don't just pitch your product. Build relationships first.

How do I handle user churn in the early stages?

Churn is normal, especially in the early stages. Don't panic. Analyze why users are churning. Are they not finding value? Is there a bug? Use churn as an opportunity to learn and improve.

Have more questions? Ask them in the comments!

Conclusion and Takeaway: Start Small, Think Big

We've covered a lot of ground, but the core message is simple: getting your first 100 users is about building relationships, solving specific problems, and using the power of niche communities.

It's not about overnight success or massive marketing budgets. It's also not about spreading yourself too thin and trying all the SaaS marketing tactics under the sun.

Take small, consistent steps that will lay a solid foundation for your SaaS.

Remember, those first 100 users aren't just a number. They're your early adopters, your feedback providers, and your biggest potential advocates. They're the people who will help you shape your product and bring your vision to life.

So, here's your actionable takeaway: Identify one niche community you can engage with this week.

It doesn't have to be a huge commitment. Maybe it's just joining a Slack group, participating in a forum discussion, or reaching out to one potential user for a quick chat. Just take that first step.

Start small, think big. Those first 100 users are just the beginning. They're the seed from which your SaaS will grow. Nurture those relationships, listen to their feedback, and build a product that truly solves their problems. And the rest will follow.

Resources and Further Reading

Want to dive deeper into the topics we've covered? Here are some resources and further reading to help you on your journey to 100 users and beyond:

  • Zero to One by Peter Thiel
  • The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
  • Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares
  • SaaStr Blog (saastr.com)
  • Intercom Blog (intercom.com/blog)

This list is just a starting point, of course. There are tons of great resources out there. Keep learning, experimenting, and connecting with your users. Good luck!

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