Waitlist
A signup list for people who want a product before it is fully available, used to build anticipation, gauge demand, and control a staged rollout.
Why it matters
A waitlist validates demand before launch and gives you an eager audience to activate on day one. Adding referral mechanics, like moving up for inviting friends, can turn it into a growth loop of its own.
For example
A startup opens a waitlist that lets people jump the queue by referring friends, so it launches to an eager, pre-warmed audience.
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Related terms
Also in Starting Up
See how founders actually handle this on Growing and marketing, part of the Starting Up hub.
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