First Customers (GTM)

When is my product 'ready' to launch?

A starting point

Sooner than you think, a launch is not one perfect moment, it's something you'll do again and again. Ship as soon as it solves one real problem for one real user; waiting for 'ready' usually means waiting for perfect, and perfect kills momentum. If you're not slightly embarrassed by v1, you launched too late.

Go deeper

Hand-picked from around the web, each with a note on why it earns your time.

2 resources 2 link-checked Watch Read

Watch

▶️ Video
✓ Link checked Free Beginner

Why we picked it The definitive talk that reframes launching from a one-shot event into a repeatable tactic, exactly this category's thesis. YC partner Kat Manalac gives concrete relaunch strategies.

How to Launch (Again and Again)

On YC Startup Library by Kat Manalac (Y Combinator) ~25 min

  • Launching is a continuous process, not a single moment you get one shot at.
  • Most first launches get ignored, that's normal, so relaunch repeatedly.
  • Relaunch around new features, audiences, milestones, and channels.
  • Use tactics like pre-orders and outreach to bloggers without big sponsorships.
Open ycombinator.com →

Read

📄 Article
✓ Link checked Free Beginner

Why we picked it A practical companion piece on how to actually execute launches and build an audience to launch to. Pairs perfectly with the 'launch again and again' mindset.

The best way to launch your startup

From YC Startup Library by Y Combinator ~12 min read

  • Build an audience and email list before launch day so it isn't crickets.
  • Ship early rather than waiting for a perfect product.
  • Pick channels that match where your customers actually are.
  • Have a clear story and assets ready before you launch.
Open ycombinator.com →

People also ask

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