Building a successful startup isn’t a walk in the park. Liuda Nebozhak, Head of Project at Vista Create, a design tool for marketers and bloggers, learned that the hard way. Reaching 1 million users in just 20 months felt like winning the entrepreneurial lottery, but it took countless tweaks and pivots along the way. Here are 5 essential hacks Liuda wish she knew when starting out:

1. Quality is Table Stakes, Not a USP

A polished product is the bare minimum, not a competitive advantage. Your true magic lies in solving a unique problem or offering something nobody else does. We discovered that after initially attracting marketers, they craved animation and video creation. Recognising that 46% of marketers already use video, and 26% plan to soon, we knew we had to adapt.

2. Know Your Audience Inside Out

Understanding your users – their lives, needs, and how your product fits in – is the key to building loyalty. This is especially true for evolving fields like marketing, where user needs constantly shift. Remember, personalisation is king. A Deloitte study revealed that 36% of consumers crave personalised products and services, with 48% willing to wait longer for them.

3. Don’t Sleep on PR

While paying customers and investors are crucial, building brand awareness early on is essential. But ditch the self-promotion – focus on what matters to your audience. Inspire them, cater to their needs, and watch the word-of-mouth magic happen.

4. Market Research: Your Investment in Growth

Experimentation and finding your product-market fit are crucial in the early stages. This is the perfect time to make mistakes and learn – something that gets riskier later. Market research helps mitigate risk by identifying gaps in the market and unmet customer demands that you can address. Let these insights guide your marketing strategy.

5. Find Your Brand Champions

Encourage your users to share their projects and experiences – it boosts brand awareness and reveals campaign effectiveness. Create a dedicated platform, like a Facebook group, where clients can connect and showcase their work. Partnering with influencers and bloggers can also be powerful. Tutorials and reviews not only introduce your platform to their audience but also improve your SEO.

Ready to Launch?

The startup journey in marketing is no easy feat, but these key insights can light the fire for your success. Remember, user-centricity is your North Star. Embrace continuous improvement, invest in PR and market research, and leverage the power of brand ambassadors.

What are your biggest startup fears or challenges? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

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