How to get first users for your app: proven methods and conversion tactics

If you have any kind of app or platform and are an early-stage startup, you are probably wondering how to get your first users.

And we are talking about actual users not just testers.

We know it’s hard for early-stage companies to acquire initial users.

You need to start the ball rolling.

But the question is from where? How?

Well brigit.dev is here to help.

There are 7 proven methods that actually work and help you find early users.

You probably already know them. They are simple.

But, the key to using them is understanding how the user base is expanding and how to convert users at each stage.

Let’s dig in

7 proven methods for user acquisition

There are 7 reliable ways to get to your first users:

1. Start building an online community on social media

2. Reach out to targeted strangers

3. Go where your target audience hangs out (online or offline)

4. Get influencers to promote you (paid or organically)

5. Get press

6. Create (viral) content

7. Get physical placement (e.g. flyers, stickers, signs)

Also, incorporating digital marketing strategies such as SEO and online advertising can significantly boost your user acquisition efforts.

The number 1 is key!

You should be building your community without the product.

It is the only sure way of expanding your user base.

Use social media channels to do this, based on where your audience is mostly.

These 7 steps seem logical and they are supposed to be.

There isn’t some big secret about how to get more users.

If your product solves a specific problem and helps users. You are good to go.

All you need is publicity and channels to get to those who don’t yet know they need you.

Focus on awareness don’t spend time educating people.

Those who have your problem will convert because you are talking to them about what they are already aware of.

Educating the public on a problem they have but don’t understand is a long and tiring process.

Your solution should help with an existing known problem.

That’s how you get your target users.

5 types of users

5 groups of users represent which stage, volume, and speed you can acquire new users.

They are the same for every product and industry.

1. First users - Tech enthusiasts

They are the ones you are looking for now. They don’t fear trying out new things and want your solution now. There aren’t many of them and you need to use the 7 methods from above to get to them first.

1. Early adopters - Visionaries

These users are the ones that come after you have some proven track record. Reviews, case studies, success stories, recommendations, etc. First users will help you get to them. They are a bigger group than them.

1. Early majority - Pragmatists

This is the biggest group. The sweet spot for your business. They come once you’ve proven yourself and the business is growing. They will come fast and their numbers will rise by the day.

1. Late majority - Conservatives

These are the ones that are harder to convert. They need time and persuasion to commit to your product. Luckily they are not big in numbers but if you want your business to grow you need to know how to approach them.

1. Hardest to convert - Skeptics

As their name suggests they are your biggest problem. They are the smallest group but the hardest to approach and convert. As you convert these users, focus on turning them into loyal customers, because they will be your biggest advocates.

Conversion tactics for each type

Now that you know these types it’s time to understand how to get them to convert.

Keep in mind that these five types represent those who can benefit from your product in some way and actually need, want, and like what you sell. They aren’t random people who are not in your targeted audience.

You are not targeting anyone and selling forcefully.

You are approaching those who will buy in a way that supports them on that journey.

The trick is to remove any doubts or blockers that might stop them from converting.

Here’s how:

First users - Tech enthusiasts

• Exclusive Previews and Beta Access: Offer early access to new features or beta versions of your product.

• Personal Engagement: Reach out personally, offer one-on-one demos, and use their feedback.

• Community Building: Create a dedicated forum or social media group where they can share experiences and suggestions.

• Technical Details: Provide in-depth technical documentation and specifications that highlight the innovation of your product.

• Events and Meetups: Host events, webinars, or meetups focused on discussing your product.

• Early Bird Discounts: Offer special pricing or discounts for early adopters to incentivize their initial purchase.

• Influencer Collaboration: Partner with influencers who can showcase your product to their audience.

Early adopters - Visionaries

• Case Studies and Testimonials: Share success stories from your first users to build credibility.

• Thought Leadership Content: Publish white papers, articles, and blog posts demonstrating your expertise and the effectiveness of your product.

• Customer Referrals: Encourage your first users to refer others and offer incentives for successful referrals.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with industry leaders or complementary brands to improve your product’s credibility.

• Webinars and Workshops: Hold educational webinars and workshops that showcase how your product solves specific problems.

• Early Access to Updates: Provide early adopters with early access to new features or improvements.

• Professional Reviews: Seek reviews from respected industry analysts or publications.

Early majority - Pragmatists

• Reviews and Ratings: Make sure your product has a lot of positive reviews on different platforms.

• User-Friendly Experience: Focus on improving the user interface and user experience to attract a bigger audience.

• Good Customer Support: Offer reliable and accessible customer support to address problems fast.

• Scalability and Reliability: Highlight your product’s ability to scale and its proven track record of reliability.

• Demonstrations and Free Trials: Provide free trials or live demonstrations to let potential customers experience the product firsthand.

• Competitive Pricing: Offer competitive pricing structures that attract buyers.

• Loyalty Programs: Create loyalty programs that reward continued use and referrals.

Late majority - Conservatives

• Risk Mitigation: Offer money-back guarantees or risk-free trials to adress their concerns.

• Detailed Case Studies: Provide detailed case studies that show how your product solved problems for similar customers.

• Simplified Onboarding: Create a simplified and guided onboarding process to ease their transition.

• Educational Content: Produce tutorials, how-to guides, and FAQs that address common concerns and questions.

• Customer Testimonials: Highlight testimonials from conservative users who have successfully adopted your product.

• Support from Trusted Figures: Gain endorsements from industry experts or trusted figures within their community.

• Consistent Follow-Up: Maintain consistent communication and follow-up to address any doubts.

Hardest to convert - Skeptics

• Direct Engagement: Engage with them directly to understand their specific concerns and address them personally.

• Evidence-Based Proof: Provide data, statistics, and independent reviews to build trust.

• Peer Influence: Use testimonials and case studies from people or organizations they respect.

• Exceptional Customer Service: Offer top-notch customer service to provide a positive experience.

• Clear Value Proposition: Clearly present the unique value and benefits of your product.

• Community Involvement: Invite them to user communities where they can see real users discussing the product positively.

• Post-Purchase Support: Offer strong post-purchase support to make sure their satisfaction and potentially turn them into advocates.

Conclusion

Understanding your user base and how to convert them at each stage is crucial for growth.

Tailoring your approach to each user type will create sustainable growth for your app’s user base.

By focusing on targeted strategies for each group, you can efficiently move users through the conversion funnel.

Knowing how to address the needs and concerns of different user types will allow you to convert more into paying customers.

What now? Gathering user feedback

Once you get your first users the ball starts rolling.

To support you on the path to success we at brigit.dev conducted research, and interviews with founders like you, and asked development experts to help create a guide.

Here’s a link to more resources that answer most of your questions and solve problems you might have on the road to your startup’s success.