We often hear the advice: “You have to solve a real problem.” That’s a misconception. Simply solving a problem isn’t enough to guarantee success.
For a startup, solving a problem alone won’t lead to success. What’s crucial is the excitement and buzz you generate around your product. You need to create a sense of FOMO, where people are saying, “Wow, have you heard about this?”
I’ve seen startups raise funds even without a finished product, while others with a solid product and problem-solving capabilities struggle to attract funding or find their initial customers.
Some projects aren’t even unique they’re essentially commodities but they still attract customers due to the hype. When I come across these projects, I enjoy asking my network, “Would you invest if I told you I was developing this?” 
The answer is usually no.
Here are three key points for real success:
- Focus on a significant problem.
- Prioritize the customer experience.
- Master distribution.
Always remember: marketing takes precedence over coding. Good marketing can drive success, whereas code alone won’t.
While marketing plays a big role, your product must still be high quality. Don’t let someone fool you into believing that by offering your consumers a subpar product, they will be satisfied.
On second thinking, though, I’ve also seen a lot of things become viral without any advertising that address a critical need.
Your product’s hype is just a wet dream. Why should people get excited about software when it’s just software? in particular with noname software. I can see why some individuals get excited over a video game or movie, but even those are uncommon, and not many of them do.
This is also a valid issue. While innovative new technologies like Midjourney can be thrilling, what would be intriguing about a new online analytics tool that someone built? Yes, it’s helpful, but until something is genuinely innovative or extremely important in a certain field, it’s difficult to become excited about it.
A fantastic product without any marketing is like having a cart full of water in the desert and your clients being kilometers away from you because they are thirsty.
BUT…
Simply said, excellent marketing for a subpar product is merely really skilled snake oil salesmanship. (Do you recall Fyre Festival?)
A balance must be maintained.
Superior product quality keeps customers coming back for more, and excellent marketing attracts new ones.
I understand, but it’s a bit of a stretch to compare a SaaS product to the Fyre festival The majority of individuals here are independent contractors, so if and when they sell the product, it won’t be on this scale.
Still, I concur that one cannot exist without the other. Simply put, independent hackers typically concentrate too much on the product rather than the real sales point.
While function endures, hype fades.
In the short run, you’re correct. Long-term, a user-friendly product that addresses a genuine issue is preferable.
“Sounds” like wise counsel. But I’d really like some proof to support your assertion. Create some buzz around your post, if you can
This is exactly right. I’d also emphasize the importance of sales.
Given our product’s nature, we’ve worked with thousands of early-stage startups and indie hackers who use us to create mockups for their customers. The founders who succeed are the ones who refuse to build a product until they have a confirmed paying customer.
Use tools like PowerPoint, mockups, or emails anything to discuss the user’s problem and position your startup as the solution. I’ve seen an AI founder secure a million-dollar deal before even writing a single line of code.