How to Launch Your Side Project

November 7, 2024

Fayaz Ahmed

After launching multiple side projects over the years, I've learned what works and what doesn't through trial and error. When supersaas.dev gained traction, people started asking about my launch strategy. Here's my practical guide based on what actually worked.

Put Yourself Out There with Video

I'm camera-shy, I get extremely uncomfortable on camera – my Instagram has maybe 6 posts in 8 years. But adding videos to my homepage worked so well, that I started doing videos on even on my YouTube channel, Twitter etc. Users connected with seeing a real person behind the project and understanding my process. I feel this had a big impact.

video

Document Everything, No Matter How Small

I know, this advice is everywhere, but it actually works. Treat every small win or challenge like a major discovery. Twitter is perfect for this – share your thoughts, struggles, and victories in real-time. People get invested in you.

twitter

Find out where your audience hangs out

For supersaas.dev, I knew my audience: Nuxt users. I focused on their communities on Twitter and Reddit.

Pro Tip: Use targeted Twitter searches. Here's my simple formula I tried:

"nuxt" "awesome"

Search URL: https://x.com/search?q=%22nuxt%22%20%22awesome%22&src=recent_search_click

This surfaces people actively discussing and interested in your niche.

I ping my users personally asking if they would like a personal tour or a demo of the product I have instead of selling it (Like those fitness bros who span you saying they have helped saas founders get fit 🤦🏻‍♂️). It led to actual conversations and some people converted.

Show Long-Term Commitment

Users want to know you're serious about maintaining and improving your project. Get creative with showing your dedication. I did this in two ways:

Added a real-time GitHub commits feed to my homepage

Created an interactive Tic Tac Toe game where users can play against me

Launch Platforms

Product Hunt

Still valuable for initial traction, but manage your expectations. The platform has changed – not being featured is quite disappointing.

Requires thick skin but can deliver solid results. Key subreddits to consider:

Some essential Reddit Rules:

Do not ever try to engage/fight with that one "know-it-all" snide commenter. It is very tempting but trust me, it is not worth it.
Do not take things personally, Reddit is a very toxic place.
Don't sell it, rather show a specific problem it solves or a feature that is very useful.

Uneed

A more personal alternative to Product Hunt. The founder, Thomas, actively supports project creators. Definitely worth checking out at Uneed.

Some other platforms I want to try

Microlaunch: Growing community with quality projects - Microlaunch
New Indie Hackers Platform: Recently launched product showcase feature worth exploring