Ask HN: Finding reference customers for a SaaS product
I've recently read Inspired by Marty Cagan, who places heavy emphasis on aiming to have at least six reference customers in place before launching to market. Ideally these customers should be from a single target market in a single geographic region. The idea is that you work with them to help ensure you're building the right product for the target market.
I'm looking for any advice and experience in how you might've gone about acquiring these customers (ideally small to medium business) and what incentives, if any, you might've offered for them to come on the journey with you. And how crucial was it in your experience in achieving success as a startup.
The skeptical part of me is wondering how many people actually have the time and energy to partake in such a program, so very keen to hear real world experiences.
I'm looking for any advice and experience in how you might've gone about acquiring these customers (ideally small to medium business) and what incentives, if any, you might've offered for them to come on the journey with you. And how crucial was it in your experience in achieving success as a startup.
The skeptical part of me is wondering how many people actually have the time and energy to partake in such a program, so very keen to hear real world experiences.