I can really see the effort you put into it. The sections flow felt like a story with just the right mix of narrative and data. To me the genuine context you share is the edge you have over others in this space because it makes the content more impactful and applicable by looking back at how you went through it personally.
The audio version is cool too! I expected it to be just an exact version of the post itself, but I liked that you were talking informally.
One particular point that stood out to me is the stage-gate process.
At stage 1, your goal was to acquire 10 users to try the tool. Were those of a specific user segment or were they anyone you could find?
I'm experiencing friction with finding a specific user segment, but I'm not sure when to pursue the other segment I have in mind. I haven't exhausted all the ways I can find them yet. Is there any criteria you would set (time-wise or outreach-wise) after which you would change plans? And what is to reevaluate?
On your question of the specific segment. Most of the people came from the user research process so I had already qualified them. Qualifying your target segment can be a little bit of trial and error but after 3/4 interviews you generally know if you have the right audience or not.
I have not read anything about when to change segments for Product Market Fit (PMF) but for me it comes down to focus. You could begin to start conversations but it does take up a considerable amount of effort. IMO, I would suggest setting some sort of success criteria for a go/no-go decision with your current segment e.g. if you don't get x% of conversions on the landing page for the solution or x% of people to agree to do a user interview then you move on. Time boxing is also another effective strategy.
It is super helpful to be able to see your behind the scenes documented so well!
Very insightful! Extremely well documented.
Impressive work Ian 👏
I can really see the effort you put into it. The sections flow felt like a story with just the right mix of narrative and data. To me the genuine context you share is the edge you have over others in this space because it makes the content more impactful and applicable by looking back at how you went through it personally.
The audio version is cool too! I expected it to be just an exact version of the post itself, but I liked that you were talking informally.
One particular point that stood out to me is the stage-gate process.
At stage 1, your goal was to acquire 10 users to try the tool. Were those of a specific user segment or were they anyone you could find?
I'm experiencing friction with finding a specific user segment, but I'm not sure when to pursue the other segment I have in mind. I haven't exhausted all the ways I can find them yet. Is there any criteria you would set (time-wise or outreach-wise) after which you would change plans? And what is to reevaluate?
Thanks Ali, really appreciate that feedback.
On your question of the specific segment. Most of the people came from the user research process so I had already qualified them. Qualifying your target segment can be a little bit of trial and error but after 3/4 interviews you generally know if you have the right audience or not.
I have not read anything about when to change segments for Product Market Fit (PMF) but for me it comes down to focus. You could begin to start conversations but it does take up a considerable amount of effort. IMO, I would suggest setting some sort of success criteria for a go/no-go decision with your current segment e.g. if you don't get x% of conversions on the landing page for the solution or x% of people to agree to do a user interview then you move on. Time boxing is also another effective strategy.
Thanks Ian for these helpful insights. I can see how this applies to what I've already done so far.
@ian the audio format is so amazing! I prefer this any day over the text. Keep delivering.