How I Got My First 500 Users for My SaaS — and How You Can Too

How I Got My First 500 Users for My SaaS — and How You Can Too

Building a SaaS is easy compared to getting your first users. I struggled for months. Here’s the full breakdown of how I unlocked growth — and how you can do it too.

The Problem: A Product Nobody Knew About

I launched my product thinking "if you build it, they will come." Reality check: nobody came. Zero users. Zero traffic. It felt devastating.

The Shift: Building Hype BEFORE Launch

I realized that building a waitlist was the missing piece. But not just a simple form — a viral, gamified waitlist that rewarded people for sharing.

I used a system where users got rewards the more friends they invited. It created a viral loop — every new signup brought in 2-3 more.

The Result: 500+ Leads Before Even Launching

By the time my SaaS launched, I had 500 people ready and excited. I immediately had users, feedback, and even my first paid customers on day 1.

How You Can Do the Same (Even If You’re Starting from Scratch)

• Set up a waitlist early, even before your product is finished.
• Add viral incentives: rewards, badges, exclusive access.
• Make it easy to share (referral links, one-click shares).
• Communicate regularly with your waitlist to keep the excitement alive.

The Tool That Made It Possible

I couldn’t find a tool that did exactly what I needed, so I built one: WaitlistBoost.

If you’re serious about getting your first users (or your next 500), WaitlistBoost gives you everything you need: viral waitlists, analytics, and incentives that actually convert.