Imagine building something great and letting the world watch as it unfolds, every win, every setback, every "aha" moment.
That's the essence of building in public. It's about pulling back the curtain on your journey, sharing the highs and lows of creating a product or business, and inviting others to be part of the story. You’re stepping into the light to show your process, warts and all.
Traditionally, startups operated in stealth mode, keeping their ideas close to the chest until they were polished and ready for launch. Recently, more entrepreneurs have moved away from that secretive approach in favor of openness, transparency, and authenticity.
Why? Because people love rooting for underdogs and seeing how the "sausage gets made." When you bring them along, you build both a product and a community.
Accountability is a nice bonus, but connection really sits at the heart of the process.
Sharing what you're working on, even when it's messy, creates trust. And trust makes all the difference, especially in today's noisy, competitive market.
Building in public comes with a range of benefits that can redefine how startups grow and connect with their audience. Let’s break it down.
1. Transparency builds trust.
When you openly share your progress, whether it’s a breakthrough or a setback, you’re showing potential users, investors, and partners that you value honesty. People naturally gravitate toward businesses they can trust.
It's like a behind-the-scenes pass to your startup, where others feel included in your journey.
2. Regular updates drive engagement.
Sharing milestones, sneak peeks, or your thought process keeps your audience invested. They’re rooting for you, following along with genuine interest in your next move. This kind of connection can turn casual observers into loyal supporters before your product even launches.
3. Attracting early adopters and talent.
When you’re building in public, those who share your vision will find you. Early adopters want to be part of the process, while talented individuals might see your journey and think, “I want to help make this happen.”
4. Real-time feedback improves your product.
Opening the floor to suggestions means you can iterate faster and smarter. Your audience can act as a live focus group, pointing out what works and what doesn’t.
It’s like having hundreds of co-creators helping you craft the perfect product.
5. Building in public brings a community together around your product.
Transparency fosters connection. When people feel like they’re part of your story, they stick around, share your work, and root for your success.
Over time, this sense of belonging can fuel organic growth.
When done well, building in public creates visibility and helps your startup feel relatable and human. That’s a superpower in a crowded market.
Building in public might sound intimidating at first, but it doesn't have to be complicated. It's really about embracing openness and inviting others to join your journey. Here's how to do it effectively:
Choose the right platforms.
Not every platform fits every story. Twitter is great for quick updates and discussions, while LinkedIn works well for professional audiences. If visuals tell your story better, consider Instagram or YouTube. What matters most is showing up where your audience already hangs out.
Be consistent.
People love following a story, but only if it keeps moving. Share updates weekly or biweekly, whether it's a new feature, a challenge you're tackling, or progress screenshots. Consistency builds habits, and habits build trust.
Encourage feedback.
Ask questions, run polls, or invite suggestions in your updates. People love knowing their input matters. Plus, their feedback could help you refine your product faster. It's a win-win.
Be transparent.
Share the wins, but don't shy away from the struggles. If a feature faltered during testing, explain what went wrong and how you plan to fix it.
Transparency humanizes your brand, and people connect with honesty more than perfection.
Use visuals.
A picture, or a quick video, really is worth a thousand words. Show what you're working on with screenshots, prototypes, or simple charts.
It makes your process feel real and relatable.
Leverage tools.
Tools like Trello for tracking tasks or Loom for video updates make sharing your progress easier. The right tools can save you time while keeping your audience engaged.
Celebrate milestones.
Whether you land your first user or crush a major bug, let your audience celebrate with you. These moments give them a reason to feel invested in your success.
At NextBuild, we know how these connections matter.
Building in public means showing your work while also creating a community that believes in what you're building.
There you have it, building in public brings both opportunity and challenge. On the one hand, it's a powerful way to foster trust, attract early adopters, and tap into real-time feedback that can shape your product into something truly remarkable. On the other, it requires a thick skin, a willingness to be vulnerable, and a careful assessment of whether transparency aligns with your goals and the nature of your idea.
Building in public doesn't fit every entrepreneur, and that's okay. Some ideas work better in stealth mode, especially when keeping plans private offers competitive advantages.
But if the thought of connecting with an audience, co-creating with your community, and using openness to accelerate your progress excites you, building in public could be the strategy that transforms your business approach.
And here's the best part: you don't have to navigate it alone.
If you're ready to turn your idea into a tangible app and share your journey with the world, NextBuild can help. Reach out to us today, and let's build something amazing, together.
Your product deserves to get in front of customers and investors fast. Let's work to build you a bold MVP in just 4 weeks—without sacrificing quality or flexibility.
