How to Build a User Acquisition Plan Before MVP Launch You’ve got a compelling idea and a rough prototype, but traction won’t appear out of thin air. Before you ship an MVP, you need a clear plan for how you’ll attract early users, validate interest, and learn fast. Many startups stumble not because the idea isn’t good, but because they fail to connect with the right people early on. In fact, the data isn’t kind: a well-known industry insight suggests a large share of startups fail due to no market need. A focused pre-launch user acquisition plan helps you test demand, refine messaging, and set a credible path to growth before you invest heavily. This guide helps you build a practical, testable plan you can execute in weeks, not months. It emphasizes actionable steps, lightweight experiments, and metrics you can actually move the needle on—without burning through cash or time. ## H2 Step 1 — Define who you’re building for (and why they care) Before you chase channels, you need a clear target. Create 2–3 concise user personas that describe real problems your product solves. Each persona should answer: - Who is the user (role, context, constraints)? - What problem do they have today? (Pain point) - What change does your product enable, and why does it matter? Tips to shape your personas: - Write a one-liner for each persona: "For [segment], [product] helps [benefit] by [feature]." - Ground your statements in observed behavior (surveys, early feedback, or a small interview set). - Map how your personas discover information about solutions similar to yours. ## H2 Step 2 — Map the funnel and core metrics (AARRR) Think in terms of the pirate metrics: Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Revenue, Referral. For a pre‑MVP phase, emphasize: - Acquisition: where will you reach your target? (channels, partnerships, communities) - Activation: what is the first meaningful action users take? (sign-up, waitlist join, account creation, or completing a short onboarding quiz) Define a target for each stage, and decide how you’ll measure it. Keep it simple: a couple of metrics per stage that you can influence with a small experiment. ## H2 Step 3 — Build a pre-launch asset stack (landing page and waitlist) Your pre-launch assets are your testing ground. Create a lightweight, credible setup: - A tight value proposition headline that speaks to a core benefit for your personas - A subheading that clarifies the problem and your unique angle - 3–4 bullets outlining the top features or outcomes - A clear call to action (CTA) for joining a waitlist or signing up for early access - A simple form to collect email and a semi-qualifying question (to gauge fit) - Social proof or credibility signals (founder backgrounds, pilot customers, or partner logos, if available) Lead magnets can boost signups: - An ultra-short guide or checklist related to the problem you solve - Early access benefits (discounts, exclusive features, or direct feedback sessions) - A short webinar or AMA invite Run quick A/B tests on headlines, hero images, and CTA colors to optimize conversions, aiming for small, incremental gains rather than a single “home run.” ## H2 Step 4 — Pick 1–2 high-leverage channels (low-cost, high learning) With a MVP timeline in mind, prioritize channels that deliver learnings quickly and cheaply: - Content marketing: publish how-to guides or problem-solving posts relevant to your personas. Every piece is an experiment in discovery and trust. - Communities and forums: engage in relevant Reddit threads, Indie Hackers discussions, or professional communities where your target users hang out. - Social and outreach: lightweight posts on LinkedIn or Twitter that showcase insights or early results; consider micro-influencers who speak to a niche audience. - Email and referrals: a waitlist email sequence with a compelling onboarding narrative can yield high-intent signups and word-of-mouth. Channel selection tip: start with 1–2 channels, run a two-week sprint, and measure: impressions, clicks, Signups, and Activation rate. If you’re not learning, you’re burning cash; if you are learning, scale gradually. ## H2 Step 5 — Build a lightweight experimentation framework Treat every tactic as a test with a hypothesis, a timeframe, and a success criterion. Use a simple experiment brief: - Hypothesis: e.g., “A 600-word blog post on our core problem will drive 30 signups from a targeted audience.” - Channel: where you’ll publish or promote the content - Creative: headline, hook, and supporting visuals - Target: audience segment and traffic source - Metrics: signups, activation rate, cost per signup (if paid) - Timeframe: 2 weeks - Success threshold: a predefined number that indicates learnings worth proceeding Example experiments to start: - Publish a problem-focused guide and measure signups from the article landing page. - Run a micro-influencer post with a personal anecdote and track clicks to the waitlist. - Test a simple waitlist landing with a short explainer video vs. static images. ## H2 Step 6 — Pre-launch ASO and store readiness (even before you ship) If you’re planning a mobile app, start thinking about discoverability now: - Conduct keyword research for your target audience and competitors. - Craft optimized metadata: app title, short description, and keyword-rich descriptions that reflect your value. - Design compelling screenshots and a brief preview video that demonstrate the core benefit. - Consider a pre-registration or waitlist integration to build early demand inside the store page. ASO is not a single sprint; it’s iterative. Track rankings for your target search terms and adjust copy based on what resonates with early visitors. ## H2 Step 7 — Onboarding, privacy, and trust A smooth onboarding reduces drop-offs and boosts activation: - Keep the first steps minimal; ask for essential information only. - Progressive disclosure: reveal more as users engage, not all at once. - Be transparent about data use and privacy;