5 Common Myths About Building in Public You Need to Stop Believing

Building in public has become a popular approach among indie hackers and solo founders, but with its rise comes a slew of misconceptions. These myths can deter you from embracing transparency and sharing your journey. Let’s debunk five common myths about building in public in 2026.

Myth 1: You Need a Massive Audience to Start Sharing

Reality Check: Many believe that you need thousands of followers to build in public. This is simply not true. You can start sharing your journey with just a handful of engaged followers.

Why It Works:

• Engagement Over Numbers: A small but engaged audience often yields better feedback and support than a large, passive one.
• Authenticity Wins: Sharing your process with a smaller group can lead to more meaningful connections.

Our Take: When we began sharing our journey, we had less than 100 followers. Those early connections were invaluable for feedback and encouragement.

Myth 2: You Must Share Everything

Reality Check: While transparency is key, you don’t have to share every detail. It’s okay to keep certain aspects private, especially sensitive information.

Finding the Balance:

• Share What Matters: Focus on insights, lessons learned, and key milestones rather than every nitty-gritty detail.
• Protect Your IP: If you’re working on a unique idea, it’s wise to hold back some information until you’re ready to launch.

Our Take: We share our successes and failures, but we avoid giving away our proprietary strategies or sensitive data.

Myth 3: It’s All Sunshine and Rainbows

Reality Check: Building in public can often look glamorous, but the reality is filled with challenges and setbacks.

The Real Picture:

• Expect Failures: Not every idea will succeed, and that’s part of the journey. Sharing failures can be just as valuable as sharing successes.
• Mental Health Matters: Being open about struggles can foster community support but be cautious about overexposure.

Our Take: We often share our failures on the Built This Week podcast. It’s important to show that the journey is not always smooth.

Myth 4: Building in Public Is Only for Startups

Reality Check: This myth limits the concept to just startups, but anyone can benefit from building in public—freelancers, creators, and even established businesses.

Who Can Benefit:

• Freelancers: Share your projects, attract clients, and build a personal brand.
• Established Businesses: Use public updates to engage customers and show innovation.

Our Take: We’ve seen established brands leverage building in public to humanize their company and connect with customers.

Myth 5: You Need to Be Perfect

Reality Check: Many shy away from sharing because they feel they need to present a polished image. In reality, imperfection is relatable.

Embracing Imperfection:

• Authenticity Over Perfection: People resonate more with real experiences rather than a curated, flawless narrative.
• Iterate Publicly: Show your process of iteration, which can inspire others to see progress as a journey.

Our Take: We often share our “in-progress” work. It’s okay not to have everything figured out.

Conclusion: Start Building in Public Today

Don't let these myths hold you back from sharing your journey. Building in public can be a powerful tool for connection, learning, and growth. Start small, share authentically, and embrace the imperfections.

Start Here:

1. Choose a platform (Twitter, LinkedIn, or even a blog) where you feel comfortable sharing.
2. Set a schedule—commit to posting updates regularly.
3. Engage with your audience, asking for feedback and building connections.

Building in public isn't just for startups; it’s for anyone looking to share their journey and learn from the community.