5 Myths About Building in Public That Are Costing You Time and Money

Building in public is often touted as the ultimate way to engage with your audience, gain feedback, and create a community around your projects. But let’s be honest: there are plenty of myths floating around that can lead you astray, costing you both time and money. As someone who has navigated this journey, I’m here to debunk these myths so you can focus on what really matters.

Myth 1: You Need a Massive Following to Start

Many founders believe they need a huge audience before they can share their journey. This is simply not true. You can start building in public with a small but engaged audience.

Reality Check:

• What works: Sharing your process, challenges, and wins with even a handful of followers can create meaningful interactions.
• Cost: Time spent waiting for a larger audience is time wasted. Start now; your journey is valuable regardless of your follower count.

Myth 2: Transparency Means Sharing Everything

Some believe that building in public means you have to share every single detail of your project, including financials, failures, and personal struggles. While transparency is important, overexposure can lead to burnout and privacy concerns.

Reality Check:

• What works: Share highlights and key learnings without exposing every aspect of your process.
• Cost: Oversharing can lead to anxiety and a lack of focus on your core project.

Myth 3: It’s All About the Hype

There's a misconception that building in public is just about generating hype. Sure, excitement can be beneficial, but it shouldn’t be the primary focus. Instead, prioritize consistency and genuine engagement.

Reality Check:

• What works: Regular updates and honest conversations with your audience build trust over time.
• Cost: Chasing virality often leads to superficial interactions and missed opportunities for real connections.

Myth 4: You Must Use Every Social Media Platform

Many think that to build in public, you have to be everywhere—Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, etc. This can dilute your efforts and overwhelm you.

Reality Check:

• What works: Choose one or two platforms that align with your audience and focus on those.
• Cost: Spreading yourself too thin can lead to burnout and ineffective communication.

Myth 5: Building in Public Guarantees Success

While sharing your journey can attract interest, it doesn't guarantee that your project will succeed. Many factors contribute to success, and building in public is just one piece of the puzzle.

Reality Check:

• What works: Use the feedback and engagement from building in public to iterate and improve your project.
• Cost: Expecting success solely from public engagement can lead to disappointment and discouragement.

Conclusion: Start Here to Build Smarter

To truly benefit from building in public, start by focusing on authenticity, engagement, and consistency. Don’t get caught up in the myths that can derail your efforts. Choose your platforms wisely, share what feels right, and remember that your journey is valuable regardless of the audience size.

If you’re ready to dive into building in public, start by sharing your current project status on your preferred platform. Keep it real, and the right audience will find you.