7 Myths About Building in Public: What Most People Get Wrong

Building in public has become a buzzword among indie hackers and solo founders, but there’s a lot of misinformation floating around. As someone who’s been knee-deep in this for a while now, I can tell you: not everything you hear is true. Whether you're just starting out or you've been shipping projects for years, debunking these myths can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

Myth 1: You Need a Huge Audience to Start

Reality: You can start building in public with a small audience.

When I first began sharing my projects, I had less than 100 followers on Twitter. Sure, a larger audience can amplify your reach, but it’s not a prerequisite. Focus on sharing quality insights and engaging with others in your niche.

Tip: Start by sharing your progress on platforms like Twitter or Indie Hackers.

Myth 2: It’s All About Marketing Your Product

Reality: It’s about sharing the journey, not just the end result.

Many believe that building in public means constant promotion. In reality, it’s more about transparency and community engagement. You’ll build trust and relationships by sharing your struggles and wins, not just your product features.

Tip: Share your thought process, challenges faced, and lessons learned, not just the shiny product.

Myth 3: You Have to Share Everything

Reality: You can choose what to share.

Some folks think that building in public means baring your entire soul and every detail of your project. In truth, you can keep sensitive information private. It’s about finding a balance between being transparent and protecting your intellectual property.

Tip: Share enough to engage your audience, but keep critical business details under wraps.

Myth 4: Building in Public is Free

Reality: It can incur costs, both monetarily and emotionally.

While many platforms for sharing updates are free (like Twitter or a personal blog), there are costs associated with tools, marketing, and, sometimes, mental health. It can be draining to constantly share your journey, especially if you’re not seeing immediate results.

Tip: Set a budget for tools and consider mental health breaks when needed.

Myth 5: Everyone Will Love What You’re Doing

Reality: You’ll face criticism and rejection.

Not everyone will resonate with your journey or product. In fact, you might receive negative feedback or indifference. It’s part of the game. The key is to take constructive criticism seriously but not let it derail your progress.

Tip: Focus on your target audience and ignore the noise from those who don’t matter.

Myth 6: You Can’t Pivot Once You Start

Reality: Pivoting is often necessary.

Many believe that once you announce a project, you’re locked in. That’s not true. Markets change, and so do your ideas. If you realize that your initial concept isn’t working, it’s completely acceptable to pivot based on feedback and insights.

Tip: Keep your audience updated on any pivots; they’ll appreciate your honesty.

Myth 7: Building in Public is Just a Trend

Reality: It’s a sustainable approach for many creators.

While some may see building in public as a passing fad, I believe it’s here to stay. It fosters community and accountability, which are vital for indie hackers and solo founders. Plus, it can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.

Tip: Embrace the journey; it can lead to unexpected benefits beyond just product sales.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you’re new to building in public, start small. Share your journey with authenticity, focus on engaging with your audience, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary. Remember, it’s about the process as much as it is about the product.

Building in public can be a powerful tool for growth and connection when approached with the right mindset.