Y Combinator Question 22: How Do You Find People Who Are Willing to Use Your “Bad” First Version?
This question from Y Combinator revolves around identifying and engaging with early adopters who are willing to try out a less refined initial version of your product.
Part of the series:
Y Combinator: 40 Questions and 40 Answers
Y Combinator: 40 Questions and 40 Answers
1. Why Y Combinator Asks This Question
Y Combinator is interested in your approach to engaging early adopters who can provide the honest feedback necessary for iterating and improving your product.These initial users are often more forgiving of imperfections and more interested in helping shape the development of new solutions. Their feedback is critical to refining your product to better meet market needs.
2. How to Answer the Question
To answer effectively, you should discuss specific strategies for identifying and attracting these early adopters. This might involve targeting users who are known for being innovation enthusiasts within your industry, leveraging networks in tech incubators, or engaging with online communities that focus on the industry or problem your product addresses. Explain how you communicate the potential and vision of your product to these users, making them feel they are part of the development process. For instance, if your start-up is developing a new project management tool, you might reach out to project managers active in online forums or social media groups, offering them early access in exchange for detailed feedback.3. How NOT to Answer the Question
Avoid suggesting that any customer will do for testing your first version. Target users who are not only willing to try a new solution but who are also capable of providing constructive feedback and understand the iterative nature of tech start-ups. Explain how you’ll support these users, manage their expectations, and make them feel valued throughout the process.4. An Example, Based on a Tech Start-up
Consider a tech start-up, HealthTrack, that develops wearable devices to monitor chronic health conditions. Here’s how they might respond:- Finding Early Adopters: “We plan to initially engage with members of chronic illness support groups and wellness technology enthusiasts who are active in health-related online forums. These communities are full of proactive individuals who are continuously seeking better solutions to manage their health conditions.”
- Engagement Strategy: “By offering them a beta version of our wearable at a reduced cost, coupled with the promise of actively influencing the product development with their feedback, we can build a loyal user base from the outset. We’ll facilitate a closed beta program where these users can report issues, suggest features, and validate the effectiveness of the device in real-world settings.”
Y Combinator wants to know how start-ups plan to connect with and learn from early adopters, ensuring they leverage initial feedback to refine and perfect their product effectively.