My friend and I are working on a startup called Officehours. The first stage was a mentoring tool. Now, we’re expanding it with a newsfeed (https://officehours.io/streams) containing articles and product launches.<p>I’m struggling with the product launch aspect. Few startup folks know about it, so I’m reaching out individually, asking folks to post launches there. (This is made harder because we require folks to complete a profile before they can do so.)<p>On one level, I contemplate approaching this like Product Hunt, and adding launches for others. I don’t like this idea though as it takes the control away from them (and it’d look like I’m the only one posting content).<p>So, my question: Do I keep reaching out to folks, and just putting in the time, knowing it will grow eventually (we did just release it)? Or, do I say “screw it” and add others’ products without their knowledge? Or, is there some other approach I haven’t considered?
Do you mind if I ask how you decided a newsfeed with articles and product launches is the best direction to move your startup in? Did you consider other angles and discuss with your potential customer segment what their biggest pain points are? Usually, something isn't gaining traction because you are going about it in the wrong way, or you're not solving a pain point that is big enough.
1. "made harder because we require folks to complete a profile before they can do so". Can you make it easier?<p>2. If you're promoting someone's else's launch seems like they'd be happy about it.