What’s the Deal with Building in Public?
If you’ve spent any time in the startup or creator space, you’ve probably heard about building in public. It’s this wild concept where founders share their startup journey—wins, fails, and all—on social media, newsletters, or blogs. Some swear by it, claiming it builds trust, attracts early users, and makes the whole startup grind feel less lonely. Others? They see it as a risky move that invites unnecessary scrutiny and distractions.
So, is building in public a game-changer or just another overhyped startup trend? Let’s break it down.
Why Founders Love Building in Public
1. Instant Feedback = Fewer Facepalm Moments
One of the biggest advantages of building in public is getting real-time feedback. Instead of launching into the void and praying people like your product, you can share updates, prototypes, and ideas with your audience. If something isn’t clicking, you’ll know early—before you sink months into development.
2. Build a Community, Not Just a Product
A startup without an audience feels like throwing a party no one knows about. Building in public creates a tribe of early believers who cheer you on, test your product, and spread the word. It’s marketing disguised as storytelling. And the best part? These early adopters can turn into loyal customers.
3. Authenticity Wins (and Builds Trust)
People love underdog stories. When you openly share struggles and milestones, you’re not just another faceless brand—you’re a real person on a journey. That authenticity builds trust, and trust converts followers into paying customers and investors.
4. Accountability Keeps You Moving
Ever found yourself slacking when no one’s watching? When you publicly share goals and updates, there’s a sense of accountability. People expect progress, and that extra pressure can push you to stay on track and keep shipping.
5. Potential Investors Take Notice
Investors are always on the lookout for promising startups with traction. A well-documented build-in-public journey is like an open pitch—it shows product evolution, engagement, and community interest. You might attract an investor before you even start fundraising.
But Wait… There’s a Dark Side
1. Public Failures Are, Well… Public
Building in public means everyone sees your wins—and your missteps. If a feature flops or a launch goes south, there’s no hiding it. While some people appreciate transparency, others might see it as a sign of instability or incompetence.
2. Competitors Can (and Will) Watch You
Sharing too much means giving away valuable insights to competitors. If your idea is truly unique, do you really want to hand over your playbook on a silver platter? Some founders keep their best strategies under wraps for a reason.
3. Distractions Can Kill Productivity
It’s easy to get caught up in the engagement game—chasing likes, writing threads, and responding to comments instead of actually building. Some founders spend more time documenting their journey than working on their product.
4. Not Everyone Likes Transparency
Some investors, partners, and even potential customers prefer a more polished, behind-the-scenes approach. If your brand revolves around constant pivots and open brainstorming, it could turn off people who value stability and a more traditional business approach.
So… Should You Build in Public?
If you’re a solo founder, indie hacker, or someone looking to grow an audience alongside your product, building in public is a no-brainer. It’s a powerful way to get feedback, build trust, and create a loyal following before you even launch.
But if your industry is hyper-competitive or your idea requires secrecy (think deep-tech or proprietary solutions), you might want to keep things more private. Balance is key—you can share insights and milestones without giving away the secret sauce.
It’s Not All or Nothing
Building in public isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. Some founders thrive in the spotlight, while others prefer working behind closed doors. The key is to find a balance—share enough to build trust and engagement, but not so much that it slows you down or exposes your vulnerabilities unnecessarily.
So, are you ready to take your startup journey public? Or would you rather stay in stealth mode and launch with a bang? Either way, the best approach is the one that works for you.
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