Should You ‘Build in Public’?

“Build in public.”

Everyone says it, but few do it… probably because building in public comes with obvious consequences (more on that another day).

But for now, here’s why you might want to build in public.

Why you might love building in public

You’ll get more exposure in certain circles

Being open about your revenue, user numbers, and other metrics can help you gain traction with content.

This attracts attention, especially from fellow builders. It can also help with growth.

You’ll get more feedback

If you explain to the world what you’re doing, they might tell you why you’re wrong—and that could be just the thing you need to upgrade your strategy.

Building in public opens your work to criticism, which can be helpful as long as it’s coming from the right people.

You’ll build a closer connection with your audience

It’s easier to win loyal supporters if they feel like you’re transparent and open with them.

There’s a chance that, if we weren’t so transparent, Stacked Marketer might not have gained as many loyal readers.

You’ll earn more authority with your audience and customers

Operating in the open tends to build more credibility than operating in the shadows.

Depending on what your goal is, this can be good.

It’s motivating

It’s easy to procrastinate and not do things when nobody else is watching.

But when you have eyes on you, you’re more likely to hold yourself accountable.

Why you might NOT love building in public

Here’s why you might hate building in public, based on our experience:

Being transparent means being vulnerable…

…and you might not like that. Under the veneer of every company, there are mistakes and inefficiencies and insecurities.

Building in public exposes some of those.

If your product needs to be perfect to sell—like, say, a medical product—then building in public might be detrimental.

People might not care

Depending on what your product is, there’s a chance people just don’t care about hearing your learned experience. Evaluate whether there’s an audience for your insights.

It could give your competition good ideas

While it’s true that obsessing about competition isn’t usually productive, it’s also true that revealing your strategies in public might give your competitors insight into why and how you’re doing so well.

Choose what you share carefully.

You could get lots of unwanted criticism

If you can’t take the heat, don’t give people the opportunity to dish it.

There have been plenty of times when founders on Twitter have been dragged over the coals for controversial insights about their business.

Decide if you want that to be you.

In summary?

If the things above sound good to you, consider building in public.

It’s scary, but you can reap serious rewards.

Regardless of what you decide to do, we wish you happy building, publicly, privately, or otherwise.

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