Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

I can relate on the one hand but I also have a potential partial solution for you.

Early on, one of the choices I made as a solo founder was to put a note under my products asking existing customers to contact me for a loyalty discount.

This could’ve been automated of course, but now I routinely get emails from customers and they constantly say kind words about the software, make suggestions and provide encouragement.

Plus you can see their email signatures and links to understand who your customers are. You can ask them questions, even working collaboratively. You start having regulars who reach out.

It helps a lot because it creates a better sense that what you’re building is actually a part of people’s lives.



This is a great idea that could extend to alternating one week on product building vs one week in market interacting.

The solitude can be real.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: