Forget Going Viral - How to Get Traction the Old-Fashioned Way

Well, well, well, my friends. Before we start talking about startup growth tactics, we need to separate fact from fiction.

You've surely heard the tall tales before - some magical new app launches and BOOM! They gain a billion users overnight and the founder becomes an instant billionaire unicorn.

Riiiiight...and I've got a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn or Pretoria!

Let's keep it 💯 - even giants like Facebook leaned hard on old-fashioned hustle and grit before going “viral.” They relentlessly pounded the pavement for years before suddenly exploding.

But too many bright-eyed founders today have their heads in the clouds chasing pipe dreams of virality and instant traction. Spending endless energy on crazy PR stunts versus having genuine conversations with real users. Obsessing over hypothetical inbound leads instead of relentlessly prospecting.

So, how do you and I gain real, sustainable traction without chasing rainbows?

Deliver Real Value

Cut the fluff, people. Build something your customers truly adore and can't live without. Make their lives SO much better, they can't shut up about you. Nail the basics beyond any shadow of a doubt.

Target a Specific Niche

Don't shotgun spray the whole market, hoping to please everyone. Zero in on one niche audience absolutely fiending for your solution. Cater to them like your life depends on it. Own that niche completely before expanding your empire.

Foster Genuine Relationships

This ain’t about faceless “users”; it’s about connecting with real humans. Building rapport and goodwill over time. Engage authentically - listen, care, and build trust. This creates an army of loyal brand advocates.

Go After Blue Ocean Opportunities

Want an unconventional growth move? Read Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim. Total game changer for how I approach products and marketing now.

I brought that mindset into creating a hip organic farmer's market in my neighbourhood. It was an underserved niche I saw. And yo, ended up getting mad press coverage - featured in The Guardian! Reached 11 million readers. Pretty neat way to slay a saturated market.

The key is laying strong foundations through focused value, niche expertise, and genuine human relationships. That’s how you win the long game, not through short-term gimmicks.

Play the long game, my friends. Consistency and hustle always win out over chasing quick mirages.

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