Telling your own story is just as important as telling the story of your product.
When I first started, I believed that as long as I built a great product, it would naturally become popular. But as I zoomed out, I realized the market is incredibly competitive. Having a good product alone isn’t enough to truly convince users.
That’s when I began building my presence on social media creating content about myself, sharing my journey, and talking about the product I’m building. I’ve come to see this as a very effective way to build trust and spark genuine interest not only in what I make, but also in who I am as a founder.
This is something that requires consistency. The impact might not be obvious right now, but over time, it builds credibility and long-term trust.
I think of it like a bank account. If we deposit a small amount every day, eventually it grows into meaningful capital. And that capital can help us unlock many opportunities in the future.
Besides Product Hunt, which social platforms do you use to build your personal brand? Which ones have been most effective for you?
Feel free to share your channels as well. I’d love to learn from everyone’s experience.
Replies
Good topic/thread.
Pretty much the same story except, was dormant while building the product. Now, slowly starting to engage again.
It was always true but given the state of AI acceleration, you are absolutely right and insightful (earlier in realization than most of us!), your own brand - your authenticity, your humanity - is what will differentiate in the world where everything else gets automated.
Future is back to Human. In person and in the digital/virtual realm.
I just came to PH to plan the product launch and so far, I like the UX and discourse. I am mostly on X. Other social media just doesn't work for me.
For me, storytelling changed everything. I use Twitter to share daily progress and honest struggles. That transparency builds trust over time. I don't chase virality anymore. I focus on consistency and real conversations with other founders in the space.
Murror
@itohan_blessing_eigbadon As you said, when a story makes the reader see themselves in it, it creates empathy and affection. And especially, the sincerity in your writing also plays a role.
Murror
@adebayo_fatima @viktorgems @busmark_w_nika It seems like everyone uses Linked in to tell your story a lot. I saw the potential of it, but what kind of storytelling do you think will get the best interaction and impact? Because I've tried writing stories too, but haven't been able to engage much. I love to hear your thoughts.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@adebayo_fatima @viktorgems @monatruong_murror Not totally stories, but learnings, position yourself as authority in some industry. But first, you need to know your goal :)
Murror
@adebayo_fatima @viktorgems @busmark_w_nika Thank you your sharing, Nika
This is so true. I used to believe the product would speak for itself too. I spent months building my app quietly - improving features, refining design, optimizing UX. But nothing really moved until I started sharing the story behind it.
Recently, one simple post about my app unexpectedly brought 120+ new users in a day. That was the moment I realized: people connect to people first, products second.
The “bad news” for me is that I’m not naturally a content person. My “blogger era” usually only comes alive during travel - a few Instagram stories and that’s it 😅
Writing about myself or my product sometimes feels uncomfortable, even a bit self-promotional.
But I’m slowly learning that if I want this hobby to turn into a real business, I have to build the distribution muscle too.
Murror
@virtualviki I believe everyone has their own strength when it comes to creating content. When you stay true to yourself, it brings authenticity and real connection. It doesn’t always have to be about the product, the way you present yourself already reflects how you build and shape what you create. Good luck!
Starting to share your journey consistently can help you get there easier, that is for sure. We've been using Instagram and LinkedIn mostly, what about you, which platforms do you use?
minimalist phone: creating folders
For me (and as I see in many founders), it is LinkedIn and X. But LinkedIn turned out to be the most profitable. People want to know who is behind the product :)
Yes, trust compounds. No, that doesn’t mean tweeting your feelings is a substitute for distribution, differentiation, or actual traction.
Murror
@rolodexter I think it's one of the catalysts that helps us in some way. Thanks, Joe