Product Habits - Invest in things that don't change

Invest in Things That Don't Change

There's this notion that technology constantly changes, and it's hard to keep up. David Heinemeier Hansson reminds us that it doesn't. There are certainly paradigm shifts, but they are rare. Most of the time, technology is about incremental improvement on enduring ideas. This read is a good reminder that it pays off to invest in things that remain relatively steady and compound in their value over time. 

How To Challenge SaaS Incumbents

Unless you survive as the first entrant in your sector, you will likely have to fight against a more significant competitor. It may seem impossible to enter a saturated market as a startup, but there's always room for great new products. You can do a handful of things, from lowering costs to focusing on a niche. Just make sure you're not trying to win by out-selling or out-spending. 

Startups Live and Die in a Multidimensional Landscape

Startups are challenging because a handful of things have to go right simultaneously for them to work. This article lists some of the most important dimensions. Two that resonate with me are: Make sure the problem you're looking to solve is real and understand your lasting competitive advantage. Check out the full list here. 

Visual Design Rules You Can Always Follow

There are so many things that can send web design in the wrong direction. I've always believed in the power of sticking to fundamental principles. This is a great list of visual design rules you can safely follow every time unless you have a good reason to break them. I follow these often: Saturate your neutrals, optimize for optical alignment, and use two typefaces at most. 

The Cynical PM Framework

Every seasoned PM knows that the priority should be user satisfaction. But you have to have clarity about your product's role in the business—otherwise, it can be challenging to have conversations about development prioritization, positioning, and success measurement. Here's how you can bridge the gap. 

Event Sponsorships for Customer Acquisition

Sponsoring events can be a great way to build your brand and acquire new customers. But most companies do it wrong, with outsized spending and underwhelming impact. This was an interesting thread about how Brex fully utilized its sponsorship at the SaaStr annual conference. The big takeaway: Don't just pay for sponsorship and show up at your booth thinking it will make a difference. 

Email Marketing Regulations Around the World

As the world becomes more and more connected, email marketing regulation has become more and more complex. If email marketing is part of your business, especially if your customers are located in multiple countries, this guide is worth bookmarking. 

Reaching the Magical First 1,000 Customers

When Kinsta launched in 2013, the team couldn't yet imagine having 1,000 paying customers. The company has now far surpassed that number. This is a worthwhile read about how to get those magical first thousand customers. It starts with the most important thing: making sure you're solving a good problem. This is the playbook the team used to grow early on.