Why smart builders never launch without a waitlist

Hey builders,

After shipping dozens of MVPs with clients and going through hundreds of podcasts and content around building:

The fastest way to validate an idea isn't to start coding.

It's to build in public while you grow a waitlist.

Most builders get this wrong. They spend months building in secret and then launch to no one.

After removing all the noise from everything I've learned, here's what actually works:

Step 1: Pick and validate your idea

• Use personal audit system or the validated market approach to choose an idea that solves a real problem
• Don't jump into development until you have validated the idea (give this max 2 days)
• Spend time understanding who actually has this problem

Step 2: Create a waitlist page

Write clear copy about:
• The problem you're solving
• How your product helps
• Why people should care

Keep it simple: one strong headline, a short benefit sentence, and a signup form.

Step 3: Start building in public

• Set up social accounts (X is the easiest place to start)
• Post small updates every day: what you learned, what you shipped, screenshots, behind-the-scenes thoughts
• Add a link to your waitlist in every post

Even if only a few posts do well, you could have 100+ people on your waitlist before launch in the next 4 weeks.

Step 4: Keep your list excited

• Send short, friendly emails while you build (Use Mailchimp)
• Share progress, early designs, and lessons learned
• Make people feel part of the journey

This keeps them engaged instead of forgetting about you.

Step 5: Launch with momentum

When your product is ready:
• Give early access to your waitlist first to reward them for joining early
• Then launch publicly on X, Reddit, Product Hunt, etc.
• This mix of waitlist users and public launch helps you get your first 10 customers fast

Why building in public works:

• Stay accountable (public pressure keeps you shipping)
• Attract early users and feedback before you're done building
• Launch with energy instead of stress
• Know people want your product before you spend weeks building it

The bottom line:

Right now, I’m restructuring AI MVP Builders so members get a clear path from start to finish:

Fundamentals → Ideation → Build → Launch (get first 10 customers) → Grow to $1K MRR (organic + paid strategies).

The new Fundamentals, Ideation, and the updated Build modules go live next week.

The price will rise to $57/month after that. If you join now, you lock in $45/month for life.

👉🏻 Lock in $45/mo forever

Keep building,
~ Prajwal

PS: The builders inside AI MVP Builders are already doing this together - sharing progress, celebrating wins, and helping each other stay consistent. It's the accountability you need to actually follow through.