Your first 100 users: the 5 channels that work for AI tools
The five channels that bring real users to new AI tools — and how much effort each one takes.
By the AI Alt Finder team
Your first 100 users don't come from one miracle channel: they come from five boring channels executed consistently. Here they are, ranked by effort-to-return for AI tools.
1. Directories and aggregators
The best effort-to-return ratio there is: one afternoon of well-made listings produces qualified visits for months. Start with your category's directories and the general AI ones (like AI Alt Finder).
2. Communities where your user already is
Reddit, Discord, and niche forums convert better than any social network — if you contribute before you link. Answer real questions and link your tool only when it solves the thread's problem.
3. SEO content with concrete intent
"How to do X" and "alternatives to Y" articles bring users who are already looking for a solution. Two good articles a month beat twenty mediocre ones.
4. Build in public
Narrating the process on X/LinkedIn builds a small but loyal audience. It pays off on a months-long horizon; start before you need it.
5. Your first users, one by one
Personally message 30 people who have the problem. It's slow, it doesn't scale, and that's exactly why it works: real feedback + first testimonials + first reviews.