Where a solo product can find oxygen
Vertical B2B
Higher price and fewer customers can offset founder-led sales, provided the niche is reachable.
Developer tools
Documentation and open-source distribution can work when the founder is the user and the first success is fast.
Prosumer
Audience-led distribution is possible, but lower prices bring higher churn and support volume.
AI-native
Use caps, metering, and a price model that keeps variable inference cost visible.
Launch sequence
01
Before launch
Choose one channel and speak with buyers about past behaviour.
EvidenceChoose one channel and speak with buyers about past behaviour.
02
Weeks 1–4
Measure time to first outcome and the cost of serving the first cohort.
LearningMeasure time to first outcome and the cost of serving the first cohort.
03
Weeks 5–8
Improve activation, documentation, and the channel that actually produced value.
RepeatImprove activation, documentation, and the channel that actually produced value.
04
Weeks 9–12
Only then add a second channel or a broader product surface.
CapacityOnly then add a second channel or a broader product surface.
The source research treats audience, activation, and founder workload as one system. A channel that produces signups but not outcomes is not distribution yet.