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If you’re a founder aiming to build a viral product, here’s a step-by-step playbook inspired by top viral experts (Nikita Bier, Andrew Chen, Lenny Rachitsky) and current best practices: 1⃣ Nail the Core Value & Emotional Hook Identify a must-have, high-contrast value prop (what’s new/different?) Spark an emotional response (belonging, validation, fun) Validate with a small, niche user group before broad scaling 2️⃣ Integrate Virality into Your Architecture Early Think in growth loops, not just funnels (usage → invites → new users → more usage) Embed share prompts naturally in the user journey Make invitations super low-friction (one tap, no lengthy forms) 3️⃣ Prioritize Onboarding & Retention First Use frameworks like the Hooked Model (Trigger → Action → Reward → Investment) to keep people coming back Aim for strong Day 7 retention (~30%+) before going big on growth Continuously test & improve your onboarding flow 4️⃣ Build Sharing Right into Core Actions Virality should feel natural: sending a link, creating content, tagging friends Offer subtle incentives (access to special features or recognition) for invites Keep it dead-simple (pre-filled invites, 1-click shares) 5️⃣ Leverage Modern Distribution Channels Tap into where your audience hangs out: TikTok, IG Stories, Discord, etc. Seed with micro-influencers or community leaders early for authentic traction Use waitlists or referral codes to create buzz & FOMO 6️⃣ Rapid Experimentation & Iteration Run weekly experiments on invite copy, share flows, incentives Track success metrics: K-Factor, conversions from invites, retention impact Double down on what works, kill what doesn’t, and move fast 7️⃣ Robust Data & Analytics Setup Instrument full loops: invites sent → invites opened → sign-ups → next invites Track cohorts by channel, time, and variant Pair data insights with user interviews to learn the “why” behind the “what.” 8️⃣ Cultivate Community & Brand Engage power users: highlight them, host Q&As, give them a sense of ownership Consistent brand messaging to foster trust and pride in sharing Create ambassador programs for your most loyal advocates 9️⃣ Scale Strategically Partner with complementary products for cross-promo Localize strategies for new markets—adapt messaging & find local influencers Constantly explore new platforms and stay ahead of trends 🔟 Sustain & Improve Over Time Keep refining your core features and user experience Adjust loops as user behaviors shift Ensure reliability (no crashes!), responsive support, and strong moderation tools. -- Viral success doesn’t come from one magic trick—it’s the interplay of product value, emotional resonance, frictionless sharing, continuous iteration, and strong community. If you want personalized advice for building a viral product, check out the experts on intro.co

Building a healthcare startup? The founder of PillPack (acq. by Amazon for $1B) just joined Intro. TJ Parker can advise you on: ✔️ Fundraising for startups ✔️ Launching and scaling a startup ✔️ Strategic partnerships ✔️ Navigating the healthcare industry ✔️ ... and other startup struggles! View all Intro experts: https://lnkd.in/gjeJREjg

"I wish on you ample doses of pain and suffering" Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang didn't hold his punches on this advice to students. Setbacks are opportunities. They refine your character. "Resilience matters in success" "I hope suffering happens to you" *** Enjoy this? Follow Intro for more

Ready to launch your own DTC fashion brand? Here’s a step-by-step guide inspired by experts on Intro like the founders of Bonobos, Everlane, & more: 1⃣ Identify your niche & unique value Find unmet needs in DTC fashion, such as size-inclusive activewear or ethical men’s basics Stand out with sustainability, pricing transparency, or innovative fit algorithms Validate your idea by using Instagram polls or MVP samples to ensure demand 2⃣ Understand your ideal customer profile (ICP) Create buyer personas: Detail your target audience’s age, lifestyle, and pain points Engage online: Join fashion forums and social groups to gather insights 3⃣ Develop a signature product line Start small: Launch with a hero product or a curated capsule collection Prototype & refine: Perfect your product’s quality, fit, and comfort with designers 4⃣ Secure a reliable, ethical supply chain Find manufacturers: Use platforms like Maker’s Row or Alibaba, ensuring quality and sustainability Prioritize ethics: Consider certifications like GOTS 5⃣ Craft a compelling brand narrative Brand story: Share your inspiration, such as combating fast fashion or promoting inclusivity Visual identity: Develop a cohesive branding package with a memorable logo and consistent typography 6⃣ Build a high-converting website Choose the right platform: Shopify is great Optimize UX: Ensure clear categories, high-quality images, and a seamless checkout process Incorporate trust signals like customer testimonials 7⃣ Start building an audience before you launch Email waitlist: Capture emails pre-launch with incentives like discounts or early access Social media presence: Focus on Instagram and TikTok. Partner with micro-influencers to generate organic buzz 8⃣ Leverage PR and earned media Press outreach: Connect with fashion bloggers and podcasters with unique story angles Host virtual trunk shows or pop-up previews to build personal connections 9⃣ Execute a strategic launch Limited, exclusive launch: Time your launch with seasonal trends and create urgency with limited inventory Create buzz: Portray a sold-out scenario and engage your community with thank-yous Launch effective paid ads 🔟 Post-launch operations & optimization Ensure reliable shipping and responsive customer support Use surveys to gather insights and improve your offerings Expand your product line based on demand and foster community through content marketing 1⃣1⃣ Long-term growth & sustainability Add complementary products that align with your brand story Collaborate with other DTC brands or influencers to reach new audiences Consider pop-up shops or selective wholesale partnerships to expand your reach -- There you have it! If you need personalized advice to take your fashion brand to the next level, find an expert on intro.co. Some fan favorites: 1) Hillary Super (Victoria's Secret) 2) Andy Dunn (Bonobos) 3) Michael Preysman (Everlane) 4) Heidi Zack (ThirdLove) 5) Paul Raffin (Express)

"The most junior person can overrule the most senior person if they have data" "In every meeting I attend, I speak last" The more I study Bezos, the more I grow to love his practical leadership by example. You can prioritize meritocracy and data-driven decision making with this simple step. Foster a safe and inviting environment for the junior folks to share. Bezos on culture: *** Follow Intro for daily advice from the world's best entrepreneurs

"It's more impressive to convince 100s of customers to believe in you than 3 investors." Daniella Pierson (Founder of The Newsette, valued at $200 million) -- Want Daniella as your advisor? Subscribe to her on Intro.

Trying to solve "The Cold Start Problem"? Book Andrew Chen to get advice on: ✔️ Fundraising for your tech startup ✔️ Jumpstarting growth ✔️ How to go from 0 to 1 ✔️ Consumer tech ✔️ ... and more Book me on Intro: https://lnkd.in/gjeJREjg

"Looking back on my life, I want to have minimized the number of regrets I have" "I knew that when I was 80" "I wouldn't have regretted trying this" Here's how Jeff Bezos decided to start Amazon: -- Follow Intro to learn how the world's most successful entrepreneurs built $100M+ businesses.

Exciting news! I’m now on Intro to help founders and leaders scale impactful businesses and navigate the toughest challenges. As the founder of Wondery, I scaled the largest storytelling podcast network, acquired by Amazon for $300M in just 5 years, having raised only $18M. As CEO of Fox International Channels, I grew operations to $3B+, launched global hits like The Walking Dead, and worked alongside incredible colleagues who went on to lead divisions, start businesses and shape culture. Here’s how I can help: ✔️ Launching and scaling startups ✔️ Fundraising strategies ✔️ Building toward an exit ✔️ Hiring and retaining top talent ✔️ Expanding global operations Honored to be on Intro alongside world-class experts like Jim Safka (Former CEO of Match & Ask), Jeff Gelfuso (Former CPXO at Workday; Exec @ Amazon, Meta, Microsoft), Paul Marvucic (Marketing exec @ YouTube, TikTok & Patreon), Andy Beach (CTO for Media & Entertainment @ Microsoft), Ben Yahalom (President of True Classic, $100M+ valuation), Carl Ellsworth (Screenwriter of Disturbia & Red Eye), Matt Bendett (Co-Founder at Peerspace), and Camille Moore (Brand Strategy & Storytelling Expert). Let’s connect! Book here: https://lnkd.in/gx_3adyf (the link is also on my profile). At launch, 50% of proceeds will support StartOut.

"We did it for 5 years." "We built 15 apps." "We were about to shut down" "The 15th app went straight to number 1 in the App Store" "Right as we were turning off the lights" Nikita Bier sharing about the long road to an overnight success ($100M+ in exits to Discord & Meta) -- Working on an app? Subscribe to Nikita on Intro.