4/17/2025

Studying the Tools & Platforms That Facilitate Building in Public for Startups

Building in public has become a Benign Buzzword among startups, promising transparency, engagement, and direct feedback from potential users. It focuses on sharing the entire process of product development openly with an audience. This approach allows startups to connect with their audience, gather feedback early, and create products that truly meet users' needs. Amazing, right? But, how do startups, especially those with lean teams, achieve this? Let’s dive into the tools & platforms that make building in public a breeze!

Why Build in Public?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of tools, let's explore the why behind this paradigm shift. Building in public allows startups to:

Engage Early Adopters: By sharing your journey, you can find your earliest users/advocates before even launching the product. Getting them involved IN the process increases buy-in.
Receive Feedback: This lets your audience influence features and improvements based on real needs instead of assumptions. Feedback could save you from building something nobody wants!
Boost Transparency: Today’s consumers value honesty. Sharing failures & wins alike builds trust, showcasing the human side of your startup.
Create a Community: By fostering conversation around your product, you can develop a loyal audience. This community can also provide valuable insights and contributions.

Key Tools for Building in Public

Now, let’s get the lowdown on essential tools and platforms for effective public building. All aboard!

One of the best ways to kickstart your building in public journey is through social media. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are GREAT for sharing updates, engaging with followers, and building an audience. Tweet your progress, every new feature, and even setbacks. And let’s face it, everyone loves a good redemption arc!

2. Notion

Notion is your ultimate Swiss Army knife when building in public. This all-in-one workspace helps document your thoughts, progress, and ideas. Create a roadmap, outline your thoughts, and allow your audience to follow your journey. Imagine your followers getting a tangible insight into your ideas before they're even fleshed out!

3. Trello

Managing tasks can be a hassle but with tools like Trello, it’s SUPER SIMPLE! Using a Kanban-style board lets you visualize tasks and progress. Collaborate with team members without losing sight of your goals. Post updates about task completions on social media to engage your audience!

4. GitHub

If you're a tech startup, GitHub is your FRIEND. It’s not only for code collaboration but also a platform where you can showcase open-source projects, inviting contributions and feedback from developers. Engage your user base by sharing updates directly from the repository.

5. Canny

Can allows you to capture feedback easily. It’s a platform where users can see what’s being developed and suggest changes or features. It’s like having a suggestion box, but online! Crowdsource ideas directly from your audience, validating your roadmap with real input.

6. Loom

Ever wanted to explain something visually? Loom helps you RECORD YOUR SCREEN. You can share updates through quick videos, showing off new features or explaining changes and getting real-time responses. It’s a GREAT tool for asynchronous communication!

7. Arsturn

As you build in public, an indispensable part of your strategy is interaction with users or customers. Enter Arsturn! This AI chatbot builder allows you to create conversational chatbots tailored for your website without needing any coding skills. Boost engagement with instant responses to user inquiries or gathering feedback directly on your site. By using Arsturn, you can enhance audience connection and streamline operations effectively.

8. Google Docs

Google Docs is an oldie but a goodie. Perfect for managing documentation, and real-time collaboration allows your team and followers to get involved in the process. Share specs, drafts, or brainstorm sessions, inviting comments and suggestions.

9. Discord or Slack

For communication, tools like Discord or Slack can create a functional community hub. Ideal for keeping users engaged by creating dedicated channels for updates, discussions, or feature requests. Connecting with your community is crucial for any startup, so don't be shy!

10. Webinars & Live Streams

Platforms like YouTube or Twitch can host live sessions where you share progress, answer questions, and complete live coding sessions. This real-time interaction can generate excitement and involvement.

Best Practices for Building in Public

While the tools are GREAT, the right approaches make a difference. Here are some best practices for startups:

Be Honest & Authentic: Share not just the wins but also the struggles and failures. Users resonate with authenticity!
Regular Updates: Consistency is key. Update frequently to keep your audience engaged and informed.
Encourage Feedback: Use the tools above to actively solicit viewpoints. Users appreciate their voices heard.
Lines of Communication: Direct channels (like updates on Discord or Slack) increase engagement.
Community Engagement: Foster a community where users can share tips and advice between themselves!

Conclusion

Building in public is a powerful strategy for startups, allowing for authentic relationships with customers while improving the products they build. By leveraging tools like Notion, Trello, Loom, Canny, and most importantly, Arsturn, startups can engage their audience effectively, fostering a community that shares in the journey of development. Creating meaningful connections across digital channels has never been easier!

Whether you're just starting or you're knee-deep in development, embrace the building in public approach. With the right tools at your disposal, you can craft an engaging, transparent, and fruitful journey. So, strap in & get ready to share your journey with the world!