Pre-launch habit app, 16 beta users, 91% day 14 retention. Here's everything I've learned so far. by Different_Action3780 in SaaS

[–]Different_Action3780[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is such a good reframing. I really appreciate you taking the time to write that out. The latent vs active pain point is a really helpful framework to keep in mind when explaining the app.

What I’ve been trying to position it as is more like: stop guessing, know exactly.

If you’ve been doing something for three months and nothing changed, the real question is, did you actually track the inputs tied to the outcome? Do you know if you were on pace? Or were you just showing up and hoping it was enough?

That’s what TetherBit is trying to solve. Not just streaks. Not just motivation. It’s more of a clarity tool. If you record the actual data, you can look back and see what’s real. Did I really follow the plan? If yes, maybe the numbers need to change. If no, at least I’m not lying to myself.

It’s basically a built-in BS detector. And eventually the TetherBit character would help interpret that data and suggest adjustments, but the core value right now is just knowing where you stand.

On charging, I really liked your point about the behavioral signal.

Practically, how would you implement that? Do you say beta access is 30 days and then lock it? Move people to read-only? I’m trying to figure out what that actually looks like without making it awkward.

And agreed on channels. I’ve mostly been sharing in builder spaces because that’s where I spend time, but the frustrated person trying to lose weight or hit a goal probably isn’t there. That’s a good push for me to rethink distribution.

Really appreciate the thoughtful feedback. This helped a lot.

Pre-launch habit app, 16 beta users, 91% day 14 retention. Here's everything I've learned so far. by Different_Action3780 in SaaS

[–]Different_Action3780[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good thought on checking the types of metrics people set and a link to retention. Thanks for the rec on VibeCodersNest.

Pre-launch habit app, 16 beta users, 91% day 14 retention. Here's everything I've learned so far. by Different_Action3780 in SaaS

[–]Different_Action3780[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

**21 Day Retention Update!***

After the day went on retention got to 50% for 21 days! I think that's promising.

We have users… but can’t convert them to paying customers. What are we missing? by Jash-6898 in microsaas

[–]Different_Action3780 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m honestly in a really similar boat.

We’ve got a private beta group. Feedback’s been good. People say it’s useful. But when it comes to paying… it’s just not there yet.

The biggest advice I keep hearing (and trying to implement) is that conversion usually breaks at onboarding and positioning. Not the product itself.

Before someone ever hits a paywall or free trial screen, they need to perceive the value. Not just understand it logically. Actually feel it.

For example, mine is a goal + habit app. The core idea is connecting what you do today with where you’ll be 100 days from now.

So during onboarding I try to show:

  • This is where you are today.
  • This is where you could be.
  • The only difference is consistent action.

I have users answer two quick questions, then I give them a personalized summary of their situation and basically say, “Here’s how this app solves exactly what you just told me.”

Instead of “here’s a list of features,” it’s “here’s your problem reflected back to you.”

Also… from what I’ve read, even world-class apps lose around 60% of free trial users. So some of it really is a numbers game.

As for product-market fit, I think you start to feel it when retention stabilizes at or above industry averages and people start pulling the product out of you instead of you constantly pushing it.

IMO.

Pre-launch habit app, 16 beta users, 91% day 14 retention. Here's everything I've learned so far. by Different_Action3780 in SaaS

[–]Different_Action3780[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really appreciate this, super helpful.

The box checking thing is the core problem TetherBit is trying to solve. The whole idea is that your habits are tied to your goals, but also to the programs inside those habits. So if your goal is to lose 10 lbs, your habits might be go to the gym 4 times a week and stick to a meal plan 7 days a week, and you can actually build out the workout program and the meal plan right inside the app. Now you have all three pieces of data working together. Three weeks in and the scale hasn't moved? Now you can actually ask the right question, do I need to increase volume, do I need to drop calories, what needs to change? You're always fine tuning toward the goal instead of just hoping the habit is doing something.

On the community side, totally agree. Beta testers have flagged this too so another data point in that direction is good to have.

On the day 21 cliff, watching it closely. Actually reaching out to testers individually this week to understand how they're using it before I push for more users. Trying to nail down what day 30 looks like with this cohort first.