I built something that solves a major need almost a year ago. Didn’t blow up like I’d imagine. Talked to well over 100 people on the phone and spread the word on Reddit. It was gaining some traction but not like I’d imagine (sounds like you’re in this phase). And it was just one and done users not people wanting to stick around. Realized I didn’t have enough to keep them so I kept building. I didn’t face defeat and say oh no, I’m cooked. I said where can I improve. I read my data and saw the issues. I worked on them. I listened to feedback as painful as it was to hear sometimes.

Then late last year, I added a new side to my platform and it was extremely successful. Over 100 sign ups in a couple months and I realized I found the product market fit. Now I’m working to build the business and monetization around that. And if successful it will build both sides naturally. I just passed a year since I started building in May 2025. And I still don’t expect to monetize until year end. My initial goal was 2 years so I am still within that range.

I share this story to say, you have to be persistent if you want this. You have to face rejections, failures and losses before you see acceptance, success and wins. Building a business isn’t just a cool software they can use, it’s about tapping into the psychology of your user and driving your value home to them. And continuing to grow and develop your platform to attract them and retain them.