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Introducing Build In Public Issue #1

Introducing Build In Public Issue #1
By KP • Issue #1 • View online

Hello everyone,
I’m KP — welcome to the very 1st edition of Build In Public, a newsletter about how makers and founders are building an audience for their products by building in public. Each week, I interview one prolific creator and unpack insights, strategies, and actionable advice that can be helpful in your own journey.
Today, for the inaugural edition, my guest is someone who’s been a close friend of mine and a rising star in the VC/founder community.
His 5-month-old newsletter is growing at a blazing rate with thousands of raving fans and supporters on Twitter. Each week, through his reports, he inspires ambitious creators to bet on interesting markets, uncovers hidden opportunities within upcoming trends.
“My reports are for those of us who see possibilities in the darkest of times,” he quipped in a report written in the middle of the pandemic giving hope to readers. His work inspires people to take action, offers exposure to niches many might ignore and gives you a glimpse of the future before it is here.
He is a trend spotter, a trendsetter and I genuinely hope you already know who I’m talking about.
It is none other than Dru Riley, the creator of Trends.vc.

Want to read the full interview on the site instead? Click here.

ORIGIN STORY:
What was the origin story behind Trends.vc?
My main project wasn’t getting traction. Trends was a way to blow off steam. When it started getting more attention than the original project, I switched gears. Writing an essay on this right now.
How would you describe Trends to folks who may have never heard about it?
Trends.vc gives founders and investors weekly reports on new markets and ideas. Usually less than 1K words. High signal-to-noise.
Who did you share your v1 with?
I shared the idea with ZT1. And the report with Twitter.

THOUGHTS ON BUILDING AN AUDIENCE:
Did you have an existing audience before Trends?
I had a small list from a book I released chapter-by-chapter. The B2B SaaS Marketing Playbook. I didn’t use the list for Trends. Some of them found Trends organically.
What specific moves have helped you build an audience?
Focusing on quality and surrounding myself with great people.
How do you maintain a tight feedback loop with your audience?
It’s not advertised. But I have calls with Trends Pro members. Email replies also help. And Twitter. There’s no shortage of feedback.
THOUGHTS ON BUILDING IN PUBLIC:
When and where did you first discover the superpower of building in public?
There were two stages.
What makes it effective/special in your view?
It’s storytelling. And stories are powerful.
What was the 1st project/initiative you have built in public?
The B2B SaaS Marketing Playbook. I did daily stand ups organized by Janice on Indie Hackers.
What were some surprising lessons for you from that experience?
Not sure. I knew that social accountability was effective. Perhaps that’s why I initially avoided it.
Who are some of your favorite builders in public?
Pieter Levels. He inspired a lot of us.

THOUGHTS ON DOWNSIDE:
If you were to argue for the downside of building in public, what would it be?
It may not be for you if you don’t have a moat. Or if your prospective customers or employees don’t care.
Trends #0015 — Open Startups breaks this down

THOUGHTS ON FUTURE:
What goals do you have for the future for Trends?
Community is up next. Then a fund. Both will be unique.

CLOSING THOUGHTS:
What’s the most important decision you’ve taken in the last 18 months?
Going to an Indie Hackers Atlanta meetup. That night:
  • I joined ZT1
  • Met my accountability partner Jason
  • And my friend Osama
These people changed my life.
‍How can people reach you on the Internet?
I’m @DruRly on Twitter. If you’re subscribed to Trends, reply to get in touch.

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KP
By KP

Build In Public is a newsletter covering prolific creators who are taking an audience-first approach in building products with a healthy dose of tips, techniques and actionable advice that you can use.

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