How do you strike a balance between what your users want and your overall product vision?

By counting user votes using a feature request platform. When a significant number of users express interest in a feature and are willing to pay for it, it's time to consider incorporating it into your product vision.

Tricky balance for sure! I try to have a clear long-term vision but stay flexible on the details based on user feedback. If a ton of users are asking for something, even if it wasn't originally planned, I'll strongly consider it. But I still try to make sure any changes align with the overall direction and aren't just chasing the latest fad. Regular user surveys, interviews, and usage data help inform those calls. Also, transparent comms on the roadmap to set expectations.

I rely on a mix of user feedback (through feature requests and surveys) and data analytics to guide my product roadmap. If a significant number of users are requesting a feature and the data supports its potential value, I'll strongly consider building it to align with the overall vision. Customer-driven development balanced with a clear long-term strategy.

It's a constant balancing act between user requests and our product vision. We rely heavily on data from our feature request platform to gauge demand and willingness to pay. If enough users are strongly interested in something, we'll seriously consider it. But we also have to stay true to our core vision and avoid feature bloat. Regular user interviews help us dig deeper to really understand the 'why' behind the requests so we can address the underlying needs, even if it's not always in the exact way users initially suggest. Lots of communication and expectation-setting is key.

To strike a balance between user desires and the overall product vision, it's essential to establish clear objectives that align both user needs and business goals. Engaging in ongoing user research allows for informed decision-making, ensuring that product features meet real user demands while staying true to the vision

I made a funny Instagram reel to show how my product works. It got shared a lot and brought me new customers.

I used Instagram polls to ask people questions about my product. They got curious and wanted to try it.

I hosted a small meetup where I showed people how my product works. They loved it

I wrote a helpful blog post related to my product, and people started reaching out to learn more.

It depends on the stage of product development. If we’re building a startup, we focus on delivering unique value and a unique experience. This is why, in the early stages, it’s often impossible to gather sufficiently detailed data from research, and in some cases, relying on one’s own vision is the only option. However, studying the audience and market is, of course, essential. As the user base grows and the product starts generating revenue, the rules change. At this stage, the user becomes king. Any brilliant idea must be validated by user needs or thorough research.

I shared behind-the-scenes videos of how I made my product. People loved it and started following me.