Launching your first digital product is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming.
The good news?
Most mistakes are predictable — and preventable.
In this post, I’ll show you the 5 most common mistakes first-time founders make when launching their first product, plus simple ways you can avoid them and set yourself up for success.
Let’s get into it 👇
❌ Mistake 1: Building Before Validating
Many creators pour weeks (or months) into building a product…
Without ever validating if people actually want it.
Building first and asking questions later is risky — and often ends in disappointment.
✅ The fix:
Before you build, validate.
Survey your audience. Pre-sell your product. Post about the problem you solve and gauge interest.
Get proof that people want what you’re making.
❌ Mistake 2: Trying to Launch “Everything” at Once
Your first launch doesn’t need a full website, logo, fancy funnel, and 10 social media accounts.
First-time founders often overcomplicate the launch, thinking they need a perfect brand presence from day one.
✅ The fix:
Focus on an MVP (minimum viable product) and an MVA (minimum viable audience).
A landing page + an email list is enough to start.
Launch simple. Grow sophisticated later.
❌ Mistake 3: Waiting Too Long to Launch
Many founders get stuck in endless “tweaking mode” — adjusting the copy, redesigning the graphics, recording a new intro video.
Perfectionism kills momentum.
✅ The fix:
Set a hard launch date and commit to shipping — even if it’s 70–80% “perfect.”
Your first launch is about learning, not hitting a home run.
Done is better than perfect.
❌ Mistake 4: Not Building an Audience Early
If you build it, they won’t necessarily come.
Many first-time founders create a product and then realize they don’t have anyone ready to buy it.
✅ The fix:
Start building your audience while you’re building your product.
Post content, share behind-the-scenes, start conversations.
Create buzz early.
Your audience is your launch fuel.
❌ Mistake 5: Underpricing (or Overcomplicating) the Offer
When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to second-guess your pricing — often going too low or trying to stack too much into one offer.
✅ The fix:
Keep it simple.
Price based on value delivered, not how long it took you to create.
Start with a beta offer if you’re unsure, and raise the price after initial validation.
Simple offer + clear outcome + fair price = sales.
💬 Final Thoughts
Launching your first product is a huge milestone — but it doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful.
Remember:
✅ Validate before you build
✅ Launch simply and quickly
✅ Build your audience alongside your product
✅ Deliver clear value at a fair price
You’ll learn more from your first imperfect launch than from years of planning and perfecting.
Start messy. Launch fast. Adjust as you grow.
🔥 Ready to launch & grow your digital biz like a pro?
Subscribe to the Launching Profits newsletter and I’ll send you my free 21 Creator Playbooks Bundle 🚀📚 — when you subscribe today! 👉 https://leighburke.kit.com/a99159c8c1
– Leigh Burke
Founder, Launching Profits
Melbourne, Australia
