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How to Build and Sell Software Effectively

· 4 min read

Building successful software requires both exceptional product development and strategic distribution. Here's a framework for achieving both.

Strategic Foundation

Vision & Mission

  • Vision: Define the future state you aim to create
  • Mission: Outline core actions driving toward that vision
  • Strategic Master Plan: Map key milestones from small wins to major goals

Build Process

Development Approach

  1. Start with PRFAQ (Press Release/FAQ) for customer alignment
  2. Leverage community feedback to identify pain points
  3. Set aggressive timeframes:
    • Features: 2 weeks max
    • Projects: 1 quarter max

Product Evaluation Framework

Track what we build and how they serve customers using a product map:

SolutionUse CaseJobs to Be DoneScore (Quality × Distribution)
[Feature grouping by audience or purpose][Specific feature][Scenario-driven task or goal][Impact assessment]

For example,

SolutionUse CaseJobs to Be DoneScore (Quality × Distribution)
Asset Mobility for Blockchain UsersBridgeFacilitate seamless transfer of assets across blockchain networks...
Transparency for Network ParticipantsCuckoo Scan (Mainnet)Provide users and developers with detailed mainnet transaction and block data...
Cuckoo Sepolia Scan (Testnet)Help developers explore and test in a sandbox environment...

Quality Assessment (Insanely Great Product Framework)

DimensionCore Question1 (Inadequate)3 (Good)5 (Insanely Great)
Magical ExperienceCreates delight?FrustratingPleasantUsers become evangelists
Aesthetic AppealThoughtful design?ClutteredCleanEssential, elegant
Technical ExcellenceSolves complex problems?BasicSolidMakes impossible effortless
Ecosystem FitSeamless integration?High frictionWorks wellOpens new possibilities
Market ImpactCategory transformation?Me-too productIncrementalCategory-defining

Distribution Assessment (Go-to-Market Framework)

DimensionCore Question1 (Inadequate)3 (Good)5 (Insanely Great)
Customer EngagementAttracts/retains?Poor retentionModerate loyaltyBrand evangelists
Brand PerceptionBrand strength?UnrecognizedTrustedIconic
Channel EffectivenessDistribution performance?Limited reachKey segments coveredWide, seamless reach
Marketing InnovationStrategy uniqueness?GenericSome uniquenessTrendsetter
Revenue GrowthSustainable growth?Minimal growthSteady growthMarket leader

Distribution Strategy

Early-Stage Tactics

  • Personalized outreach (cold DMs) - use strategically due to platform risks
  • Content-driven SEO (blogs + tools)
  • Carefully managed affiliate programs
  • Targeted lifecycle emails
  • Supplementary paid advertising

Best Practices

  1. Retention and Referral: Prioritize how to make the product sticky and easy to be recommended
  2. Continuous Feedback: Actively gather and incorporate user input
  3. Platform Selection: Use appropriate tools for each function

Measurement & Iteration

Continuously evaluate and adjust using tools above:

  1. Evaluate and score initiatives in the product master map
  2. Identify misalignments with vision/mission and user feedback
  3. Prioritize adjustments
  4. Update strategic plan as needed

With a centralized map detailing what, where, and how we serve customers—combined with metrics and market feedback—we can navigate iterations more confidently, ensuring every solution is well-managed and improvements are driven by clear, fact-backed insights.

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