Beta launch

Private and public betas

A private beta is invite only: you pick the users, often from a waitlist, and talk to them often. A public beta is open to anyone, with a clear beta label so expectations are set. Many products run a private beta, then a public one, then drop the label at a launch.

What to measure

Activation: how many new users reach the moment the product proves useful. Retention: how many come back after a week. The questions people ask, which tell you what the product and the copy fail to explain. These matter more than sign up counts.

Launching a beta publicly

Launch platforms accept betas as long as people can use the product. Say it is a beta in the listing, explain what works today and what is coming, and invite feedback. Early adopters often enjoy shaping a product, and a beta launch can be followed later by a relaunch when the product is complete.

Exiting the beta

Drop the beta label when the core flow is reliable, support questions have shifted from bugs to feature requests, and you are comfortable charging full price. Announce it as a milestone: what changed during the beta, thanks to the people who helped, and what comes next. That announcement is a natural moment for a relaunch on the platforms where you first appeared.

Example

An AI writing tool opens a public beta, lists it on two launch platforms with a "beta" label, and uses the comments to choose its next three features.

Questions people ask

Should I charge during a beta?

Charging, even a small amount, tells you whether people value the product. Many founders offer a discounted beta price that is locked in for early users.