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Most founders build in private, then launch with a bang. But the magic often happens between launches—when you’re shipping, learning, adjusting. This format helps you share that process, build momentum in public, and attract the right people by working in the open.

Building in Public

Show what you’re building, as you build it.

Engagement
Trust
Brand
Vulnerable
Insightful
Celebratory

What This Is

This is your “still in progress” format.

Use it to share what you’re building, what you’re learning, and how you’re making decisions in real time.

It’s less about polish—and more about participation.

When to Use This Format

Use this when:

  • You just shipped something and want to share what changed
  • You’re reflecting on a sprint, milestone, or experiment
  • You want feedback on a product or direction
  • You want to show how you think and operate
  • You’re trying to make early traction visible

Why This Works

People want to follow the story, not just see the end result.

When you build in public, your followers get context, not just conclusions.

They feel invested—and they want to come along for the ride.

In motion > done. Show people what you’re figuring out.”

Real Examples

1Just Shipped
“We launched self-serve signups this week. Took longer than planned, but helped us rethink how we frame value.”
Honest update + internal learning = resonance
2What Didn’t Work
“Tried a new homepage headline. CTR dropped 14%. Back to clarity over cleverness.”
Transparent iteration. Makes you trustworthy.
3Decision in Progress
“We’re rethinking whether this should be a product or a feature. Curious how others decide this.”
Invite to collaborate. Great for comment engagement.

TalkStories Prompt Pack

Answer these aloud. We’ll turn it into a live update.

  1. What did you just ship, change, or test?
  2. What surprised you or didn’t go as planned?
  3. What did you learn or realize?
  4. What decision are you still wrestling with?
  5. What would you want someone building behind you to know?

Your progress is the content.

Tone Variants

Tone Style Use Case Sample Hook
Tactical
Clear learning “We changed X. Here’s what happened.”
Vulnerable
Honest friction “We shipped the wrong thing last week.”
Celebratory
Momentum moment “Big week. Launched something we’re proud of.”
Insightful
Insight from motion “This sprint taught us more than expected.”
Conviction
Invite input “We’re debating this—curious what you’d do.”

Best Used When…

Use this to:

  • Keep your audience engaged between launches
  • Create a lightweight content rhythm
  • Invite feedback and build community
  • Show how you think—not just what you ship
  • Turn process into positioning

Also great for investor updates, product changelogs, and weekly standups in public.

Related Use Cases

Combine with:

Breakdowns & Reactions

React to news, launches, or strategies with insight.

Engagement
POV
Authority
Explore Breakdowns & Reactions

Customer Wins

Turn real results into proof that sells.

Pipeline
Trust
Brand
Explore Customer Wins

Vision & POV

Show where the world is going—and your place in it.

Thought Leadership
Brand
Pipeline
Explore Vision & POV

AI Output

You’ll get:

  • 3 headline options:
    • “We launched this—and learned way more than we expected.”
    • “This broke. Here’s how we’re fixing it.”
    • “Quick update: Feature X is live. Why it matters →”
  • 2–3 full post variants:
    • Short sprint recap
    • Story + lesson
    • Question + CTA
  • Suggested CTAs:
    • “Building something similar? Let’s compare notes.”
    • “Anything you’d do differently? Open to feedback.”
    • “This taught us something—might help others too.”
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