Building distribution while developing an app/product/service is crucial for founders and entrepreneurs because it ensures their product is not only well-made but also well-received by the market. Here’s why:

1. Early Validation of Market Demand

• Testing distribution strategies helps validate that there is a real, accessible audience for your app.

• It provides feedback on messaging, positioning, and even product features before a full launch.

2. Reduces Risk of “Build It and They’ll Come” Failure

• Many apps fail because they focus solely on development, assuming users will show up once it’s launched.

• Building distribution ensures you already have interested users or customers ready to engage.

3. Better Resource Allocation

• Early distribution efforts can reveal which customer segments resonate most, allowing you to focus development on features that matter to them.

• It helps prioritize the right channels and strategies, saving time and money later.

4. Network Effects and Momentum

• Starting early allows you to build community, partnerships, and brand awareness that compound over time.

• By the time your app is ready, you’ll have a pre-built audience, reducing the time to scale.

5. Improved Investor Confidence

• Investors are more likely to back a founder who demonstrates not just technical ability but also traction and a clear path to market.

• Strong distribution signals readiness for scalability and profitability.

6. Faster Feedback Loop

• Engaging with potential users during development creates a feedback loop that sharpens your app’s value proposition.

• You can identify and address pain points more effectively, leading to a better product-market fit.

7. Distribution is Harder than Building

• While coding an app has a clear process, finding and convincing users to adopt it is less predictable.

• Starting distribution early gives you more time to experiment, fail, and refine your approach before relying on it post-launch.

By aligning product development with distribution efforts, founders can build an app that not only works but also succeeds in the marketplace.