Where to begin...

I've been building in public for a while now.

What's become clear is that it's less about strategy and more about showing up consistently. The work speaks when you let it.

Lately, I've been thinking about what actually matters when you're sharing your process. Not the polished updates or the milestone announcements. The real stuff.

What I've Noticed

Building in public means different things to different people. For me, it's been about documenting the journey as it happens. Not after the fact, not when it's perfect. Right now, while it's messy.

There's something honest about that. People can tell when you're sharing from the workbench versus when you're teaching from a stage.

Why It Works

I've noticed that the best connections happen when you're transparent about both the wins and the losses. Not in a performative way. Just real.

Early feedback has been invaluable. People see things you miss. They ask questions that force you to think differently. That's worth more than any marketing budget.

There's also accountability. When you commit publicly, you follow through. It's that simple.

And the learning compounds. You share what you're figuring out, and others share back. It becomes a conversation, not a broadcast.

What Actually Matters

Start before you're ready. I know that sounds like generic advice, but it's true. The perfect moment doesn't exist. Your early struggles are often your most relatable content.

Be genuinely transparent. Share when things break. Own mistakes. Authenticity builds trust faster than perfection ever will.

Document, don't create. You don't need separate content for building in public. Just document what you're already doing. Screenshots, quick updates, behind-the-scenes moments. That's the gold.

Choose your platforms wisely. Focus on one or two where your audience actually is. For me, that's been Twitter for quick updates and my blog for deeper thoughts. Don't spread yourself thin.

Share your process, not just results. People want to see how you think. How you solve problems. How you make decisions. The process is often more valuable than the outcome.

Engage with your audience. This is a two-way street. Respond to comments. Ask for feedback. Incorporate suggestions. Make people feel heard.

Set boundaries. You don't have to share everything. Decide what's off-limits and stick to it. Protect your competitive advantages and your personal space.

Use metrics and milestones. Share your numbers. But also share what those numbers mean. What you're learning from them. Context matters.

Tell stories, not just updates. Frame your updates as stories. What problem did you face? How did you solve it? What did you learn? Stories stick. Updates fade.

Be consistent, not perfect. Consistency beats perfection every time. A quick daily update is better than a polished weekly post that never gets published.

Common Mistakes

I've made most of these.

Oversharing. Not everything needs to be public. Protect what matters.

The comparison trap. Don't compare your chapter one to someone else's chapter ten. Everyone's journey is different.

Vanity metrics. Focus on meaningful engagement, not just follower counts.

Burnout. Building in public shouldn't add stress. If it does, scale back.

The Tools

I use Twitter for quick updates. LinkedIn for professional thoughts. My blog for deeper dives. A newsletter for direct connection with the people who actually care.

The tools matter less than the consistency. Pick what works and stick with it.

The Bottom Line

Building in public isn't about showing off. It's about inviting others into your journey. Being human. Being vulnerable. Being real.

You're not just building a product. You're building relationships. A community. A brand that people actually care about.

Start today. Share one thing you're working on. You might be surprised by the support and feedback you receive.

The goal isn't perfection. It's progress, transparency, and connection.