We talk a lot about ICP. We DON'T talk enough about ECP (early customer profile). Maja Voje said it best! Most startups want to jump right to defining their ICP, but they skip a step... The early customer profile. This is the critical step connecting free users with paying customers. As Maja Voje says: "Before you can win your “ideal customer,” you have to make peace with the fact that, more often than not, you will have to work your way up the market to get there." Before there is ideal, there is early. Your early customer profile (ECP) might fit into one of Maja's 5 archetypes: 1) Digital transformer 2) Underdog supporter 3) Visionary founder 4) Tech enthusiast 5) Game changer Would you add any other archetypes?
That is SO well put! Most people simply do NOT think about their early customers. They just think their first customer will be the same as their thousandth. Experienced marketers and founders are well aware that you can't have the same approach you expect to have on Day 100 on Day 1. Test the waters with the type of people who don't need to see your 17 page portfolio and who are excited to test something in the MVP stage because that's who they are and they are THAT invested in finding a solution that genuinely works for them!
Ohh I love this, 100% Product Marketing Alliance
The Early Customer Profile (ECP) is crucial for startups. It helps bridge the gap between free users and paying customers, ensuring that the product meets market needs. As Maja Voje highlights, before targeting the Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), startups must first engage with early adopters who can provide valuable feedback and support product development. This step is essential for long-term success.
Love this Maja Voje 🔥🔥
Thanks for reposting, a good reminder :)
CEO@SureRev.AI The FIRST and ONLY SAAS Platform that defines GTM strategy, aligns execution & teams
3wRather than get behind a new term, I prefer defining your ICP iteratively and evolving it. ICP definitions can work nicely with the segments defined in the crossing the chasm book - early majority to laggards. Just define as part of the profile where your customers lie in the adoption curve? Want to define your ICP in the snap of a finger - reach out - building a cool new platform for it @SureRev.AI