Have an Actual Opinion

Have an Actual Opinion is a content & youtube tactic for getting your first users: Leaning into a distinct personality, strong opinions, and an authentic tone (even memes) instead of safe, neutral content that no one remembers.

It's a strong fit for Dev tools / technical and Newsletters / media teams, and works especially well for newsletters, dev tools, personal brands. As a content & youtube play, plan for low effort and expect results to show up quickly, all grounded in 2 linked primary sources.

Content & YouTubeLow effortFast

Why does content & youtube work for this?

Opinionated content earns higher opens, clicks, and conversions because it stands out and feels human; an authentic voice is far easier to keep up than a manufactured one.

The exact steps (4)

The full step-by-step this founder ran, what they posted, where, and in what order, plus the watch-outs, is part of the library.

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Frequently asked

What kind of products does the "Have an Actual Opinion" tactic work for?
It is a good fit for Dev tools / technical and Newsletters / media — pick it when your product looks like one of those, since the play is shaped around how those users find new tools.
How is the "Have an Actual Opinion" tactic verified?
It is drawn from 2 primary sources — real founder write-ups and interviews, not generic advice. They are linked in the Sources section above so you can read the original accounts yourself.
How much effort is it and how fast are results?
It is low effort, and results tend to be fast.
Where can I see the exact step-by-step?
The full step-by-step a founder ran, documented via HubSpot's 2025 State of Newsletters Report and Inside Supabase's Breakout Growth, is in the paid library.

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