Transitioning from tech builder to marketer: How do you reach a niche hobbyist audience that doesn't hang out on traditional tech channels?
Hey everyone!
I've been deep in the trenches building Coin Error Expert—an end-to-end platform handling AI-powered coin scanning, error attribution, and marketplace cross-listing.
While the tech side (Supabase backend, multi-LLM vision routing, PWA architecture) has come together nicely, my biggest focus right now is marketing. Because my target audience consists of numismatists and coin collectors rather than traditional SaaS users, standard tech-growth channels don't always apply. Many of my potential users hang out in physical coin shops, local clubs, or specialized forums rather than Product Hunt or tech spaces.
For founders who have marketed software or platforms to traditional hobbyists or non-tech-native niches:
What outreach channels or grassroots methods actually moved the needle for you?
How did you bridge the gap between building software and speaking the everyday language of a traditional community?
Would love to hear what worked (or didn't work) for you!
Nudge
You did the work. Now get paid for it.
Comments (6)
Hi Melissa, in your particular case I would try using applications like https://saashive.com/products/earlycustomers. This kind of applications monitor conversations on Reddit, X and other social networks and if there is a question or discussion related to your target audience/niche/keywords configured, you will receive a notification with a link to that conversation. This way you can join the right conversation on time, answer questions, and naturally mention your product.
Hello Sergey,
That’s a great suggestion, Sergey! Social listening tools like that sound super helpful for finding relevant discussions at the right time. I’ll check it out—thanks for sharing the link!
Melissa, error coin collecting already has its own tight community, CONECA and error focused Facebook groups get more real engagement from this crowd than general coin subs ever will. One thing that could move the needle fast: bring the scanner physically to a coin show table and let people scan their own coins on the spot, that hands on moment tends to spread through word of mouth in this hobby faster than any online post. Coin shops that already handle grading submissions could be a channel too, error coins cross their counter constantly and they would want something that speeds up their own attribution.
Spot on, Stacy! Taking it directly to coin shows and shops where attribution is already happening every day is a fantastic idea. That hands-on word of mouth is huge in this community. Thanks for the great advice!
I relate to this through building Crazy Sajangnim, my fashion-sale discovery and co-shopping platform. Founder communities have helped me improve the product and explain its value, but most fashion shoppers are not looking for new tools on Product Hunt or SaaS forums. They are discussing brands, sizing, styling, and purchases in fashion communities, Instagram messages, Reddit threads, and group chats.
What I am learning is that I cannot lead with the technology. Shoppers care less about the stack and more about whether the platform helps them find a favorite brand on sale or get a trustworthy second opinion before buying something. I try to use the community’s everyday language, participate in existing conversations, and share genuinely useful finds before promoting the product.
For Coin Error Expert, local coin clubs and shops could be especially valuable because trust already exists there. A small live demonstration, collector-specific guide, or partnership with a respected shop owner may carry more weight than a broad online campaign. I am still learning this transition myself, but direct conversations with niche users have taught me much more than simply posting a product link.
Such valuable advice, Jinny! Focusing on the collector's direct problem rather than the tech and meeting them in local clubs makes complete sense. Thanks for sharing your experience from Crazy Sajangnim
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