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Weekly Update 🎉: Almost There - Prepping for User Testing

Weekly Update 🎉: Almost There - Prepping for User Testing


TL;DR

  • We’re just a few tweaks away from entering user testing next week
  • Key fixes include improving frontend display of saves, refining search, and expanding platform coverage
  • Interviews for a Social Media Producer are underway, with final selections happening this week

Hi Everyone,

A lot has happened over the last two weeks! I was able to spend some time recharging with family and have since been focused on the critical pieces we need to get in place as we push toward launch. Let’s get into it.

Development Update

We’ve made a ton of progress lately, and the app is now very close to being ready for user testing. There are a few more pieces to button up this week, but once they’re resolved, we’ll be ready to get some users into the app. Here’s what’s on the checklist:

  • Processing Saves Outside the App:
    The backend is currently processing saves even when a user leaves the app, but that data isn’t making it to the frontend. Since the backend is working as expected, this is more of a frontend display issue, which we’re confident can be fixed within a few hours.
  • Search Functionality Improvements:
    We’ve been refining in-app search so users don’t need to type the exact name to find what they’re looking for. With over 1,000 test saves, some with messy data, it’s been hard to see our progress clearly. So, we’re wiping the database clean and starting fresh with better-structured data.
  • Save Platform Access Expansion:
    Nabb already supports a wide range of sites, but we identified a few quick fixes that could unlock access to even more. These updates are quick wins and should take just a few hours.
  • Other Minor Fixes:
    A few other nearly complete features just need final tweaks before we’re ready to go.

Overall, it’s been a huge leap forward on both the frontend and backend, making the app significantly more stable and reliable.

User Testing Starts Next Week: We’re kicking things off with live onboarding calls where we’ll watch users sign up and use the app for the first time. These sessions will help us identify any onboarding friction or obvious usability issues. Our test group includes:

  • Active Users: People who’ve used the prototype regularly in the last 6 months
  • Inactive Users: People who signed up but didn’t stick around
  • New Users: People who know about Nabb but are seeing it in action for the first time

Growth Update

It’s been a big week on the growth side too. While we haven’t done major public posts or grown the waitlist much, we’ve been focused on hiring our Social Media Producer.

After sharing the job in this email and on LinkedIn, I reached out directly to nearly 100 potential candidates. That led to over 10 first-round interviews, and we’re now narrowing the pool to finalists who I’ll meet in person on Friday.

The goal is to bring someone on who can help turn @patbuildsanapp into a powerful distribution channel post-launch.

Many of the candidates have impressed me with their ideas and energy. It’s clear we’ve only scratched the surface of what this account can become. With the right content strategy, more frequency, and a touch of virality, I believe we can make real progress toward our growth goals.

Interviewing for this role has also forced me to clearly articulate the vision behind Nabb, which has been energizing. It's incredibly motivating to see how excited others are about what we’re building.

This Week’s Focus

  • Finalize the remaining updates so we’re ready for user testing
  • Schedule and prep all user interviews, including a simple communication plan so testers know how to access the app via TestFlight and what to expect
  • Select Social Media Producer finalists and meet them in person to make a final decision next week

Looking Ahead

What a difference a week makes.

Before this recent break, I was definitely feeling the weight of building something from scratch. We were making progress, but it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, two weeks later, it’s wild to say we’re almost there.

I continue to feel deeply grateful for the support I’ve received from all of you, family, friends, and early followers. Your encouragement has made a huge difference in staying steady through the highs and lows.

Just a few more weeks, and we’ll finally have something you can tell your friends to go download (wink wink).

Another exciting week ahead,
Pat

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Pat