I embarked on the journey of launching PhotoPacks.AI without a team or financial backing, armed only with a concept: providing studio-quality AI-generated headshots at a fraction of traditional photo shoot costs. The product has now taken off and is expanding steadily, but not without hard-earned lessons along the way.

Here are seven mistakes I made early on, and what I’d do differently if I had to start over.

1. I tried to build for everyone, and converted no one

Initially, my startup aimed to offer a wide array of options: headshots, modeling photos, pet portraits, and fantasy scenes. I thought, if AI can create it, why not let people decide?

However, when presenting the idea to friends and marketing it, there was a lack of understanding about its purpose. This led to zero conversions. The solution? Streamlining the product’s focus to one key value: professional headshots. This pivot resonated with users, boosting sales. I found that a specific, concentrated message is more effective than trying to cover all bases.

The key is to start with a single, clear use case. The more apparent the value, the quicker you gain traction. While expansion can happen later, launching with a vague or broad approach should be avoided.

2. I underpriced — and it backfired

I initially set the price at $9.99 to avoid deterring customers. I feared that increasing prices might lead to more refunds or stall progress. However, this approach attracted low-interest customers, led to higher refund rates, and made the product seem undervalued.

When I raised the price, sales didn’t drop — they got better. People treated the product more seriously. Refunds dropped. Revenue grew.

Test higher pricing earlier than you think. Pricing sends a signal. If you’re solving a real problem, price with confidence, not fear.

3. I handled everything myself for too long

In the beginning, I juggled numerous tasks, from handling support tickets and writing copy to managing system uptime, running ads, and coding—all within a day. It was unsustainable, so I outsourced vital components, reclaiming my time. This shift allowed me to focus on strategy, product development, and growth.

Don’t confuse “solo” with “doing it all.” Delegate repetitive tasks early. Protect your cognitive bandwidth — it’s your most valuable resource.

4. I over-engineered the first version

I spent months perfecting features before launch, including ones no one had asked for. I wanted it to look polished and impressive from day one.

Looking back, I should have released a simpler version much earlier and shaped the product around real user feedback. The bells and whistles can wait. What matters most is whether people want what you’re building in the first place.

Launching lean doesn’t mean lowering standards — it means prioritizing clarity over complexity. Get a simple version live, then iterate. Early users don’t expect perfection — they want progress. Speed beats polish.

5. I bet too much on SEO, not enough on community

Early on, I hired an SEO agency to create keyword-optimized content. But most of my actual traffic came from Reddit, where I had been engaging directly with communities.

That still holds true today. My best-performing traffic continues to come from organic conversations, not blog content. The lesson? Your ideal customers are already hanging out somewhere. Find them, show up authentically, and focus on what’s actually driving results, not what’s supposed to.

Go where your users already hang out. Be useful in those spaces. Authenticity scales better than SEO tricks, especially early on.

6. I underestimated how fast AI evolves

Even after spending a year immersed in generative AI, I was still caught off guard by how fast things moved once I launched. What felt groundbreaking one month felt outdated the next.

It’s thrilling, but it’s also exhausting. Trying to keep up with every new development is a recipe for burnout.

Instead of chasing trends, I’ve learned to build around stable, lasting value. Keeping up matters — but not at the expense of your sanity or strategy.

Start simple — learn fast

If you’re a solo founder in AI, here’s my advice: Don’t try to create demand from scratch. Find an underserved audience, meet a clear need and launch fast. Don’t fall in love with your vision. Fall in love with solving problems.

You don’t need to get it all right — just get it out there, learn and keep going.

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