Real startup stories revealing exactly how founders got their first users and customers

Fake Mayo is a founder-first blog and newsletter that shares real, no-hype stories of how startups and indie hackers landed their first users or customers.

Each post dives into the exact tactics founders used - from clever social campaigns to niche community outreach - breaking down what actually worked in the early stages of building a product. Rather than generic advice or textbook theory, Fake Mayo offers actionable, authentic growth lessons drawn from real experiences so builders can adapt them to their own journey.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, developer, marketer, or solo creator trying to go from zero to traction, Fake Mayo is a rich source of practical insight and inspiration for navigating the messy, uncertain beginnings of a startup.