Why does Naval mention "Build in Public"?

Okay, let's talk about why Naval advocates for "Building in Public."

This concept is actually quite fascinating. It's more than just a trendy slogan; it represents a very intelligent approach to entrepreneurship and personal branding.

Imagine you decide to build a product, say an app to manage reading notes. You have two choices:

Option A (Traditional Model): Lock yourself away in a metaphorical "coding cave" for six months or even a year. Seek perfection. Then, on a chosen day, launch with fanfare, hoping for an instant hit.
Option B (Build in Public Model): From day one of having the idea, start sharing your journey on social media (like Twitter, Jike, or Xiaohongshu).

"Building in Public" is choosing Option B. What does that look like? Something like this:

Today: You post: "Can't find a decent reading apps? I'm building one specifically tackling pain points A and B. Anyone else struggle with this?"
Next Week: You share a few logo sketches or prototype mockups: "Hey folks, which logo jumps out? Or which interface layout do you prefer for V1?"
Next Month: You announce: "First usable version live! It’s basic, but the core works. Here’s an invite code – first 100 followers try it free & share feedback!"
The Month After: You report: "Wow! 500 beta users & $800 in Month 1! Small start, but huge momentum! Thanks everyone! Here’s what’s next..."

See? The whole process is like broadcasting a "startup drama series," and your followers? They're the dedicated audience from episode one.

So, why does Naval champion this approach? Because it offers several massive benefits that perfectly align with his emphasis on "leverage thinking."

1. The Smartest Marketing: Turning the "Process" into the "Product"

In the traditional model, you spend time and money building the product first, then spend a huge chunk more on marketing to announce, "Look at this amazing thing!". This is high-risk: if nobody wants it, all that investment is down the drain.

"Building in Public" flips this script. Your building process is the ultimate marketing content.

Builds Trust: By openly sharing your thoughts, struggles, mistakes, and small wins, you stop being just a cold company or app. You become a relatable, authentic person. Trust is the scarcest resource on the internet today.
Attracts Early Users: People who follow from the start and contribute feedback gain a sense of "participation" and "co-creation." They see the product evolve like it's their own. Upon launch, they become not just your first users, but your most passionate advocates, spontaneously spreading the word. You effectively gain a free "fan support group."

2. Free, High-Efficiency "Feedback Loop"

The biggest risk in a "closed-door" approach is building something nobody actually wants.

"Building in Public" gives you a 24/7, free advisory board.

Share a new feature concept? Instantly hear: "This is brilliant, exactly what I need!" or "Hmm, that feels off; have you considered X scenario?"
This real-time feedback from actual potential users is infinitely more valuable than expensive market research. It lets you validate ideas quickly, avoid dead-ends, and ensure you're building something genuinely needed.

3. Creating "Luck": Expanding Your "Luck Surface Area"

Naval often talks about "increasing your luck surface area" – doing things that make good fortune more likely to find you.

"Building in Public" does exactly this.

By consistently sharing your work and thoughts, you shine a beacon in the dark. Only then can people interested in what you're doing – potential collaborators, supportive investors, talented recruits, even media journalists – discover you.
You never know who the next post might reach. An industry leader's endorsement could bring massive attention. A future co-founder might join based on shared values. This type of "serendipity" is impossible when hiding away.

4. Building a Personal Brand & "Moat"

In today's world, features and products get copied. But one thing remains unique: You and your community.

"Building in Public" isn't just about making a product; it's about forging a powerful personal brand and fostering a community centered around you and your project.

People initially follow for the product, but they stay for you – resonating with the person and the community culture.
This community, bound by trust and shared connection, becomes your most robust "moat." Even if competitors copy the product, replicating your community culture and its loyalty is near impossible.

To summarize:

Naval champions "Building in Public" because it's an immensely leveraged strategy. You're simply doing what you'd do anyway (building a product). But by adding the "public" element, you simultaneously tackle marketing, user research, community building, and personal branding.

It transforms the traditional high-risk, high-investment model into a low-risk, accumulating virtuous cycle of positive feedback. For resource-constrained startups and individual creators, it's undeniably a smarter, more modern path to success.