Product-market fit is not a feeling. You need signals.

One of the biggest traps in product development is assuming that launching something people use means you found PMF.

Usage ≠ PMF.

Early users may try your product because:

• it’s new
• they’re curious
• they got a discount
• there are no better alternatives yet

The real test is whether your product creates enough value that users don’t want to lose it.

Some stronger PMF signals:

→ Retention

People come back without constant reminders or incentives.

→ Organic growth

Users recommend the product because it solves a real problem.

→ Willingness to pay

The value is strong enough that people exchange money for it.

→ User disappointment

If the product disappeared, a meaningful share of users would genuinely miss it.

PMF is also not permanent. User needs change, markets evolve, and competitors appear.

Finding PMF is not the finish line - it’s something you have to keep proving.