Launch guide · Openid
How to Launch a Openid Startup (2026)
OpenID and federated auth are table-stakes in 2026. This guide covers validating demand for your auth product, building your first MVP, and then launching it across directories and communities where developers discover infrastructure tools. [Launch guides](/resources/launch-guides) cover broader strategy.
Step 01 · 1-2 weeks
Validate the problem
Interview 10 developers and 10 CTOs. Ask which auth pain points slow down their projects—session management, social login, device trust, token refresh.
Step 02 · 4-8 weeks
Build a focused MVP
Ship a barebones OpenID server and OAuth client library. Support one provider (Google or GitHub) first. Ship in 4-6 weeks.
Step 03 · 1 week
Prepare your launch
Write docs, a quick-start guide and example integrations. Build a landing page positioning your auth as faster/cheaper/more flexible than Auth0.
Step 04 · Launch day
Launch across directories
Launch on Product Hunt and developer communities (HN, Dev.to, Reddit r/webdev). Get feedback from power users fast.
Step 05 · Ongoing
Grow and iterate
Track activation (developers integrating your library), retention (monthly active sessions) and virality (GitHub stars, npm downloads). Iterate based on developer feedback.
Launch checklist
- Problem validated
- MVP shipped
- Launch assets ready
- Directories submitted
- Feedback loop running
Pro tips
- Build an audience before launch day
- Launch on multiple directories the same week
- Have your network ready to support
Common mistakes
- Building too much before validating
- Launching to no audience
- Ignoring early feedback
- One-and-done launch instead of sustained promotion