growth-and-launch

# Growth and Launch ## Cardinal Rule **Early access is a privilege, not a discount.** The V1 invite-only launch exists to build a high-quality user base that provides real feedback and converts to paid. Every mechanic — invites, trials, referrals — must reinforce the positioning of a professional-grade institutional tool, never a consumer app giving away freebies. ## Positioning Guardrails {{PROJECT_NAME}} targets sophisticated professional users. Every growth mechanic must pass this test: ``` "Would a serious professional in the target role find this appropriate?" YES → ship it NO → kill it ``` ### What This Means in Practice | ✅ Appropriate | ❌ Kill It | |----------------|-----------| | "You've been granted early access" | "🎉 Congrats! You unlocked access!" | | "Your trial includes full professional feature set" | "FREE TRIAL — ACT NOW!" | | "Refer a colleague → extend your access" | "Share with 5 friends to unlock!" | | Weekly intelligence briefing email | Daily streak notifications | | "Access expires Feb 28" (clean, factual) | "⏰ Only 3 days left! Don't miss out!" | | Invite code: `INV-INST-A7X9` | Invite code: `FREECRYPTO2026` | | "14-day institutional evaluation period" | "14-day FREE trial!!!" | ## Architecture Overview ``` ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Launch Funnel │ │ │ │ Waitlist → Invite Code → Sign Up → Trial (14 days) │ │ ...