---
title: "The AI Tools Index"
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---
# Your first 100 users: the 5 channels that work for AI tools

> The AI Tools Index is a browsable index of live AI tools organized by category, including tools currently for sale. Every listing links to the maker's real product, and any paid placement is always labeled "Sponsored."

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The five channels that bring real users to new AI tools — and how much effort each one takes.

Date: 2026-07-22

Your first 100 users don't come from one miracle channel: they come from five boring channels executed consistently. Here they are, ranked by effort-to-return for AI tools.

## 1. Directories and aggregators

The best effort-to-return ratio there is: one afternoon of well-made listings produces qualified visits for months. Start with your category's directories and the general AI ones (like The AI Tools Index).

## 2. Communities where your user already is

Reddit, Discord, and niche forums convert better than any social network — if you contribute before you link. Answer real questions and link your tool only when it solves the thread's problem.

## 3. SEO content with concrete intent

"How to do X" and "alternatives to Y" articles bring users who are already looking for a solution. Two good articles a month beat twenty mediocre ones.

## 4. Build in public

Narrating the process on X/LinkedIn builds a small but loyal audience. It pays off on a months-long horizon; start before you need it.

## 5. Your first users, one by one

Personally message 30 people who have the problem. It's slow, it doesn't scale, and that's exactly why it works: real feedback + first testimonials + first reviews.