Stop stealing customers. Win new demand instead
Trying to “steal” competitors’ customers sounds clever. In reality, it’s a time sink.
If someone already runs another tool, switching is hard: habits, integrations, data, team processes. Even mildly unhappy users face real and perceived switching costs. That makes your sales slower, costlier, and riskier.
Why poaching is a bad bet
- The user’s urgent problem is already “covered,” so urgency is low.
- Switching costs (technical, human, mental) drag down conversion and lengthen cycles.
- Cold DMs on Discord/Telegram erode trust and brand reputation.
- It signals weakness: if your own pipeline is healthy, you don’t need to live off a competitor’s traction.
At Sublyna, we’ve seen it firsthand: Suby reached out to some of our customers to push a migration.
It’s not useful and it backfires. If you need competitor leads to grow, your own acquisition isn’t stable.
What works: meet real, in‑market demand
Focus on people actively looking for a solution right now. They compare tools, read docs, ask questions, and try demos. This is where clear messaging, proof, and a smooth onboarding win.
Don’t DM competitor communities
Cold‑messaging members of rival Discord/Telegram communities is a no‑go:
- It’s intrusive and often flagged as spam.
- It harms your brand long‑term.
- It doesn’t compound - you trade time for tiny wins.
Build channels where the right prospects come to you.
5 ethical customer acquisition practices
- Write intent content: Answer real jobs‑to‑be‑done. Skip competitor-bashing.
- Show up where demand is: SEO pages, docs, fair comparisons, live demos.
- Offer self‑serve switching: Guides, import tools, clear timelines - never poach.
- Lead with value in communities: Tutorials, samples, case studies. No unsolicited DMs.
- Measure and iterate: Track ICP fit, friction, and pricing. Run small tests.
Conclusion
Stop trying to steal customers. Go where demand exists, be discovered at the right moment, and win with clarity, product quality, and trust.
