Introduction

The best marketing is when your product shows itself off. Make it visible while people use it, and it promotes itself for free.

What's the problem it solves?

Most products rely on users to spread the word by talking or sharing. But this article explains how to build products that promote themselves just by being seen in action.

Quick Summary

The article introduces a simple idea called “Word of Sight.” It means designing your product so that when people use it, others notice and understand what it does without needing an explanation. Unlike word of mouth, where people have to speak up or recommend something, Word of Sight is passive - users just use the product and it naturally gets noticed.

The author gives examples like Shazam, where the app’s big logo is visible when someone uses it to identify music in public. Another example is Readwise, which makes users tag its name on social media when saving tweets, turning every use into a tiny ad. These clever design choices make the product market itself without extra effort from the user.

The lesson is clear: design your product to be noticed. Think about where people will use it and how others might see it. Bright screens, bold logos, public actions, and shared links are just some ways to make your product more visible and memorable.

Key Takeaways from the article

• People don't always talk about your product, but they show it when using it
• Products that get noticed while in use can market themselves for free
• Shazam’s big logo and Readwise’s public tags are great examples
• Most teams forget to think about where and how their product will be used
• Smart design choices can turn everyday use into free exposure

What to do

• Think about where your product is used: public or private
• Use bold colors and large logos if people use it in public
• Make sure screenshots, shared files, and screen shares show off your brand
• Let users share content directly from your platform (not as downloads)
• Turn normal actions into public ones (like tagging instead of clicking “save”)
• Make sharing part of the main product use, not just a bonus
• Add fun or clear features that make your product stand out when seen
• Design so your product shows its value without users needing to explain it

This approach helps your product market itself 24/7, without asking your users to do extra work.