Many founders think they need to offer their product for free to gain users, but it's often better to charge a price to gauge real interest.

Successful startups frequently test their pricing, adjusting it as they learn more about their market.

As a first-time founder, it's common to feel guilty about asking for higher prices, but it's important to recognize the value you're delivering.

Founders often make the mistake of being afraid to charge for their product, fearing customer rejection. However, charging customers is one of the most effective ways to learn about your business, including whether users are willing to pay and which customer segments are most excited to pay.

If you're unsure how to price, start with a number similar to other software your customers buy, then increase it by 50% for each new customer until you find the right balance.

You should price based on the perceived value of your product rather than on cost, as many founders mistakenly use cost-plus pricing, which ignores the full value customers see.

Startups should experiment with pricing strategies, especially when they have a small customer base, as it's easier to adjust prices than to raise them later.

To gauge if people are willing to pay for a product before it's fully developed, I asked potential users what they would give for access, which led to creative responses.

Raising prices is often necessary for startups, as many technology companies underprice their products in hopes of gaining market share.