Ask HN: How do I get people that reacted positively to use my product

Short intro: I’m loosely following lean startup/customer development strategy, but I’m bootstrapping so my focus might be on making money a bit earlier than VC backed products. I have a MVP/Early Access/beta product (not too good with exact terminology, it is in a state that it can used from start to finish and adds value). Hoping to be able to get my first sells over the coming couple of months, but before testing that I’m trying to get a couple of not-(yet)-paying users first.

The product is a time saver for video-editors creating low/med budget content (think social media stuff, company videos etc). Also good to know is I’m a solo tech guy, learning business/marketing on the fly (dangerous I know).

I have around 40 people who have shown significant interest (about 50/50 my own network and a post in a FB group explaining the problem I’m solving and my solution). I’ve visited some to ask questions about their workflow and show my product on their computer on their projects, with very enthusiastic reactions. The fact that I got 20+ beta signups from one simple post also makes me feel the problem I’m solving is worth it.

But somehow I have to struggle really hard to actually get them to use it, with multiple follow ups after their initial expression of interest, except for the time I’m sitting beside them. I’m trying to remove as much hurdles to starting as possible, but often the download link isn’t even clicked.

So any advice on what I can conclude from that, or how to get more/better info, without pestering them too much?