Ask HN: So how do you get alpha testers?

Depending upon your target user segment, figure out what are their hangouts both online and offline, approach them personally and if thats not possible via email. talk to them about your product, understand their perspective and try to convince them to use your product.

For example say you are targeting college students, you can check out schools near your place, send out emails to college email group and get some feedback. f you are building something for developers, you can post it on HN and am sure you will get some useful feedbacks. All the best

Depending on your needs, MTurk workers can give you decent feedback for very little money.

There are so many places. Given that you are limited on your budget, be prepared to contact anything tech-related you can find and submit your site. [Self - promotion - we'll entertain you - and feature you if you would like to submit yours at StartUpLift.com].

Goodluck with whatever you are building!

Honestly if you have no friends or followers you won't have any beta testers or early adopters either, unless your advertising budget is enormous.

Go to tech events. Make friends. Be involved.