In one weekend: post the idea on Reddit and ask for harsh feedback, set up a $50 landing page with a $1 pre-order or waitlist, and run a $100 Google Ads test against the keyword to see CPC and CTR. If 3+ people pre-pay, build it.
Validation tests demand before you build. The 7-step weekend framework: (1) Articulate the problem in one sentence. (2) Find demand signals — public complaints, repeated Upwork posts, weak competitors with paying customers. (3) Talk to 10 ICP customers using The Mom Test. (4) Run a $100 smoke test — landing page with a $1 pre-order or call booking. (5) Test pricing using the Van Westendorp method. (6) Verify distribution. (7) Build v1 in 30 days only after 3+ pre-orders.
Buffer was validated with a 2-page landing page before any code was written
Hims pre-sold $1M of products before manufacturing
2 to 14 days. After 30 days without validation, lack of progress is procrastination.
10 deep, 30-minute interviews with the exact ICP. Patterns emerge after 7+.
How do I come up with a startup idea?
Stop brainstorming. Read 50 negative reviews of products in an industry you understand. The complain...
What makes a good startup idea?
A good startup idea has three traits: real, repeated customer pain; a niche where you can reach 100 ...
How do I find customer pain points?
Read 1-star App Store reviews, mine industry-specific Reddit subs with operators like "I wish there ...
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