How to validate your idea without spending a lot of money?

Elif Duran
17 replies
Validating an idea can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. How do you gather feedback from potential customers, and how do you interpret that feedback?

Replies

mapname
Initially talking to users one at a time and if feedbacks converge around the same points then fix it, no need to collect further feedback, later stage reach out to relevant communities as a group using twitter/reddit/discord/instagram/youtube, I would interpret (prioritise, taking it seriously) feedback from the customer that uses or needs the product compare to customer that has no intention but just there to provide feedback. Either positive or negative, disregarding some feedback(that is given just to provide feedback) will save you from distraction. In my opinion, validating idea takes time, so you have to be patient about it. Initially starting with low budget has advantages over having a lot of ads money to spend. Once you are confident that small number of users love your product or pivot the way that they will love it and then using similar strategy try to win few more communities.
Muath Atwan
By building a basic version of your Idea (Product or service) and testing it with a small group of people who will help identify potential problems or improvements that need to be made. As well, You can get feedback from industry experts and advisors who can provide valuable insight into the potential of your idea.
Tej Garikapati
This is what I do: 1. Create a landing page with email capture. 2. Fb ads FB ads don't have to be super expensive. I usually set a budget of 10$/day and do it for three days. Right targetting is important. Send emails to those registered on regular basis. Those initial set of people will help you build the product If you don't get more than 20 sign ups, it's time to move on.
Nuno Reis
I'd say validate the problem not the idea. Your idea probably is a way to solve a problem, so go talk to people that have that problem and see if it really exists and how painful it is. As soon as the problem is validated you can just test the idea by building something simple, a prototype, a no code 1st version, a landing page. If your idea is on hard tech, or something that takes lots of time and investment, try to think, what is the first thing you can validate without building the whole thing. Is it a factory for a new chemical process? Demonstrate that chemical process in a lab beaker and go from there. Hope this helps a bit :)
Aida Zu
You can try Reddit, Indie Hacker and Slack groups focused on business and startups. Slack group I love to hang out in: https://join.slack.com/t/wannabe...
Richard Gao
I find just DMming people for potential customer interviews is helpful, or just doing basic market research
Karthik Tatikonda
1. Create a landing page on Yep. so 2. Post on social media, Indiehackers and Product Hunt dicussions 3. Find relevant coomunities, and share your landing page and ask for feedback
David J. Kim
Cold outreach on linkedin. I know it may seem like something people would look down upon, but you just gotta be honest about your intentions. Something like: "Hey, I'm working on a solution Y to specific problem X. Saw that you talked about it on [this linkedin post] so thought I'd reach out. You open for a friendly coffee? " If your problem is painful enough and not being met, they'll respond.
Tanzirul Huda
One way to gather feedback from potential customers is through surveys or focus groups. It's important to ask open-ended questions and avoid leading questions that may bias the responses. When interpreting the feedback, look for patterns and themes. Consider the frequency and intensity of comments as well as the context in which they were made. Also, don't take every comment at face value. Try to understand the underlying need or desire driving the feedback. It's also helpful to prioritize the feedback based on the importance and feasibility of implementation. Finally, don't be afraid to iterate and refine your idea based on the feedback received.
Hugo DEVEZE 🏴‍☠️
I think you can just scrap Linkedin pages to contact potential customers and ask them how they do for the moment and in which way they could be helped by your solution. Did you test this solution @elifduran ?
Rishabh R
First, understand the main problem that you are solving with your product. Now see the category of people who have that problem (your target audience) Engage with them, not in a salesy manner, but as someone with the same problem. Ask them if they have the same problem, how did they solved it, how much time it take etc. by asking around 15-20 people you will have enough knowledge to refine your product. If you have a prototype, then give it for a free trial Otherwise provide a consultation to these people, and see if your product work, it can be a consultation call, and you help the navigate through their problem.
Vlad Zivkovic
Build landing page and launch for free.
Anurag Baddam
I personally believe you can only truly get validation if people are using your product consistently. Waitlist signups just don't cut it. Given that, I think you should launch a bare-bones MVP quickly and gauge interest that way.
Boris N
Hey, Yes, you're spot on about the importance of validating ideas before development. Here's a strategic approach to help you: Start with a comprehensive understanding of your potential market. Who are they? What are their needs? How can they benefit from your idea? Next, learn from your competitors - both their strengths and weaknesses. This could help you identify unique opportunities. Staying updated on industry trends will also ensure your idea remains relevant. Lastly, never underestimate the power of feedback. In such scenarios, AI tools like ProductValidator or CheckMyIdea-IA are invaluable. They give a thorough evaluation of your idea, offering accurate insights that will assist in your decision-making process, and potentially saving you from investing in less promising directions.