Managing 50+ SaaS ideas in a single pipeline: How I filter out noise before writing code
Hey Product Hunt community! π
As a serial maker, my biggest challenge has never been "what to build"βitβs deciding "what NOT to build."
Right now, I have over 50+ software ideas sitting in my backlog (from AI tools like ManyGPT and HeyAxo to specialized funnel builders).
When you have a long list of ideas, the temptation to jump straight into coding is real. But last year, I wasted weeks building a product that no one actually needed because I skipped validation.
Now, before writing a single line of code, I run every idea through a strict 3-step filter:
1. The "10-Minute Workaround" Test: Can someone solve this issue using a simple free workaround or spreadsheet? If yes, itβs a nice-to-have, not a must-have.
2. Distribution First: Do I already know where the first 50 users for this specific tool live? (Reddit, niche directories, PH discussions, etc.). If I don't have a clear distribution path, I pause it.
3. Micro-Scope: Can I ship a functional MVP in under 14 days? If it takes 2 months, it gets broken down into smaller standalone micro-tools.
This framework helped me trim down my backlog and focus only on high-intent products.
I'd love to learn from fellow builders:
π How do you manage your project pipeline?
π What is your #1 rule for killing an idea before wasting time on development?
Replies
Turn it into a 1-5 scorecard on each test, less gut feel when you're attached to an idea.
Did the same thing last year, built a tool for a problem I had and assumed everyone else did too. turned out it was just me.
Counterpoint: some of the best products started as "someone could just use a spreadsheet" and won anyway because the spreadsheet version was annoying enough.
The distribution-first filter is the one that would've saved me the most time in past projects. Killing an idea because I can't name where the first 50 users live is a much harder test than whether the idea itself sounds good.