Talk to Real Potential Customers

Start by having real conversations with people who would buy your product or service. Use free platforms like Facebook Groups, LinkedIn communities or niche forums to find your target audience. Ask open ended questions about their problems and if they’d pay for a solution. Track responses in a simple spreadsheet to see patterns and real demand12.

Run Surveys and Polls

Create short surveys using free tools like Google Forms or Typeform. Share them with your network or in relevant online communities. Ask about pain points, willingness to pay and what they value most. Even a few responses can give you valuable insights and help you refine your idea15.

Build a Simple Landing Page

Design a basic landing page describing your offer using free or low cost website builders. Ask visitors to sign up for updates or early access. Monitor signups to see if there’s real interest before investing in product development35.

Leverage MVPs and Prototypes

Build a minimum viable product (MVP) or a simple prototype focusing on core features. Use low cost prototyping tools or manual “Wizard of Oz” methods where you deliver the service yourself behind the scenes. Get feedback from early users and iterate quickly43.

Crowdsource Feedback

Engage with online communities, post your idea and ask for honest feedback. Platforms like Reddit or industry specific forums can give you direct, unfiltered feedback from potential customers, without the high cost45.

By using these low cost methods you can validate your business idea and avoid investing in unproven concepts.