For anyone starting out, one of the most common questions is, “how do I validate my idea?” Why does this question arise so often? It frequently comes up because understanding the connection between a product or service and its relevance is essential to identifying its potential value to a target market. For instance, founders often need to assess how well their offerings address a specific gap or need, making this question a critical starting point in the validation process.
As someone who’s worked through over 500 business models, I’ve seen this process evolve into an overwhelming journey for many founders. While there’s no shortage of advice—from online tools, consultants, AI prompts, and self-reflection—it can feel unclear, time-consuming, and ultimately strenuous.
Here’s the thing: this isn’t an exact science, but it’s a method that has worked for me and my team. These insights are grounded in our experiences and tailored for bootstrap founders looking to take practical steps forward.
Having a mix of digital and offline approaches keeps validation in check. I’ve found that the information an online community provides and the connections made in person can vary significantly in terms of perception, localized inputs, building a network, and connecting directly with your audience.
First, let’s look at the digital approach. Surveys and polls, for example, can be difficult as a new founder since getting people to fill them out can be challenging when you’re sitting behind a screen. Alternatively, you could go the other route (which we recommend): find where your target market hangs out and provide or conduct the survey with them in person. You could also incentivize participation by creating a lottery system with a unique winner who receives a cash prize for completing the survey. If the information isn’t particularly sensitive (like intellectual property), you can share your findings with others. Overall, this approach takes time, resources, and a lot of effort to be sustainable and to serve as a long-term process for validating your idea(s).
Ground Rules for Validation
- You’re Not Selling: The purpose of validation is to determine whether the problem you’ve identified in your target market truly exists and whether your high-level solution (including deliverables, costs, and relevance) addresses it effectively. People only see problems if there’s a solution that solves it, otherwise it’s just noise.
- Set Aside Personal Bias: Your enthusiasm for the idea means little to others. Focus on your target market, listen to their feedback, and let that guide your decisions. Staying receptive and adaptable is critical, even when it’s difficult.
- Validation vs. Market Research: Validation isn’t the same as market research. It’s about continuously testing the gaps you’ve identified in the market. Many founders realize too late that they lacked sufficient information about these gaps. Develop an active, iterative process for validation. Remember, the initial idea is like a seed—small and full of potential. As it grows, new elements will inevitably emerge, each requiring evaluation and adjustment to ensure it flourishes.
Why Choose Reddit Over LinkedIn for Idea Validation
LinkedIn is a powerhouse for networking and sales, but when it comes to validating an idea, it can be tricky. LinkedIn’s seller-heavy environment often dilutes meaningful feedback. Plus, I’ve found it easy to fall into funnels and distractions while navigating it.
Reddit, on the other hand, offers a more targeted approach centered on niche communities. By engaging in topic-specific subreddits, entrepreneurs can interact with individuals genuinely interested in their domain, enabling candid and relevant feedback that supports idea validation. With topic-specific subreddits, it’s possible to get candid feedback from people genuinely interested in your domain.
For example, let’s say you’re creating an organic, carbon-friendly body butter soap, you might check out:
r/hygiene or r/soapmaking for niche-specific insights.
r/business or r/businessideas for broader entrepreneurial perspectives.
The goal isn’t to sell or promote but to test your idea’s relevance. Engage in conversations by posing specific, actionable questions about your idea such as, “How can I add [feature/ingredient] to my idea?” or “How would you improve [concept]?” Document your responses or recurring themes to refine your understanding and notice patterns. Over time, you’ll get a clearer sense of how your idea resonates within your chosen niche.
One key takeaway: validation is a process. It’s not about hitting one milestone but about creating a system to keep learning and evolving. For service-based ideas like hairstyling, Reddit can provide unbiased feedback on trends and techniques—a huge advantage when refining your offerings.
X (formerly Twitter) operates similarly but thrives on opinions and thought leadership. While it’s less about community dialogue, it’s a great platform to test authority and spark niche-specific conversations.
Leveraging the Network Effect
In-person interactions are an irreplaceable part of the validation process. Whether you’re a craftsperson, a developer, or a consultant, the people around you play a pivotal role in shaping your next steps.
Everyone has an opinion if you ask for it, not all advice is relevant, so filtering it wisely is essential. Take input with an open mind but act only on what aligns with your logic, resources, and vision. For instance, if your logic tells you that a particular feature is a must-have, ensure your resources—time, budget, and skills—can support its development. Align your decisions with your broader vision, whether that’s creating a sustainable product or revolutionizing a specific market niche.
Documenting everything has been one of the most valuable habits in this journey. I keep an Excel sheet of my interactions, which has become a goldmine of insights. Over time, this documentation reveals patterns that help refine your approach and strengthen your understanding of your idea’s trajectory.
Equally important is respecting people’s time. Time is a scarce resource for everyone, and being prepared for every conversation shows that you value the effort others make to help you. This simple act builds trust and sets the tone for meaningful connections, which can ultimately shape the future of your idea.
Building a Repeatable Process
These methods aren’t just theoretical; they’ve been tried and tested in our work. By using platforms like Reddit and leveraging the power of your personal network, you can create a sustainable system for validating ideas—one that evolves with your business.
This approach has worked for us, and it might work for you too. For more practical insights, keep exploring our blog. Validation isn’t the end goal—it’s the foundation for everything that comes next.
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