·4 min read
MVP Idea Validation Without Writing Code
Before you spend thousands on development, spend a weekend validating. Here is how to test if people will pay.
Why Validate First
- •93% of startups fail because nobody wants what they built
- •Validation costs hours, not thousands
- •Real data beats assumptions every time
- •Investors want to see validation before funding
The Landing Page Test
- •Build a simple landing page describing your solution
- •Add an email signup or waitlist form
- •Drive traffic with ads (even 50 euros works)
- •Measure: do people sign up? At what rate?
The Fake Door Test
Create a button for a feature that does not exist yet. When clicked, show a message that it is coming soon and capture their email.
The Concierge MVP
- •Deliver your service manually to the first 5-10 customers
- •Use spreadsheets, email, and phone calls
- •Learn exactly what they need before automating
- •Charge money. Free users give bad feedback
The Pre-Sale Test
- •Offer lifetime deals before the product exists
- •If people pay, you have validation
- •If nobody pays, you saved months of work
- •Refund if you decide not to build
Validation Signals
| Signal | Weak | Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Interest | I would use this | Here is my credit card |
| Signup | Email only | Paid waitlist deposit |
| Feedback | Sounds cool | When can I get access? |
The best validation is someone paying you money. Everything else is just interest, not demand.