How to validate your idea step-by-step without overthinking it

I've seen a lot of people in the community (myself included) struggle with figuring out *how* to validate their ideas effectively while avoiding analysis paralysis caused by conflicting advice (e.g., "Start with a landing page," "Talk to people," "Build an MVP YESTERDAY..."). After doing research and piecing together actionable steps, I've created a simple outline to sequence idea validation for bootstrapped SaaS projects (or honestly, any kind of startup). This is especially helpful if you're trying to figure out the **right order** for approaching things like collecting feedback, determining demand, and building your MVP. Here’s the breakdown: # Step-by-Step Sequence for Effective Idea Validation # 1. Research What Others Are Asking * Start by collecting **12+ threads or posts** (e.g., from Reddit, Twitter, forums, etc.) where people are discussing problems closely related to your idea. * Pro Tip: Focus on threads where users are genuinely frustrated or asking questions because that’s gold for identifying pain points. Specific details are important. * Take note of specific words/phrases they use to describe their problems — this will be key for messaging later. # 2. Build a Simple Landing Page and Mockup * Use the insights from the threads to craft a **waitlist landing page**. Address the pain points you discovered and explain **how your idea solves those issues**. * If your product has a visual component, include a **simple mockup using Figma or interactive screen recording** showcasing the core functionality. If it's a mockup, annotations will be helpful to guide the readers eye. * Keep copy short and focused on the core value prop. Borrow phrasing directly from user complaints/questions for authenticity. You've to make them feel like you've read their mind. # 3. Start a Content Engine (Blog + Helpful Replies) * While building the landing page, create a blog (I use Ghost) and write **answers to the exact questions you found earlier** in your research threads. * For example: If people were asking "How do I determine the willingness to pay for SaaS?" write an actionable blog post offering strategies and share it freely. * **Be helpful, not pushy** — your content should solve *their problem* first and foremost. # 4. Track New Conversations * Use tools like **F5 Bot** (for Reddit) or keyword alerts on Twitter/Google to monitor when people bring up similar questions or problems again. * When you find new conversations, **add real value in the comments** — include actionable advice based on your blog content and link back to the post only if it makes sense. Remember, adding real value means you can alleviate their pain. So be specific. # 5. Build a Waitlist and Drive Traffic * Leverage the traction you get from answering questions in comments and from social media to grow interest in your waitlist. * Bonus: If you have a small marketing budget, use **targeted ads (fb or Reddit)** with the same research-backed copy to further boost sign-ups. Start with a $100 budget. # 6. Use the Waitlist Feedback to Build Your MVP * Depending on your sign-ups and engagement, you’ll have: * Real feedback on what messaging resonates most with your audience. * Validation of whether there’s a solid level of interest in your solution. * Build an MVP focused **only on the core feature(s)** people care about most (the stuff discussed in the threads). # 7. Sequence Your Launch & Build Hype * Use your waitlist to create momentum for the launch. Share progress updates, showcase snippets of the MVP, and explicitly tie the product’s features to the **pain points from your initial research**. * Any new value blog posts that you write, send them that too. This continues building trust. * Example: If users in your initial research asked, “How do I collaborate better with designers on landing pages?”, your product should answer that directly with its functionality or resources. # Revenue Calculations (Optional) * Based on feedback I’ve seen and personal experience: * Aim for **20% of your waitlist sign-ups** to convert to paying customers. * Backwards plan: If your launch revenue target is $5,000 monthly and the product costs $50/month, you’ll need \~100 paying subscribers (so aim for \~500 sign-ups with a 20% conversion rate). Although, I'd consider anywhere between 25–50 subscribers enough to confidently start developing an MVP. # Why This Sequence Works 1. **It starts with what customers actually want (not what you think they want)** * You’re validating whether there’s *real demand* by engaging with people who already have the problem. 2. **It minimizes upfront risk.** * Instead of spending months building a product no one wants, you test the idea through a landing page and waitlist traction. 3. **It builds your audience first.** * By engaging early and offering value (e.g., blog posts), you nurture potential users while still testing the waters. * At the end of the day, you'll have to launch at some point. And you'd rather have people ready to open their wallets or scratch and claw to find your first users. This way is better. # Closing Thoughts I know it can feel overwhelming when you’re starting out with idea validation. But following a structured sequence like this can help you stay focused, reduce wasted time, and get to **real validation** sooner. What are your thoughts? **TL;DR** Success in idea validation hinges on understanding your users’ problems first. Start with research, validate with a waitlist landing page, and build content to foster engagement. Use that momentum to build your MVP and strategically launch while keeping the users’ initial pain points front and center.