Most startup ideas fail not because of bad execution, but because they solve problems nobody has. The fix: validate before you build.
Hour 0-4: Define the Problem Clearly
Write down: Who has this problem? How are they solving it today? Why would they switch?
Hour 4-12: Search for Existing Demand
Reddit Deep Dive: Search Reddit for your problem keywords. Look for posts where people complain about solutions. 10+ posts in the last year = strong signal.
Google Trends: Is search interest growing, stable, or declining?
Competitor Audit: If competitors exist, the market exists. If zero competitors, ask why.
Hour 12-24: Talk to Real People
Post in communities describing the problem, not your solution. DM 10 people who’ve posted about this problem.
Hour 24-36: Build a Smoke Test
Create a landing page with one CTA: “Join the waitlist.” 10%+ signup rate from targeted traffic = strong validation.
Hour 36-48: Analyze and Decide
Score on 5 dimensions (1-5 each): Problem Severity, Market Size, Willingness to Pay, Competition Gap, Your Advantage.
Total 18+/25 = strong. 14-17 = proceed with caution. Under 14 = consider pivoting.
Tools to Help
Our SaaS Name Generator helps once you’re ready to brand your validated idea.