# Startup Idea Validation: A Step-by-Step Framework Having a great idea is step one. Validating it before investing months of effort is the step most people skip — and it's the most important. ## The Validation Framework ### Phase 1: Problem Validation Before asking "Will people buy my solution?", ask "Do people actually have this problem?" **Action steps:** 1. **Talk to 20 potential users** — not friends, not family, actual target customers 2. **Ask about their current workflow** — how do they solve this problem today? 3. **Measure pain intensity** — on a scale of 1-10, how frustrated are they? 4. **Check willingness to pay** — "If a solution existed, what would you pay?" **Red flags:** - "That would be nice to have" (nice-to-have ≠ must-have) - They can't describe the problem without prompting - Current solutions are "fine" — no real pain ### Phase 2: Market Validation Even real problems need big enough markets to build a business around. **Research checklist:** - **TAM/SAM/SOM** — Total, Serviceable, and Obtainable market sizes - **Search volume** — Use Google Trends and keyword tools - **Competitor landscape** — Who else is solving this? How well? - **Market growth** — Is this space expanding or contracting? **Tools:** - Google Trends for search interest - Crunchbase for competitor funding - SimilarWeb for competitor traffic - [BrainstormAI's SWOT analysis](https://stormap.ai/tools/brainstorm) for structured competitive assessment ### Phase 3: Solution Validation Now test whether YOUR approach resonates. **The Lean Canvas:** Fill out one page covering: 1. Problem (top 3) 2. Customer Segments 3. Unique Value Proposition 4. Solution 5. Channels 6. Revenue Streams 7. Cost Structure 8. Key Metrics 9. Unfair Advantage **Pro tip:** BrainstormAI can auto-generate a Lean Canvas from your brainstorm results using the "Format" → "Lean Canvas" option. ### Phase 4: MVP Testing Build the smallest possible version that tests your core hypothesis. **MVP types (fastest to slowest):** | Type | Time | Cost | Signal Quality | |------|------|------|----------------| | Landing page | 1 day | $0-50 | Email signups | | Concierge MVP | 1 week | $0 | Direct feedback | | Wizard of Oz | 2 weeks | Low | Behavioral data | | Single-feature app | 1-2 months | Medium | Usage metrics | **What to measure:** - Conversion rate (visitor → signup) - Activation rate (signup → first action) - Retention (do they come back?) - Referral (do they tell others?) - Revenue (will they pay?) ### Phase 5: Iterate or Pivot After your MVP test, you'll face one of three outcomes: 1. **Strong signal** → Double down, build more 2. **Mixed signal** → Iterate on the value prop or target market 3. **No signal** → Pivot or kill the idea (this is a win — you saved months) ## Common Validation Mistakes ### 1. Asking Leading Questions ❌ "Would you use an app that does X?" ✅ "Tell me about the last time you dealt with [problem]" ### 2. Building Before Validating The sunk cost fallacy is real. Validate BEFORE you write code. ### 3. Ignoring Negative Data If 18 out of 20 people say "meh", that's a clear signal. Don't cherry-pick the 2 enthusiastic responses. ### 4. Validating with Friends Friends will be nice. Strangers will be honest. Talk to strangers. ## Using AI for Validation AI tools can accelerate every phase: - **Phase 1:** Use AI to generate interview questions - **Phase 2:** Research market data and summarize competitor analysis - **Phase 3:** Auto-generate Lean Canvas, PRD, or Pitch Deck - **Phase 4:** Brainstorm MVP approaches and prioritize by feasibility [Generate and validate ideas now →](https://stormap.ai/tools/brainstorm) ## Conclusion Validation isn't about proving your idea is good — it's about discovering the truth as cheaply as possible. The best entrepreneurs validate fast, learn fast, and iterate fast. Start with a brainstorm, end with a validated business.