Starting an IT startup is a complex and risky process that requires thorough testing of the idea at every stage. This article is based on insights from Artem Borodatiuk, the founder of Netpeak Group, which includes the digital agency Netpeak.
Stage 1: Idea validation at the concept level
At this stage, it is important to understand if there is a demand for your idea. Use LinkedIn to connect with potential customers.
For example, if your product is aimed at HR directors, write them a message summarizing the idea and asking for a 30-minute conversation. This will allow you to get initial feedback and see if the market needs your product.
- Create a message: Describe the product, its functionality and add a request for feedback.
- Use LinkedIn Premium: This will make it easy to find and connect with HR directors of large companies.
- Analyze responses: If no one responds, there may be a problem in pitching the idea, or the idea itself needs tweaking.
Step 2: Validation at the design level
Once you get positive feedback, move on to prototyping the product. Hire a UX/UI designer to design the interface. After that, reach out to HR directors on LinkedIn again, but with the finished design. This will let you know if they are willing to pay for your product.
- Develop a prototype: Emphasize key features and usability.
- Conduct a second round of contact: Show the design to potential customers and ask if they are willing to pay for your product.
- Analyze the feedback: If customers are willing to pay, move on to the next stage.
Step 3: Product-level validation
Create a minimum working version of the product (MVP) and test it on new potential customers. Contact those who were previously interested and see if they are ready to buy your product. This will help you understand if there is a demand for your product in the market.
- Develop MVP: Create a basic version of the product with basic features.
- Test the MVP: Reach out to new and previous contacts to test the product.
- Evaluate customers’ willingness to buy: This will give a final indication of whether the product is worth developing further.
Step 4: Test through performance marketing
Run contextual ads on Google Ads to test the demand for your product. If you get applications that convert into customers, it means your product has potential. You can approach investors with confidence in your idea.
- Run Ads: Use Google Ads, Facebook Ads or Telegram Ads to attract customers.
- Analyze results: Check if the requests are converting into actual sales.
- Evaluate effectiveness: If the ads work well and bring customers, your product has a future. At this stage, you can start long-term marketing activities such as SEO website promotion.
Conclusions
Validating your IT startup idea at every stage will save time and money. It is important not to rely on the opinions of friends or acquaintances but to focus on feedback from potential customers. This will allow you to evaluate your product and objectively avoid unnecessary costs.
Source: https://netpeak.us/services/seo/