Validate Before You Build: The 3-Step Formula for Digital Product Success

Don’t waste time creating something no one wants. Use this framework to test your idea before you build it.

Step 1: Talk to 5 People in Your Target Audience

Ask simple, open-ended questions like:

• “What’s your biggest struggle with [your topic]?”
• “Have you ever paid for something to solve this?”
• “What formats do you prefer? (video, templates, checklists?)”

Step 2: Search for What’s Already Selling

Browse Etsy, Gumroad, Amazon, or TikTok. Type in your topic (e.g., “Notion template”, “Budget planner”).

If you find dozens of similar products — good! That means there’s a market. Your goal isn’t to invent, it’s to improve or simplify.

Step 3: Offer a Free Version First

Create a free sample — a single page of your ebook, a preview of your template, a mini course. Share it on Reddit, Twitter, Threads.

Ask for feedback. If people download it, ask if they’d pay for the full version. This is real validation, not wishful thinking.

💬 Final Thoughts

Validating your idea upfront saves you months of wasted time. Use this 3-step method every time you create something new — and you’ll build products that people actually want (and pay for).

📥 Download Your Free Starter Kit

Get 10 plug-and-play templates to help you create your first digital product — even if you’re just starting out. Download Now (PDF)