The most expensive mistake is a product nobody needs
A startup founder believes in the idea, assembles a team and spends a year building a “perfect” product. On launch day it turns out that customers needed something else. The money and time are spent, and there’s no strength left to start over.
MVP ((Minimum Viable Product) protects against exactly this mistake. It is the smallest version that is enough to test the core idea with real users.
MVP ((Minimum Viable Product) protects against exactly this mistake. It is the smallest version that is enough to test the core idea with real users.
An MVP isn’t a cheap version of a product. It’s the cheapest question you can ask: ‘Does anyone need this?
Building an MVP in 4 stages
1. Write down your hypothesis
In a single sentence: “[Audience] has [a specific problem] and will pay for [a solution].” An MVP tests exactly that sentence.
2. Set a success metric
For example: 100 sign-ups and 10 payments in the first month. Without numbers, you can’t evaluate the result.
3. Build the smallest version
Only the features needed to test the hypothesis. Everything else goes on the backlog for later.
4. Launch and measure
Talk to real users, watch the numbers and decide: continue, pivot or stop.
What does an MVP give you?
- Saves money
The budget that would go to unnecessary features is redirected to a direction where demand is already confirmed.
2.Saves time
You reach the market before your competitors and win your first customers.
3.Proof for investors
It’s much easier to ask for investment with real users and numbers than with a slide deck.
3 steps to start today
In many cases, the best strategy is to start with a bot. It tests demand, builds your first customer base, and puts processes in order. Once the number of users and requirements grows, a mobile app is built on the data collected through the bot. It’s built on real needs, not guesses.
1. Have 10 conversations
Talk to potential customers before writing code.
Ask about the problem, not your solution.
Ask about the problem, not your solution.
2. Split your feature list in two
“The product doesn’t work without it” and “can be added later.” Keep no more than 3 items in the first list.
3. Make a technical plan
Define the platform, timeline, and budget with a specialist. The MVP should be built on a foundation that can be expanded later.
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