Don't Build It Until You Check If Anyone Wants It

Have you ever had an amazing idea for an app or website? Something you just KNOW will change the world? Hold that thought!

Before you spend potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars building your dream app, there's something super important you need to do first: talk to your future users.

The Expensive Mistake Most Founders Make

Picture this: You have a brilliant idea. You hire developers to build it. Six months and potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars later, you launch your product...and nobody uses it. Ouch!

This happens ALL THE TIME with new tech startups. In fact, it's one of the biggest and most expensive mistakes you can make.

Why This Happens (And How to Avoid It)

Many founders fall in love with their idea and rush to build it without checking if real people actually want it. They think, "If I build it, they will come!"

Sadly, that's usually not how it works. Here's what to do instead:

1. Define Your Core Problem First

What exact problem does your app solve? Write this down in one simple sentence. For example:

• "Helps busy parents find last-minute babysitters"
• "Makes it easy for small businesses to create professional videos"

If you can't explain it simply, you might need to think more about what you're really building.

2. Talk to At Least 20 Potential Users

Find people who have the problem you're trying to solve. Ask them:

• "How do you currently solve this problem?"
• "What do you like and dislike about current solutions?"
• "Would you pay for something that solves this better? How much?"

Their answers might surprise you! You might learn that your idea needs to change a bit (or a lot).

3. Create a Simple Mockup, Not Code

Instead of jumping straight to building your app, create simple wireframes or prototypes first. These are like sketches of your app that show how it would work.

Tools like Figma make this easy, and it costs WAY less than building actual software. Show these to potential users and get their feedback.

How to Do This Right

1. Write down your idea and the problem it solves
2. Talk to at least 20 potential users (in person or online)
3. Create simple mockups using tools like Figma
4. Show the mockups to your potential users
5. Listen to their feedback and improve your idea
6. Only then should you start building your MVP

Save Money, Build Better Products

By following these steps, you'll:

• Save potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars
• Build something people actually want
• Have a much better chance of success

Remember: The most successful products aren't the ones with the coolest features. They're the ones that solve real problems for real people in a way they love.

Ready to Build Your App the Right Way?

Don't make the hundred-thousand-dollar mistake! Start by understanding your users first, then build what they actually want.

Need help turning your idea into a successful app? Get in touch with us for all your software development and fractional CTO needs.