Back to App Marketing
Section 2 · Validating App Ideas
Validate Before You Build
Prove demand exists. Then build the smallest thing that proves you can deliver.
Users
Revenue
Why it works
Building first and hoping people show up is the #1 reason apps die. Validation costs hours; building wrong costs months.
Connects to
Users
Revenue
When to use it
Every new product, feature, or major pivot.
When NOT to use it
Never skip. Validation is non-negotiable.
How to use it
- Identify a painful, recurring problem people already pay to solve.
- Search Reddit, Indie Hackers, niche forums for the exact complaint.
- Check keyword volume in Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Semrush.
- Study 3-5 direct competitors — their reviews tell you what's missing.
- Run a landing page with a waitlist before you build.
- Talk to 20 potential users. Ask what they currently use and what frustrates them.
Examples
SaaS
Superhuman validated by a 5-year waitlist that grew without ads.
Course
Validate course demand with a free webinar before building modules.