MVP Validation Checklist

Who this checklist is for

Solo founders who want to validate their micro SaaS idea before investing too much time.

When to use it

• Before writing code
• Before building features
• When pivoting ideas
• When unsure about demand

Step-by-step checklist

Problem validation

• Talk to 10+ potential users
• Confirm they have the problem
• They're already trying to solve it
• They're paying for current solutions
• Document their pain points
• Identify who exactly has this problem

Solution validation

• Show a landing page describing solution
• Get feedback on concept
• Ask if they'd pay for it
• Collect pre-orders/waitlist signups
• Ask what features they'd actually use
• Identify what's most valuable

MVP definition

• Pick 1-2 core features only
• Cut everything else
• Define success metrics
• Set timeline (2-4 weeks)
• No nice-to-haves on backlog
• Focus on solving one problem well

Launch validation

• Launch to small group (20-50 users)
• Get feedback weekly
• Watch how they use it
• Identify what they get stuck on
• Ask what's missing
• Ask what they'd pay for

Pricing validation

• Test different price points
• Ask what they'd pay
• See if they actually pay
• Test free vs paid
• Test subscription vs one-time
• See churn reasons

Common mistakes

• Building too many features
• Not talking to enough users
• Asking "would you use?" instead of "will you pay?"
• Ignoring negative feedback
• Falling in love with solution, not problem
• Waiting too long to launch

Verification steps

• At least 5 people say they'd pay
• Waitlist has 20+ signups
• You understand the problem clearly
• You can explain value in 1 sentence
• You know who your first 10 users are

Related build kits

• All idea pages have validation notes

Related fixes

• None yet