The Most Misunderstood Startup Advice
"Build something people want" is perhaps the most repeated piece of startup advice. Yet, it's also the most misunderstood. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down exactly what this means and how to validate if you're on the right track.
The 5 Critical Signs You're Building Something People Want
1. People Are Already Trying to Solve This Problem
The first sign is that people are actively trying to solve the problem you're addressing, even if their current solutions are suboptimal. Look for:
- DIY solutions and workarounds
- Complaints about existing solutions
- Money being spent on alternative solutions
2. Early Users Show "Hair on Fire" Problem Signs
When you have a "hair on fire" problem, you're actively looking for a solution right now. Your early users should exhibit:
- Immediate understanding of the value proposition
- Willingness to use an imperfect early version
- Proactive engagement and feedback
3. Users Are Willing to Pay Now
The ultimate validation is when users are willing to pay for your solution, even in its early stages. This means:
- Pre-orders or commitments before full development
- Users choosing your solution over free alternatives
- Positive unit economics from day one
4. Organic Growth Through Word of Mouth
When users actively recommend your product to others, you're solving a real need. Look for:
- Unprompted referrals
- Social media mentions and shares
- Case studies and testimonials offered voluntarily
5. Users Get Angry When Your Product Doesn't Work
This might seem counterintuitive, but angry users can be a positive sign. It means:
- Your product has become essential to their workflow
- They're emotionally invested in your solution
- They care enough to provide detailed feedback
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many founders misinterpret "build something people want" and fall into these traps:
- Building in Isolation: Spending months developing without user feedback
- Solving Non-Problems: Creating solutions for theoretical problems
- Ignoring Market Size: Building for too small a market
- Feature Creep: Adding features without clear user demand
"The best founders don't just build what people want—they build what people need so badly they'll use it even when it's imperfect."
Next Steps: Validating Your Idea
If you're starting a new venture or evaluating an existing one, here's your action plan:
- Interview at least 20 potential users about their current solutions
- Create a minimal viable product that solves one core problem well
- Get 10 users to actually use your solution (not just say they would)
- Measure engagement and gather detailed feedback
- Iterate based on real usage data, not assumptions