Building a SaaS product can be a big commitment, so validating your idea before jumping into development can save time, effort, and money.

Here’s a streamlined approach based on industry insights for validating your SaaS idea effectively.

*Start with Minimal Viable Value
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The goal of an MVP isn’t about a finished product; it’s about testing the smallest unit of value. Focus on solving one specific problem for your customer—even if your initial version is low-tech or "ghetto" (think spreadsheets, manual processes). Keep it simple and time-boxed, delivering just enough to see if it resonates with users.

*Five-Step Validation Process
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If you’re early in your process, you can follow this five-step framework to gather data and refine your SaaS concept:

Research the Market and Competitors

Check Crunchbase, app stores, or patent databases to see if a similar solution exists.
Identify what’s missing in the market or ways to improve on existing options.
Plan and Define Your MVP

Document assumptions and outline core goals.
Map out required features, target personas, and success metrics.
Create Quick Sketches

Use basic pen-and-paper or wireframe tools to draft the user interface and information flow.
Keep it functional but straightforward, showing only essential tasks users need to complete.
Build Clickable Mockups

Use tools like Figma, InVision, or Axure to create a realistic demo.
A clickable prototype allows users to experience the product flow without full development.
Test with Real Users

Gather both qualitative and quantitative feedback from users that fit your target personas.
Test iteratively, tweaking and refining until users can easily complete tasks and express interest in paying for the solution.

Test the Value First, Not the Software
One proven technique is to deliver the intended value in a manual or "old-school" way. For example, if you’re considering a content curation SaaS, try manually curating content and delivering it by email. This approach gives you insight into demand before investing in a technical solution.

Testing interest can also involve pre-sales, pitches, or pilot programs where clients commit upfront, helping to confirm the demand for your concept.

Bottom Line: Validate Before You Code

Following a validation process keeps you aligned with your market, avoiding costly pivots after development. Taking time now to refine your idea will maximize your chances of creating a product that genuinely solves a problem and attracts paying customers.

But you know what's the best form of validation? -> The amount of money made by competitors.

Since you are already here, you might know I share Validated SaaS Ideas every week which have proven market demand.

Each idea comes with target audience info, market insights, and competitor revenue proof to help you start confidently.

Here's the link: ValidatedSaaS.com if you want to skip the guesswork and jump straight into building a profitable SaaS.

Gone are the days of waitlists anyway. Tap into what's already working :)

Cheers.