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How to launch with a validated idea - The Intercom Blog
Summary
The post describes a three-step process for launching a validated idea, called the three I’s—Ideas, Input, and Iteration—mirroring the lean startup approach. The author explains how his team validated their idea by drafting mockups, creating a sign-up page, and running AdWords, and they got lucky when blogs shared their landing page, giving them a base of potential users for product preview sessions. They then launched a minimum viable product (MVP) and used Intercom to send surveys and automated in-app messages, creating a continuous feedback loop. To iterate, they formed a CoPilots program of users highly likely to purchase who provided weekly feedback via Google+ Hangouts in exchange for free use. The entire team was involved in reviewing interviews, and the cycle is presented as an ongoing process for SaaS startups.
Approach / What changed
The three I’s process: Ideas (validate with mockups, landing page, preview sessions), Input (launch MVP, use surveys and in-app messages for feedback), Iteration (form CoPilots program of likely buyers for weekly feedback, involve entire team).
Takeaways
Conduct product preview sessions with mockups and record them to identify real problems and reshape the idea early.
Launch an MVP and use tools like Intercom to create a continuous feedback loop through surveys and in-app messages.
Form a CoPilots program of users highly likely to purchase who provide weekly feedback in exchange for free product use, and involve the entire team in reviewing feedback.
FAQ
How can you validate your startup idea before launch?
The post suggests drafting mockups, creating a sign-up page, running AdWords, and conducting product preview sessions with potential users to gather feedback and reshape the idea.
What is the CoPilots program and how does it work?
The CoPilots program selects users deemed highly likely to purchase after launch. They agree to use the product in a production environment and provide weekly feedback via Google+ Hangouts in exchange for free product use.
How do you avoid feature creep when iterating on customer feedback?
The post advises being stubborn on the vision but flexible on the details, and evaluating feedback to ensure it aligns with the true audience—customers who pay, not all users.
Source and freshness
- Source
- intercom.com
- Published
- Added to Yomu
Summaries are generated from the original by a language model. Check the original before relying on it.
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