Hey there, fellow coaches and digital product creators! Ever found yourself pouring your heart, soul, and countless hours into crafting what you believed was the perfect digital product, only to be met with deafening silence when it launched? It’s frustrating and disappointing right? Well I've been there, trust me. One day I decided that I wanted to create a course that teaches people how to build a website. I spent 7 months and 3 weeks to be exact, creating it. When I launched it, no one bought it! In fact, it’s still in my archives collecting digital dust! I remember spending days and nights wondering where I went wrong, questioning the very core of my ideas.
You see, turning your expertise into a digital product that not only sells but leaves a lasting impact is a journey filled with challenges. But let me tell you, it’s a journey worth taking. Why? Because I've faced the bitter sting of failure. I’ve created products that didn’t just miss the mark; they seemed to exist in a universe entirely disconnected from what people wanted.
But I’m here to share my mistakes and the lessons I’ve picked up along the way. I want you to learn from my mistakes so that you can avoid the pitfalls that I encountered.
In this blog post, I will give you actionable steps that you can take to learn how to validate your digital product ideas effectively. By the end of this journey, you’ll be armed with insights that can transform your creative process. You’ll be equipped to turn your ideas into profit, not just theoretically, but practically and sustainably.
First things first, let’s define your audience. Picture who your ideal customer is. What are their interests? What challenges keep them up at night? The answers to these questions should not remain as mere hypotheticals; this is where a lot of people go wrong. You don’t have to play the guessing game when your audience themselves hold the answers you seek.
In fact, the best source of information about your audience is your audience. Their struggles, goals, and desires provide invaluable insights that can shape your digital product into a solution they truly need. The key lies in reaching out to them directly, and there are several effective ways to do so:
You can craft a simple yet engaging survey using platforms like Twitter polls, Instagram Stories questions, or Facebook polls. Ask questions like, “What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to [specific topic]?” or “What kind of solutions are you looking for regarding [specific pain point]?” Encourage your followers to share their thoughts openly.
You can craft a detailed email survey and send it to your email list. Make your questions very specific and targeted. Ask about their experiences with the problem you’re trying to solve, what they’ve tried before, and what didn’t work for them. When you’re creating a survey don’t ask too many questions. It should be concise to encourage maximum participation.
Encourage your audience to reach out to you directly. Sometimes, people are more comfortable sharing their thoughts in a one-on-one conversation. Respond to their emails and messages personally, and don’t shy away from follow-up questions. These personal conversations often unearth hidden pain points that can inspire unique product ideas. In fact, I recently surveyed my own email list and asked them one question about their challenges. My email list is quite small, less than 1000 people but I was able to get 14 people to respond even though I was sceptical whether anyone would respond.
Another way you can do research on your own audience is host live Q&A sessions on platforms like Instagram Live, Facebook Live, or YouTube. Invite your audience to ask questions in real-time. These sessions not only provide insights but also foster a sense of community, making your audience more likely to share candid feedback.
When you’re getting feedback directly from your audience, I want you to understand that the goal isn’t just to gather data; it’s to build a relationship. Show genuine interest in their responses, thank them for their input, and assure them that their opinions matter. By actively involving your audience in the product development process, you’re not only refining your digital product but also building a loyal customer base that feels heard and valued.
But what if you’re just starting and don’t have an audience to survey? Don’t worry. This does not disadvantage you. You can join online forums, social media groups, or subreddits where your potential audience hangs out. Read their comments, note their questions, and feel their frustrations. Even without a direct audience, you can tap into the collective voice of your niche.
Competitor research becomes your best friend, especially when you’re just starting out. If you know some of your competitors, spend time dissecting their most successful digital products. What is their unique selling proposition? How is their content promoting the product structured?
When you venture into competitor research, look beyond the surface. It’s not just about the product; it’s about the user experience. Sign up for their newsletters, engage with their content, and be a genuine fan. Ask yourself, “What are they doing exceptionally well, and where are the gaps?” This analysis isn’t about copying; it’s about finding your unique angle, your special sauce that sets you apart.
Now, let’s talk about the Minimum Viable Product, or MVP as it’s affectionately called. Picture this: you have an idea, but how do you know if it’s truly worth your time and effort? Enter the MVP – the stripped-down, essential version of your product. Think of it as the first draft of your novel. It’s not perfect, but it’s enough to capture your audience’s attention.
In my business, I’m always working with MVPs. I never create a full-scale digital product and at most, spend less than a week creating the product. By releasing this simplified version to a select group of people I can get invaluable feedback – the kind that money can’t buy. Users interact with the product, test it, and share their experiences. And from this, I can improve my product before releasing it to a wider audience.
So, here’s your action plan. If you have an idea for a digital product, create an MVP. It’s not about the bells and whistles at this stage; it’s about the core experience. Remember, your MVP isn’t just a step; it’s your companion, your partner in this exciting journey. They’ll guide you toward a digital product that’s not just functional but fantastic, one that your users will embrace with open arms.
Unlock the full potential of your digital product business with our comprehensive planner. Crafted to guide you at every stage of your journey.
Another way to know if your digital product idea would be welcomed with open arms in the market is to allow market validation to be your guiding star. Don’t be the one to create a digital product and then rely on a hope and prayer to sell it.
Rather, it’s about tangible proof that your idea is more than just a spark. This is exactly the strategy that I used to test and see whether my first most successful ebook was wanted by the market.
I decided to build an email list to see if there was any interest in what I was offering. Each subscriber I got wasn’t just a number; they were a potential enthusiast, someone eager to embrace what I had to offer. And this was proof enough that my idea had potential.
I also created a landing page which acted as my digital storefront. It was my invitation to the world. It’s what I used to share my vision of the product, why I wanted to build it and it stirred anticipation, and invited others to be a part of something exciting.
Here’s the blueprint of a good landing page:
Your visitors should know exactly what your digital product is about within seconds of landing on the page. What problem does it solve? How will it make their lives better? Spell it out clearly and concisely.
Humans are visual creatures. Incorporate captivating images or graphics that represent your product. Showcasing your product in action or its end results can make a powerful impact.
Include testimonials or user reviews if you have them. Positive experiences from others can build trust and credibility, making potential customers more likely to engage. And if you don’t have any testimonials use …
Weave a story around your digital product. Explain why you created it, what problem inspired you, and how it can transform the lives of your users. A compelling narrative can connect emotionally with your audience. When I validated my ebook, I told my story about the framework and system I was selling and how I used it to achieve success myself. I was able to add over 200 subscribers to my email list; that’s over 200 people who wanted to know more about what I was creating.
Your landing page should have a clear and compelling CTA. Whether it’s signing up for updates, making a pre-order, or joining a waitlist, guide your visitors on the exact action you want them to take.
Now, let’s talk about your email series. Think of your subscribers not just as contacts but as potential enthusiasts waiting to be engaged. Here’s how to structure your email series:
Send a warm welcome email immediately after someone subscribes. Express your gratitude for their interest, introduce yourself briefly, and set the tone for what they can expect from your emails.
In subsequent emails, introduce your digital product gradually. Share its story, explain the problem it solves, and highlight its unique features. Use storytelling to make it relatable and engaging.
Offer exclusive glimpses into your product. This could be a sample chapter, a demo video, or a teaser. Creating anticipation is key, and these sneak peeks can generate excitement among your subscribers.
Create a sense of urgency by offering limited-time discounts or bonuses exclusively to your email subscribers. Encourage them to pre-order or join early, emphasising the value they’ll receive by being part of the initial launch.
Engage your subscribers by seeking their opinions. Ask them about specific features, design elements, or content topics. Their input not only refines your product but also makes them feel valued and involved.
Remember, your landing page and email series are your digital ambassadors. They should not only inform but also inspire, engaging your audience emotionally and intellectually. By crafting a compelling narrative and providing valuable insights, you’re not just building a list; you’re cultivating a community eagerly anticipating the launch of your digital product.
Now, armed with the knowledge of what to include in your landing page and email series, you have the tools to not only validate your idea but also create a buzz that will make your digital product launch unforgettable. Dive in, tell your story, and let your audience become part of the narrative.
My 10-Day Welcome Series Fill-In-The-Blanks Email Templates (that made me approx $2k in 2 wks). When you get a subscriber, what happens next? With my fill-in-the-blanks welcome series templates, build trust and immediately establish credibility with these templates that were specifically designed to turn strangers into eager subscribers who are ready to buy my low-ticket offer.
Ah, pre-sales and crowdfunding campaigns – the theatrical climax of market validation. Before you even create your product, consider pre-selling it. Pre-sales aren’t just transactions; they are votes of confidence, pledges from people who believe in your vision.
This is your golden ticket to gauge interest and secure early supporters. Imagine this: your digital product is still an idea in your head, a spark waiting to ignite. By offering pre-sales, you’re inviting your audience to believe in the potential of what you’re about to create and find out if they want it. If you want to consider this strategy here’s some things you can do:
Offer pre-sale buyers exclusive insights into your creative process. Share behind-the-scenes updates, concept sketches, or MVP snippets. By letting them witness your journey, you’re not just selling a product; you’re selling them an experience.
Create a sense of urgency by offering limited-time discounts or exclusive bonuses for pre-orders. Early supporters should feel like they’re part of an elite club, reaping benefits that won’t be available to the general public.
Encourage pre-sale customers to share their expectations and desires. Run polls, host live Q&A sessions, or conduct surveys. Their feedback will not only shape your product but also make them feel valued and invested in the creation process.
Crowdfunding takes pre-sales to a whole new level. It’s like inviting the world to witness the birth of your creation. Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow you to showcase your digital product idea to a global audience.
Craft a compelling narrative for your crowdfunding campaign. Explain the problem your product solves, the inspiration behind it, and why it’s unique. Use visuals, videos, and testimonials to create an emotional connection with potential backers.
Offer enticing rewards for different pledge levels. These could range from exclusive access to your digital product, personalised experiences, or even limited-edition merchandise related to your product. Make the rewards exciting and aligned with your audience’s interests.
Keep your backers updated regularly. Share progress, challenges, and victories. Transparency builds trust. Address their questions and concerns promptly. Show them that their support is making a real impact on the development of your digital product.
By engaging in pre-sales and crowdfunding, you’re not just validating your digital product idea; you’re building a passionate community around it. These early supporters become your brand ambassadors, spreading the word and generating buzz. Their belief in your vision not only validates your idea but also fuels your determination to create something extraordinary.
Ok. I know I’ve covered a lot of tactics here but it may seem like it's for people who already have an audience. But what if you’re someone who’s just embarking on your digital product journey? The lack of an audience doesn’t mean you can’t validate your ideas effectively. Here are actionable steps and platforms you can use to validate your digital product idea even without an established audience:
Engage in niche-specific Facebook groups, Reddit communities, or LinkedIn forums related to your product idea. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and seek opinions. These platforms are gold mines of feedback and insights.
Use platforms like SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or Typeform to create surveys. Share these surveys in relevant online communities or social media groups. Ask targeted questions about your product idea to understand the needs and preferences of your potential audience. SurveyMonkey’s audience platform allows you to get feedback directly from your target audience. Websites like Amazon’s Mechanical Turk allow you to recruit people to help you conduct paid surveys. Invest a small budget to get valuable opinions from a wider audience. It’s an inexpensive way to gather diverse feedback.
Develop a basic MVP of your digital product. Offer it to a select group of individuals for free or at a nominal fee in exchange for feedback. Websites like Betabound and UserTesting allow you to connect with beta testers eager to provide insights.
Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo are not just for products; they are also perfect for digital creations. Create a compelling campaign, showcasing your idea and its potential impact. Offer early access, exclusive content, or personalised experiences as rewards for backers.
Identify influencers or bloggers in your niche and reach out to them. Offer them early access to your MVP or a complimentary version of your digital product. In return, request an honest review or feedback. Influencer testimonials can add credibility to your idea.
Create targeted Ads on relevant platforms promoting your digital product idea. Direct users to your landing page or a survey form. Analyse the click-through rate and conversion rate. This data can provide insights into the appeal of your concept.
Beyond social media, platforms like Quora, Reddit (specifically subreddits related to your niche), or specialised forums can be treasure troves of insights. Engage genuinely, ask questions, and observe discussions to understand the pain points and desires of your potential audience.
Remember, validation is not just about gathering positive feedback; it’s about understanding the market's genuine need for your product. Be open to criticism and be willing to adapt your idea based on the feedback you receive. Use these platforms and tactics as stepping stones toward a well-informed, validated digital product idea. With determination, creativity, and a proactive approach, you can transform your concept into a digital masterpiece that the world eagerly embraces.
In this comprehensive guide, we went on a journey to unravel the secrets of transforming digital product ideas into thriving ventures. We explored the power of validation, delving into strategies and tactics that cater to both established entrepreneurs and those just starting. Let's recap the crucial points we uncovered.
We emphasised the significance of validating digital product concepts before investing time and resources. Understanding your audience, creating MVPs, gathering feedback, and validating market demand are vital steps on this transformative journey.
For those with an existing audience, we explored leveraging social media, email marketing, and crowdfunding to validate ideas effectively. Building anticipation through engaging content and interactive experiences became our cornerstone.
For budding entrepreneurs lacking an audience, we offered actionable steps like utilising social media groups, online surveys, crowdfunding platforms, and collaborating with influencers. These strategies empower you to validate your concepts even from ground zero.
The key takeaway from our exploration is crystal clear: validation is not just a step; it's the foundation upon which successful digital products are built. By validating your concepts, you are not just saving time and resources; you're ensuring that your creation meets a genuine need in the market.
Now, armed with insights and actionable steps, it's your turn to take action. Apply the knowledge you’ve gained. Embrace the step-by-step guide we’ve provided, tailor it to your unique idea, and watch your digital product idea evolve and flourish.
Remember, your digital product idea has the potential to transform lives, solve problems, and leave a lasting impact. Validation is your compass, guiding you toward success. So, take that leap, believe in your vision, and let’s turn your idea into a digital triumph.
The world is waiting for what only you can create.
Happy validating!
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