How I test an idea before I build it
One page, one price, one question. Here's the process I use for every product on this site.
Building is the expensive part, so I try to do it last.
1. Write the page first
Every product starts as one landing page: what it does, who it's for, and what it costs. Writing the price down early is the most useful step, because it forces me to decide whether the idea makes sense as a business.
2. Put it in front of the right people
I share the page where the people with the problem already spend time, and I describe it plainly. No ads at this stage.
3. Decide the bar before looking at results
Before sharing anything, I write down what counts as a yes. For example: a set number of email signups or a few pre-orders within 48 hours. If I decide afterwards, I'll talk myself into anything.
4. Build, or retire it
If it clears the bar, it moves to Building on the products list. If not, it moves to Retired, and it stays listed. The record is only honest if it includes the misses.