How to validate a startup idea?

Detailed Explanation

Validation prevents the #1 startup failure reason: building products nobody wants. The process: **Step 1 - Problem Validation:** Define specifically who has the problem (narrow target: "freelance designers in Bangalore" not "designers"). Rate pain level 1-10 (need 8+). Interview 50-100 people asking "How do you solve this today?" and "How much time/money does this cost you?" **Step 2 - Solution Validation:** Create a landing page explaining your solution (use Carrd or Webflow). Drive 200-500 visitors via ads (₹2,000-₹5,000), Reddit posts, or LinkedIn outreach. Track email signups—2-5% conversion is good. **Step 3 - Willingness to Pay:** Email everyone who signed up: "Would you pay ₹X/month?" Track responses. Offer presale: "₹499 for early access, normally ₹999." Aim for 10-20 customers committing money before building. **Step 4 - MVP Validation:** Build simplest version (1 core feature only). Launch to pilot customers. Measure retention after week 1, week 4. If <40% return in week 4, pivot or improve. **Red flags:** If 70%+ say "current solution works fine" → weak problem. If <1% landing page conversion → messaging unclear. If people won't prepay even ₹100 → they won't pay ₹1,000 later. **Green flags:** People ask when they can start using it without you selling. They refer others organically. They're willing to pay before product exists.