🕹️ The Product-Market Fit game

It's the most prominent topic when running a startup: How do we achieve product-market fit as soon as possible? If you have it, you know because your product will break down, users will email you if something isn't working, or your product analytics will go through the roof. I stumbled upon an article¹ called The Product-Market Fit Game and want to rewrite it in my own words and experience.

There are five levels of product-market fit:

❓ Find a significant problem to work on
🗣️ Validate the problem by talking to users
🧑‍💻 Get users to use your product
🔁 Keep users coming back
✈️ Onboard your first ten feedback customers

To win, you must eventually finish all five levels. You must change your company's direction if you need more time to finish a level. If you don’t, I promise you that filing for bankruptcy is your last option. These steps sound so simple, yet many founders desire to skip steps, take shortcuts, or assume they already have all the answers. Maybe you do, but I bet you don’t.

❓ Level 1: Find a Significant Problem to Work On

This is the foundation of your startup journey. It's not just about having an idea; it's about identifying a significant problem (painkiller) to build a business around. Here's the thing: many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of creating solutions for issues that don't exist or aren’t worth someone’s time and money (vitamins).

To find a significant problem, you must observe the world around you. What frustrates people daily? What inefficiencies do you see in various industries that could be streamlined or improved? Read industry trend reports and try emerging technologies, as these can often highlight gaps and opportunities that were previously unnoticed. Sometimes, new capabilities create opportunities to solve old problems in novel and more efficient ways.

You can also draw from your own experiences. Do you have a specific insight into a market? Do you keep hearing the same complaints? Reflect on the challenges and obstacles you have personally faced. What problems have you encountered that you wish someone would solve? These personal insights can be precious, as they often resonate with a larger audience with similar frustrations.

The problem you address should be substantial enough (pain) that people are willing to pay for a solution. It's not just about offering convenience; it's about creating real, tangible value that significantly improves your customers' lives.

Moreover, engage with potential customers to validate your observations. Conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather feedback and understand the depth of their problem. Even better: ask for their addresses on a landing page or include them in a (private) group/list.

🗣️ Level 2: Validate the Problem by Talking to Users

Once you think you've hit a big problem, you must ensure it isn’t your delusion. Many founders fail here because they assume their view of the problem matches what the market thinks. Tunnel vision or The Startup Blindspot (my earlier article).

Reach out widely. Use a variety of platforms and resources to connect with potential users. Leverage social media channels, participate in industry-specific forums, and tap into your existing network of contacts.