Re:Ask HN: How to Identify a Need in the Market?
by Leftium on Friday March 22, 2024 @10:42AM
(#39791224)
> It seems like everything that could be done with software has been done.
This implies you think selling something "new/different" will be easier to sell. But that might not be true.
- Competition is good because it validates the product/service. It means there is a market and people are buying already.
- "New" things will also have competition (in a different form). Your prospects will likely already have a product/method for accomplishing the thing your product/service provides. For example an air conditioner doesn't just compete with other air conditioners. They must also compete with other ways of cooling like fans or even water.
Dane Maxwell teaches/uses a concept called Idea Extraction:
1. Pick a niche.
2. Contact that niche and let them tell you the pains worth solving.
Idea Extraction is a form of market research, which is important to ensure you don't build something no one wants to buy.
However, I would argue marketing/sales is more important than the idea itself. You can make money selling products/services that already exist; no need to build something new!
For example, one common mistake is to start marketing after your product is completed; you should start marketing even before you begin development!
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Amy Hoy teaches a similar concept, which she calls "Sales Safari:" https://shop.stackingthebricks.com/sales-safari-101
(Also take a look at the full course: https://30x500.com)