How I Validate SaaS Ideas Before Writing a Single Line of Code

When you’re excited about an idea, the natural instinct is to open VS Code and start building.
But the harsh truth? Most SaaS projects don’t fail because of bugs or tech—they fail because no one wanted them in the first place.

That’s why validation comes before code.
Here’s a simple, no-fluff framework that helps validate whether your idea is worth building — without touching a single line of code.

🧩 Step 1: Don’t Validate the Idea — Validate the Problem

Most of us try to validate ideas.

“I’m building a tool that does X — what do you think?”

That usually gets polite responses or worse — false encouragement.

Instead, flip it:

“I’ve noticed [specific pain]. Anyone else feel this too?”

This changes everything. You're now starting from a problem that others might already care about, rather than pitching a solution no one asked for.

📣 Step 2: Talk About the Problem — Publicly

Start by posting about the pain point on platforms like:

• Twitter/X

• Indie Hackers

• Reddit (e.g. r/SaaS, r/startups)

• LinkedIn

• Facebook groups

• Discord communities

Ask questions like:

• “How are you currently doing [X]?”

• “What frustrates you about [Y tool/workflow]?”

• “Anyone here doing [Z]? What’s your biggest headache?”

Keep it raw. Keep it human.

If people relate, they’ll reply. That’s a signal.

🌐 Step 3: Create a Simple Landing Page

Once you’ve seen some interest or discussion around a problem, create a quick landing page using tools like:

• Carrd

• Framer

• Typedream

Your landing page should explain:

• The problem

• The rough solution you have in mind

• A waitlist form (email collection)

Optionally, ask:

• What tool do they use now?

• What’s the most painful part?

• Would they pay for a better solution?

🧠 Step 4: Talk to Real People

From that email list or from DMs, reach out and chat.
These don’t have to be long calls — even short convos can reveal powerful insights.

What to ask:

• “Walk me through how you handle [problem] today.”

• “What’s the most frustrating part?”

• “Would this kind of solution make your life easier?”

• “Would you consider paying for this?”

If they say “yes,” dig deeper: how much? What would make them need it?

⚠️ Bonus: Watch Out for False Signals

Some signs that seem good but aren’t:

• “That sounds cool!” = Not validation

• “I’d use it” = Not validation

• “I’d pay for that” = Not validation

What counts as real validation:

• They give you their email

• They agree to a call

• They ask “When can I use it?”

• They pre-pay (even a small amount)

🧪 Quick Tip: Test With Micro-Experiments

Some low-effort tests you can run:

• Run $20 worth of ads to see who clicks

• Post a fake product tweet to gauge interest

• Create mockups and ask people to vote

• Share screenshots in communities and ask: “Would this help?”

It’s better to learn now than to spend 3 months building something no one needs.

🚀 TL;DR Framework

1. Start with the problem.

2. Talk about it publicly.

3. Gauge interest via replies, DMs, or upvotes.

4. Build a landing page and collect emails.

5. Talk to people. Listen more than you pitch.

6. Let real feedback shape what you build — or don’t build at all.

If you’ve been stuck validating your idea — don’t worry, that’s part of the game.
The key is to move fast and talk early. No more building in silence and launching into the void.

Liked this?
Drop a 💬 or share your own validation approach — would love to hear how others are doing it differently.

#SaaS #BuildInPublic #IndieHackers #StartupTips #Validation #EarlyStageFounders