How To Test Ideas Quickly
Save time & test ideas in a few days using this method.
If you're like me, you run into new ideas constantly (and most of them suck!).
But sometimes... An idea sticks in your head and compels you to try it.
So how do you test the idea in a couple of days, to see if it's worth pursuing?
Three steps:
1. Create a Landing Page
2. Drive Specific Traffic
3. Measure the Result
Let's go through these three steps now...
1. Create a Landing Page
There's many drag and drop site builders you can use. Off the top of my head, some of them are:
Carrd.co
Wix
Squarespace
Webflow
I like Carrd.co as it's the simplest. But whatever gets the job done is ok!
If you can swing the few bucks for a cheap domain, it will look more professional. If not, no problem.
And the name? Keep it super simple and specific to your niche.
But let's check out the Loom landing page here for a solid example to see how we can create it...
It's simple, straight to the point with a clean design. That's all we need.
First thing we see is a big simple 4-word headline describing the main feature of their product. Then, they have a subheadline for some context.
See if you can do that for your idea. Ask yourself... What's the MAIN feature of my idea that I can describe in 4 words or less?
Write that down. This will be the big headline people see on your page.
That's the first section done!
When you scroll down, they tell you how you can 'LEVEL UP' your life with this product. Here's what they say:
Take back your time
You talk faster than you type
You could be doing real work rather than wasting time in meetings
Notice how the theme here is that this product will save you a lot of time? That's a great 'LEVEL UP' for many people.
So think of how your product helps people level up their life, and make three paragraphs about that.
Another section done.
Next section is much simpler; How your idea works.
Just a couple of paragraphs to explain how your idea works will do. Keep it as simple as possible.
And the final section... The email collection section.
In this section, be straight forward and tell the customer:
"We know your excited about this product, but it's not quite ready for release yet. Please sign up for the beta list below and we'll email you when it's ready!"
And have the email collecting element below.
BUT, remember to connect Google Analytics as well.
We'll need this for Step 3. It's easy to do, and most of the 'drag and drop' site builders will have instructions on how to do it.
That's it for the landing page, onto step 2.
2. Drive Specific Traffic
Now it's time to invite potential customers!
Here's some of the best places to get free specific traffic to your site:
Reddit subreddits
Facebook groups
Twitter with specific hashtags
Forums related to your idea
I'm sure I'm missing other places, but let's use these for now.
Go to each site and find the specific 'corner' where your potential customers are...
If it's Reddit and you have a dog product, go to the subreddit for dogs. If it's Facebook groups, go to the specific dog groups. And so on.
Post a simple 2-3 line explanation for your new idea, and a link to sign up for the beta/early release list.
Do that across all these platforms... And sit back for the traffic to come in.
3. Measure the Result
What results are we looking for? What results can be considered a success?
Wait 4 days to give people a chance to visit. Then hop into Google Analytics and check you have at least 1000 views for a fair analysis.
(If not, share keep sharing your link till you have)
We need at least a 6% conversion rate.
That means that out of 100 people, at least 6 gave their email to know when your product is released.
In case you don't know how to calculate conversions, it's just:
Conversion Rate = (Emails collected / Page Views) * 100
Now did your page convert at 6% at least?
If so, you've got a good idea on your hands!
And if your page converted at 10% or above... Congratulations you've potentially got a MASSIVE winner!
At that point, you know your idea is worth pursuing, so go for it and create the full thing.
If it's below 6%, no worries. It sucks but no biggie. Onto the next one and KEEP testing till you have a winner!
And I'll leave you with a Steve Jobs quote (cliche, I know)...
“I'm convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance...."
Till next time my friends…
- Bezan
P.S. need help for marketing or copywriting? Feel free to reach out at contactbezan@gmail.com for any enquiries.