Questions to Ask Customers Before You Build Anything
Ask about the past, not the future. Good questions are about what people did and what it cost them, like "When did this last happen?" and "What did you do about it?". Do not ask "Would you use my idea?", because people say yes to be polite.
The golden rule: ask about the past
People are bad at guessing what they will do. They are good at telling you what they did. So ask about real events in their life, not about your idea.
10 good questions to ask
- When was the last time you had this problem?
- What happened? Tell me the story.
- What did you do about it?
- How much time or money did it cost you?
- What tools or services do you use for it today?
- What do you like and dislike about them?
- Have you ever paid to fix this problem? How much?
- What have you tried that did not work?
- Who else is involved in this decision?
- Is there anyone else I should talk to?
Questions to avoid
- "Do you like my idea?" People say yes to be polite.
- "Would you buy this?" Opinions about the future are not reliable.
- "Don't you think this would help?" It pushes for a yes.
- "How much would you pay?" People guess badly. Ask what they pay today.
How to run the conversation
- Keep it to 15 or 20 minutes.
- Listen more than you talk.
- Do not pitch until the end, if at all.
- Take notes or record with permission.
- End with: "Who else should I talk to?"
How to use what you learn
After 10 conversations, look for repeated stories and repeated words. If many people describe the same pain, you may have a real problem. Then run a poll and use the validation checklist.
You can also post your idea on Glaral to find people who want to talk about it.
How to find people to interview
- Ask friends: "Do you know someone who [has this problem]?"
- Join two or three online groups for your topic and post a short, honest request.
- Visit places where your customers are, like a market, a co-working space or a college gate, and ask for five minutes.
- Post your idea on Glaral and message people who show interest, if they share contact details.
Say clearly that you are not selling anything. That makes people relax and talk.
A simple interview script
- Say hello and thank them. Explain: "I am learning about [topic]. I am not selling anything."
- Ask your questions about the past, one at a time.
- When they say something interesting, ask "Can you tell me more?"
- Near the end, ask: "Is there anything I should have asked?"
- Finish with: "Who else should I talk to?" and thank them again.
What to write down after each conversation
- Who they are and how you found them.
- The problem in their own words.
- What they do today, and what it costs.
- One surprising thing they said.
- What you will do next because of this talk.
After 10 notes like these, patterns start to show. That is the moment to run a poll or test a small offer.
Frequently asked questions
How many customers should I interview before I build?
About 10 is a good start. If most of them describe the same problem in similar words, you are on to something.
Should I tell people about my idea in the interview?
Usually not at the start. Learn about their problem first. You can share the idea at the end and ask for honest reactions.
What if I cannot find anyone to talk to?
Try online groups, local communities, and friends of friends. Offer a short chat and say clearly that you are not selling anything.
Try your idea on Glaral
Post your business idea for free and get Yes, Maybe or No votes from real people.
Post your idea