7 Prompts for Validating Your Idea

Use ChatGPT or Perplexity to run a 7-prompt “Idea Check” sprint that maps the problem, competitors, demand signals, and first interviews.

1. Why Idea Validation Matters

• Most startups fail because they build something nobody truly needs.

• Traditional validation = weeks of research + customer interviews.

AI speeds up the first pass so you can spot blind spots quickly. “Zero to 80% FAST!”

2. Step-by-Step Workflow (How-To)

• Write Your Problem Statement Keep it simple: “I think [customer] struggles with [problem] when they try to [goal].”

• Run AI Prompts

1. Problem clarity

2. Competitor scan

3. Target customer personas

4. Search demand signals

5. Risk assumptions

6. Interview questions

7. One-liner & CTA draft

Example Prompts for a 7-Step Idea Check - Try this example, then adjust.

1. Problem clarity: “Act as a skeptical customer. Here’s my problem statement: [paste]. What’s unclear? What proof would convince you it’s real?”

2. Landscape: “List 8–10 existing ways people solve this today (products/services/DIY). Where do they win/lose for a budget-conscious startup?”

3. Who cares most: “Draft 3 customer profiles (role, pains, current workaround, where they hang out online, how they buy).”

4. Demand signals: “Suggest 10 specific search phrases and 3 communities (forums/subreddits/newsletters) where this problem shows up.”

5. Risks: “List the 5 riskiest assumptions I’m making. Give one fast test for each I can run this week.”

6. Interview guide: “Write 7 open-ended interview questions that avoid leading the witness and focus on past behavior.”

7. One-liner + CTA: “Write a one-sentence value prop and a simple landing-page block: headline, 2 benefits, single CTA.”

*Tip: AI is a head start, not the finish line—always validate with real customer conversations.

Download FREE Idea Validation Worksheet

Cross-Check With Data

 Use Google Trends, free SEO tools, or social listening to confirm AI suggestions.

Case Study: Eco-Friendly Packaging

One founder came to us exploring sustainable packaging for e-commerce shops.

• The Idea: Compostable shipping materials.

• AI Insight: The market was crowded, but “fast-ship compostable mailers” for small shops were underserved.

• Next Step: With AI’s draft outreach, she booked 5 interviews in under 48 hours, saving weeks of research and dropping features customers didn’t value.

Your Decision: Go, Pivot, or Pause

At the end of the sprint, use the decision framework:

• GO: Evidence supports moving forward. Customers show demand.

• PIVOT: Adjust direction based on feedback or gaps discovered.

• PAUSE: Not enough validation yet—hold until more data is gathered.

6. Free Download: AI-Powered Idea Validation Sprint

Use it as a fillable guide to capture AI insights and plan your next customer conversations.