How to uncover your customer’s needs so you know what to design next

I’m going to show you exactly what questions to ask to gain the insights that will help you build product customers will love.

Unfortunately, in most cases when you ask a potential customer about your idea, they lie to you.

Because …

…you ask the wrong questions and they don’t want to hurt your feelings.

So, here is how you can fix this.

Don’t ask: Is this a good idea?

Instead, ask:

• What else have you tried to solve this problem?
• Are you actively looking for a better solution? If so, what prompted that? If not, why not?
• Are you losing money by not solving this?
• Do you have a budget for a better solution?

Don’t ask: Would you buy this?

Instead, ask:

• How are you currently solving this problem? How much does it cost you? How much time does it take?
• Can you walk me through what happened the last time this problem came up?
• If they haven’t solved the problem, ask why not.
• Have you tried asking other people how they solve this problem?
• Have you tried Googling it in the past?

Keep in mind

• Talk about their life instead of your idea
• Ask about specifics in the past instead of generics or opinions about the future
• Talk less and listen more

If this was helpful and you want more, read “THE MOM TEST” by Rob Fitzpatrick.