Prove Demand Before You Build

Advisors love to say "talk to customers." That is correct and incomplete. Talking is cheap. What you need is a test that produces numbers: clicks, replies, deposits, or explicit intent to buy.

A demand test does not require a product. It requires a clear offer, a credible landing page, and outreach to people who actually have the problem you claim to solve. You are not asking friends if they like your idea. You are asking strangers if they will take a concrete next step.

When the signal is weak, that is useful data. Pivot the offer, narrow the audience, or walk away before you burn runway on code nobody wanted.