Most people build first and ask if anyone wants it later.
Wrong order.
Here’s the four prompts I run before I touch anything. Copy them. Use them.
1. The gap scan
“Look at [your niche or interest]. List 10 problems people complain about but nobody’s solved simply. Rank them by how annoying they are to live with.”
This finds you a real itch. Not a guess.
2. The reality check
“Search for existing solutions to [problem from step one]. What do they get wrong. What are people still complaining about in reviews and comments.”
Nothing out there? That’s a red flag, not a green light. Something out there and people still complain? That’s your opening.
3. The buildable pass
“Can this be built by one person using AI tools in under a week. What would the simplest version look like. What can wait.”
Not everything’s a weekend build. This prompt kills the ideas that aren’t.
4. The sharp angle
“Write 5 different one-line pitches for this, each aimed at a different type of person who has this problem. Which one would make you stop scrolling.”
Same idea. Different door in. Pick the door that fits your audience.
Run all four in order. Twenty minutes, maybe less.
Most people skip this and just start building. That’s why most of what gets built never sells.
You don’t need a better idea than everyone else. You need to actually check before you build.