Your Blueprint For Success

It’s the New Year and, if you’re anything like me, you’re buzzing with new ideas…

Or maybe not.

Maybe you’re worried that this year will just be more of the same…

No ideas.

Ideas that don’t work out.

The wrong ideas.

Don’t fret because in this week’s newsletter (and for the next few weeks) we’re going to tackle that with step-by-step instructions for you actually to achieve what you want this year. And the next and the next.

Today we’re looking at perhaps the biggest obstacle to success:

Getting stuck at the idea stage.

Have you ever had an idea you were super excited about…but then got stuck trying to figure out how to start, never mind make it happen?

Here’s some great news: You don’t need a big budget, months of planning, or a ton of content to see if your idea will fly…

Because I’m now going to walk you through a step-by-step guide to quickly test your idea with minimal or no investment and maximum profit potential.

Sounds good? It should.

This is what takes you from zero success to that first rung of the ladder and beyond.

Read on to discover…

The 2-Week Test Blueprint

If you’re ready to discover if your idea has real potential, here’s a beginner-friendly, low-cost way to do it.

Step 1: Build a Simple MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Your MVP is a quick, stripped-down version of your product. Think of it as a way to communicate your idea to potential customers without overbuilding.

Tools to Create Your MVP:

• Carrd: Build a one-page website for free (or $9/year for extras).
• Google Sites: Free and beginner-friendly.
• Canva: Create a mockup of your product or service—completely free!
• Gumroad: Test selling digital products with no upfront cost.

 What to Include in Your MVP Website:

• A clear headline: “Solve [X Problem] with [Your Solution].”
• A simple explanation of your product/service.
• A mockup, demo, or product image.
• A call to action (e.g., “Sign up for updates” or “Buy Now”).

Step 2: Set Up an Online Presence for Free

You don’t need a fancy social media strategy. Just create an account to showcase your idea and connect with potential customers.

Free Tools for Online Presence:

• Instagram or TikTok: Great for engaging with audiences and sharing quick visuals or videos.
• Pinterest: Ideal for product-based businesses or ideas targeting niche audiences.
• Facebook Groups: Join groups where your target audience hangs out and share your idea there.

Quick Tips for Creating Content:

• Use CapCut or InShot (both free) to edit videos for TikTok or Instagram.
• Use Canva to create simple social posts.

Step 3: Test Your Idea with a Small Ad Budget

You don’t need a big spend to validate your idea. With just $20-$50, you can see if your target audience is interested.

How to Run a Low-Budget Ad Campaign:

• Facebook/Instagram Ads:
  • Use their guided ad creation tool to set up a simple campaign.
  • Target a specific audience based on interests.
  • Set a daily budget as low as $5.
  • Learn here: Meta Ads Guide.

• Google Ads (Free $500 Credit):
  • Google often offers new advertisers credits to test campaigns.
  • Run a simple search ad targeting keywords related to your idea.
  • Learn here: Google Ads Start Guide.

Free Ad Alternatives:

• Share your idea in relevant Reddit or Facebook groups – you don’t have to give all the details but rather the transformation or outcome your idea will bring and the broad brushstrokes of how
• Post in local community boards or forums like Craigslist or Nextdoor (more for physical ideas or service-based businesses in my experience)
• Ask your friends and family – yes really! People are especially honest if your idea will impact on them in some way, i.e. as your friend or spouse, which it inevitably will if you have a personal relationship

Step 4: Measure and Adjust

Now, it’s time to look at the results of your test.

 Metrics to Watch:

• Website traffic: Use Google Analytics (free) to see who’s visiting your site.
• Social engagement: Are people liking, commenting, or sharing?
• Ad results: Check for clicks, conversions, or sign-ups.

If you get no traction at all, it’s a sign to pivot or rethink your idea. But if you’re seeing clicks, engagement, or even small purchases, you’re onto something!

My Biggest Tip: Borrow What’s Already Working

If creating something brand new feels overwhelming, here’s a shortcut:

1. Look at what’s already popular in your niche.
2. Find a way to make it just a little better.
   1. Add a feature.
   1. Improve the design.
   1. Make it more affordable.

Free Resources to Research Products:

• Exploding Topics: Spot trending ideas for free.
• AnswerThePublic: See what people are asking about.
• Subreddit Search: Dive into communities discussing similar products.

Your Next Steps

What’s stopping you from testing that idea you’ve been sitting on? With these free tools and low-budget strategies, you can get started today.

If you’re serious about building a successful business, remember: it’s better to fail fast and cheap than to pour months (and $$$) into an idea that doesn’t resonate.

Here’s to testing, tweaking, and thriving,

And if you think you have no ideas then your TED talk this week teaches you a powerful way to unleash your natural creativity: