Phase 1: Idea Discovery & Validation
Objective: Ensure the idea solves a real problem and has demand.
Key Actions
- Identify a clear problem (personal pain point, market gap, inefficiency).
- Define the target customer (who, why, urgency).
- Conduct basic market research:
- Existing solutions and competitors
- Pricing benchmarks
- Customer complaints and unmet needs
- Validate demand:
- Customer interviews
- Surveys or waitlists
- Landing page with sign-ups
- Pre-orders or LOIs (if possible)
Deliverables
- Problem statement
- Target customer profile
- Validated value proposition
Phase 2: Business Model & Strategy
Objective: Define how the business will create, deliver, and capture value.
Key Actions
- Choose a business model:
- Product, service, SaaS, marketplace, subscription, etc.
- Define revenue streams and pricing strategy.
- Estimate costs (fixed and variable).
- Identify key differentiators (USP).
- Decide positioning and niche focus.
Deliverables
- Lean Business Model Canvas
- Pricing structure
- Go-to-market hypothesis
Phase 3: Market & Competitive Analysis
Objective: Reduce risk by understanding the landscape.
Key Actions
- Analyze competitors (features, pricing, strengths, weaknesses).
- Identify barriers to entry.
- Assess market size (TAM, SAM, SOM).
- Define customer acquisition channels (organic, paid, partnerships).
Deliverables
- Competitive matrix
- Market sizing estimate
- Channel strategy
Phase 4: Brand & Legal Foundation
Objective: Build credibility and protect the business.
Key Actions
- Choose business name and domain.
- Create brand basics:
- Logo
- Color palette
- Brand voice
- Register the business (as per jurisdiction).
- Open business bank account.
- Secure essential legal documents:
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- Contracts/agreements
Deliverables
- Brand identity kit
- Registered business entity
- Legal compliance checklist
Phase 5: Product / Service Development (MVP)
Objective: Build the smallest viable version that delivers value.
Key Actions
- Define core features only (avoid overbuilding).
- Create wireframes or process flow.
- Develop MVP (no-code, low-code, or full build).
- Test usability and functionality internally.
- Prepare operational workflows.
Deliverables
- MVP (product or service)
- Feature roadmap
- Internal SOPs
Phase 6: Pre-Launch Preparation
Objective: Prepare the market and operations for launch.
Key Actions
- Build launch assets:
- Website or landing page
- Pitch deck
- Demo or walkthrough
- Set up analytics and tracking.
- Prepare marketing content:
- Email sequences
- Social media posts
- Press or community outreach
- Line up early users or beta customers.
Deliverables
- Launch-ready website
- Marketing assets
- Beta user list
Phase 7: Launch Execution
Objective: Release the product and acquire first customers.
Key Actions
- Officially launch to the market.
- Activate acquisition channels.
- Monitor performance in real time.
- Provide hands-on customer support.
- Collect immediate feedback.
Deliverables
- First paying users/customers
- Initial revenue
- Feedback and issue log
Phase 8: Post-Launch Optimization
Objective: Improve traction, retention, and scalability.
Key Actions
- Analyze KPIs (conversion, CAC, retention).
- Fix critical issues and improve UX.
- Refine pricing or positioning if needed.
- Strengthen onboarding and support.
- Begin building systems for scale.
Deliverables
- Optimized product/service
- Revised growth plan
- Scalable operations framework
Phase 9: Growth & Scaling (Next Stage)
Objective: Move from startup to sustainable business.
Key Actions
- Expand marketing channels.
- Hire or outsource key roles.
- Automate operations.
- Explore partnerships or funding.
- Plan product expansions or new markets.
Deliverables
- Growth roadmap
- Team structure
- Long-term vision plan
Summary Flow
Idea → Validation → Strategy → Brand & Legal → MVP → Pre-Launch → Launch → Optimize → Scale
If you want, I can:
- Customize this roadmap for tech startup, service business, or solo entrepreneur
- Convert it into a 30-60-90 day execution plan
- Create a visual roadmap or checklist version for printing or sharing
