A problem well stated is a problem half-solved.
It couldn't be more true when it comes to identifying customer growth opportunities.
"A problem well stated is a problem half-solved. "This quote is from the American inventor and businessman, Charles Kettering (holder of 186 patents 🤯).
It couldn't be more true when it comes to identifying customer growth opportunities. As a founder, here are four (of many) questions you need to ask yourself before investing in growth or demand generation for your startup:
1. How do you know your product actually solves a real problem for your target market?
If you haven’t figured that out yet, what’s your plan to get there? This is the foundation of demand generation. Without product-market fit, everything else is just guesswork. You need to know there's a real need and that people care enough to take action.
2. Are your early marketing efforts showing signs of life?
Small tests are great for spotting what’s working and where you can double down. Move away from vanity metrics and make sure you’re tracking signals that show real interest and potential to scale.
3. Can your systems and team handle more customers?
Before you crank up growth, be sure you’ve got the processes, tools, and people in place to support it. Otherwise, you risk breaking things just as they’re starting to work.
4. Are you paying attention to the numbers that matter?
Metrics like CAC, LTV, and retention tell you how healthy your growth is. If you’re not tracking these yet, start now. They’ll give you a clear picture of what’s working and what needs fixing.
This is just the starting point. Asking these kinds of questions early can save time and and help you grow with confidence when the time’s right.
Hope this helps,
G