A minimum viable product (MVP) is a development technique in which a new product is introduced to the market with basic features, but sufficient to gather validated learning about the product's further development.


The MVP concept is used to test a product hypothesis with the least amount of effort and the least amount of development. MVPs are used to gather the greatest amount of validated learning about the product with the least amount of effort. This approach helps companies to quickly and efficiently determine whether their product idea is viable, and can help them to avoid wasting time and resources on a product that is not likely to be successful.


The 10 biggest mistakes people make when trying to build MVP (minimum viable product):


  1. Not defining their MVP clearly: It's important to have a clear idea of what your MVP is and isn't. This will help you focus your efforts and resources on the most important features and functionality, rather than getting sidetracked by unnecessary bells and whistles.
  2. Failing to validate their MVP: Before you start building your MVP, it's crucial to validate your idea with potential customers. This can be done through market research, customer interviews, or even a landing page to gauge interest. Failing to validate your MVP can lead to building something that no one wants, which is a waste of time and resources.
  3. Trying to do too much: It's tempting to try and pack as much functionality as possible into your MVP, but this can be a mistake. It's important to keep your MVP as lean and minimal as possible, focusing on the core features that are absolutely necessary.
  4. Not involving customers in the process: Your customers are the ones who will ultimately be using your product, so it's important to get their input and feedback during the development process. This can help you build a product that meets their needs and addresses their pain points.
  5. Ignoring the competition: It's important to research and understands your competition when building your MVP. This will help you identify any unique features or functionality you need to include to differentiate your product.
  6. Not considering scalability: While it's essential to keep your MVP minimal, it's also important to consider scalability. You want to build a product that can easily be expanded and adapted as your business grows.
  7. Not testing thoroughly: Thorough testing is crucial to ensure that your MVP is functional and user-friendly. This includes both manual testing and automated testing, as well as testing on different devices and browsers.
  8. Not having a marketing plan: Your MVP is just the beginning – you'll need a solid marketing plan in place to promote and sell your product. This should include tactics such as social media marketing, content marketing, and search engine optimization.
  9. Not seeking outside help: Building an MVP is a lot of work, and it can be overwhelming if you try to do it all on your own. It's important to seek out help and resources, whether that be through hiring a team, consulting with experts, or utilizing online resources.
  10. Not being flexible: Building an MVP is an iterative process, and it's important to be flexible and open to making changes and improvements along the way. This might mean pivoting your original idea or adding new features based on customer feedback.


Overall, the key to building a successful MVP is to focus on the core features and functionality, validate your idea with potential customers, and be open to making changes and improvements as needed. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to launching a successful product.