How to Find a Business Idea People Will Pay For

Most people look for business ideas by brainstorming. That produces ideas you like, which is not the same thing as ideas someone will pay for. The reliable starting point is a problem that strangers already describe in public, in their own words, more than once.

This guide is the order to work in. First, understand why ideas fail, so you know what you are screening for. Then go where problems are stated out loud: support threads, app store reviews, forums and job posts. Then filter hard, because most real problems are still not businesses. Finally, narrow down to a niche small enough to reach, and check whether the space is open or merely occupied by someone you can beat.

Each article below covers one step. Read them in order the first time, then use them as a checklist.