Top 25 Tips for Building An MVP

Building a successful product often starts with developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). 

An MVP is a stripped-down product that includes just enough features to solve a core problem for early adopters and gather feedback for future iterations.

Whether you are a startup, a small business, or a large company looking to launch a new product, creating an MVP is essential for testing the market and validating ideas before committing significant resources.

Based on our extensive experience developing MVPs, we have created a list of the top 25 tips for developing an MVP, with real-life examples. 

Tip 1: Define Your Ideal Customer

Before anything else, identify who you are serving this product to.

If you’re not clear on who your ideal customer is, you might end up creating a product that doesn’t really speak to anyone.

Understanding your target audience is crucial to developing an MVP that aligns with their needs.

Tip

Build customer personas to understand their goals, preferences, pain points, and demographics. Tailor your MVP’s features to address these.

Example

Dropbox focused on tech-savvy individuals and professionals who needed cloud storage. Their MVP addressed the need for simple, efficient file sharing.

Tip 2: Improve Your Value Proposition

Your MVP must clearly communicate why it exists and what problems it solves. 

Clearly communicate the value of your product so users instantly understand what they’ll get and how it benefits them.

A well-defined value proposition is essential to gain attention and set your product apart.

Tip

Focus on one or two key benefits. Keep the messaging simple and clear, ensuring that potential users immediately understand what your product can do for them.

Example

Airbnb's MVP communicated the value of affordable and flexible lodging through a simple online platform, addressing travelers’ need for a low-cost alternative to hotels.

Tip 3: Choose the Right Type of MVP

Different types of MVPs have different goals and validation methods. 

Carefully select the MVP type that allows you to validate your idea quickly and cost-effectively.

Tip

Your primary goal should be to answer this question: Are there people willing to buy my product?

Example

Zappos used a “no-inventory” MVP by posting photos of shoes and manually fulfilling orders, validating the online shoe market before investing in inventory.

Tip 4: Validate Your Idea Before Overinvesting

The whole goal of MVP is to validate an idea. 

Carefully determine the most cost-efficient way of doing this. 

This will help you avoid investing too much in a product that may not be needed or wanted by users.

source: apexure

Tip 

Use landing pages, surveys, and early-bird offers to test your idea and measure demand before building the full product.

Example

Pebble Smartwatch raised millions through Kickstarter, validating demand for a smartwatch before committing to large-scale production.

Tip 5: Focus on Core Features

Avoid feature creep early on. 

Instead, focus on the core functionality that delivers the most value to your users.

Now the question arises, how do you know which features will bring the most value to your users?

Fortunately, there are multiple feature prioritization techniques to help you assess the impact of each feature on your target audience. 

Tip 

Identify the essential features and exclude non-essential ones. Prioritize simplicity, ensuring that your MVP is functional and usable.

Example

Instagram launched with the core feature of photo sharing and basic filters. Other features like stories and direct messaging came later, based on user feedback.

Tip 6: Focus on Customer Feedback

Involve real users throughout the entire MVP development cycle - from wireframes and low-fidelity designs all the way to QA.

Their feedback can reveal usability issues or areas for improvement you might have overlooked.

There is an old MVP joke, that goes:

A QA engeneer walks into a bar. Orders a beer. Orders 0 beers. Orders 9999999 beers. Orders a lizard. Orders a -1 beers. Orders an asdffgh. Everything works as intented.

Then a first real users walks in and asks where is the bathrom. The bar bursts into flames.

The takeaway: You can't predict user behavior, so the sooner you involve real users, the better. It will allow you to tailor your product to fit their needs. 

Tip

Set up easy channels for users to share feedback (e.g., surveys, social media, user testing) and integrate feedback loops into your development process.

Example

Dropbox used early user feedback to refine features like file syncing and sharing, improving the app’s functionality over time.

Tip 7: Use Agile Methodology

Developing a product can feel overwhelming, with countless tasks to manage.

One way to ease this is by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. In other words, embracing the Agile development methodology.

Agile development emphasizes flexibility and iteration, making it ideal for MVP development.

Source: RubyGarage 

Tip

Break your MVP development into small, manageable sprints, and adjust the product based on user feedback at the end of each sprint.

Example

Spotify used an Agile approach to iterate on its MVP, introducing features like playlists and social sharing based on continuous user feedback.

Tip 8: Prioritize Features Based on Impact

There are many feature prioritization techniques, each with its own benefits, but our favorite for MVP development is RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort).

Reach

Reach refers to how many users the feature will impact. For example, if the feature affects a small group, it would score low; if it has the potential to affect a large portion of your user base, it scores high.

Impact

Impact measures how much the feature will improve the user experience, on a scale from 1 to 3. A feature with a large, positive effect would score higher.

Confidence

Confidence is about how certain you are in your estimates for Reach, Impact, and Effort. If you’re very sure, this would score high; if you’re uncertain, it scores low.

Effort

Finally, Effort estimates how much time and resources will be needed to build the feature. This is typically scored from 1 to 10, with lower scores indicating less effort required.

To prioritize, you calculate the RICE score by multiplying Reach, Impact, and Confidence, and then dividing the result by Effort.

Tip

Use multiple feature prioritization frameworks. It’s a valuable experience that will help you choose features with the highest impact for your target audience.

Example

Uber started with a basic MVP focusing solely on ride-hailing and features like in-app payments and ratings were added later based on demand.

Tip 9: Keep the Design Simple

When it comes to MVP design, one golden rule stands out: Keep it simple and straightforward.

Make sure all the all the core features are easily findable.

Test the design prototype on real users. 

source: seahawk

Tip

Use a clean, intuitive design that highlights core functionality, ensuring users can easily navigate and use the product.

Example

Airbnb kept its initial website design simple, focusing on clear calls to action and easy navigation for both hosts and guests.

Tip 10: Assemble the Right MVP Team

Carefully vet your MVP development team. Choosing the cheapest option may compromise quality and end up costing you more in the long run.

An MVP team is typically small but needs to cover all essential aspects of product development.

When assembling your MVP team, prioritize two key aspects: flexibility and communication.

Tip

Ensure your team includes key members with expertise in development, product management, marketing, and design. Prioritize flexibility and quick decision-making.

Example

Slack initially had a small, dedicated team that rapidly iterated on the messaging app, adding features such as integrations and notifications based on user feedback.

Tip 11: Choose the Right Technology Stack

Choosing the right technology stack is quite a confusing task, with too many and too complicated options. 

Consult with tech experts specializing in various technologies to ensure your chosen tech stack has the necessary capabilities to bring your idea to life.

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Tip

A good development team should guide you in selecting the right technology stack based on your MVP's specific needs.

Example

Instagram chose Python and Django to quickly build and scale their MVP, enabling them to focus on user experience and app performance.

Tip 12: Keep the Timeline Realistic

To avoid over-promising and under-delivering, break MVP development into distinct stages, each with clear objectives.

Set realistic deadlines for each stage and stay committed to meeting them.

This structured approach ensures steady progress while keeping the development process manageable and goal-oriented.

Tip

Break the MVP development into phases, and allow room for adjustments based on feedback or unforeseen obstacles. Avoid rushing to meet deadlines at the cost of quality.

Example

Facebook's early MVP had a modest timeline but allowed flexibility for changes as user feedback revealed which features worked and which did not.

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Tip 13: Test with Early Adopters

Instead of promoting your MVP to your entire target audience, focus on identifying early adopters, those who are more willing to embrace innovation and provide valuable feedback on an incomplete product. 

These users are often more tolerant of bugs and missing features, as they see potential in new solutions and enjoy being part of the development process.

Engaging with early adopters helps you refine your product, validate key assumptions, and build momentum before scaling to a broader audience.

source: userpilot

Tip

Identify early adopter communities, such as niche groups on Reddit, Twitter, or Facebook. Offer them early access and incentivize them to provide feedback.

Example

Airbnb tested its MVP by reaching out to users attending conferences. The feedback helped them refine the platform before scaling it globally.

Tip 14: Focus on Retention, Not Acquisition

The biggest challenge for most MVPs is acquiring new customers.

But getting them is only half the battle, keeping them engaged is what truly matters.

Once you have customers, focus on delivering value, actively listening to their feedback, and continuously improving their experience. 

Build strong relationships through excellent support, clear communication, and thoughtful product enhancements to turn early adopters into loyal users.

Tip

To keep users coming back, create sticky features (e.g., personalization, rewards, or notifications) and focus on delivering immediate value.

Example

Snapchat's unique feature of disappearing messages led to high user retention, which made the app highly engaging.

Tip 15: Build Relationships with Partners

Identify potential partners who already have access to your target audience and offer a complementary product or service. 

These strategic partnerships can provide valuable exposure, credibility, and a built-in user base. 

By collaborating with the right partners, you can tap into existing distribution channels, leverage their customer trust, and create mutually beneficial integrations or co-marketing opportunities. 

This approach not only increases visibility but also helps validate your product within a relevant ecosystem.

Tip

Partner with complementary businesses or influencers who can help you promote the MVP. Consider cross-promotions to expand your reach.

Example

Dropbox partnered with services like Box to quickly gain traction in the crowded cloud storage space.

Tip 16: Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot

The best way to fail is to fail fast. This allows you to pivot and better align your idea with user needs.

If users don’t resonate with your first MVP version, don’t dwell on it. 

Instead, focus on understanding why. Identify the gaps, make improvements, and refine your product.

source: syndicode

Tip

Monitor user behavior and feedback. If users are not responding to certain features, pivot quickly by adjusting your product’s focus.

Example

Instagram began as a check-in app called Burbn, but based on user feedback, it pivoted to photo-sharing, which eventually became its main value proposition.

Tip 17: Prepare for Iterations

MVP is just the first step in a product's long lifecycle. 

It's by no means supposed to be perfect. 

Create a road map of interactions. 

When planning iterations make sure that each iteration is testing a new quantifiable hypothesis. 

Tip

Continuously improve your product by addressing bugs, adding features, and enhancing the user experience. Release updates regularly.

Example

WhatsApp started with basic messaging functionality and iterated over time to include group chats, voice messages, and multimedia sharing

Tip 18: Test Across Devices

Test your MVP every time a new iteration is released.

While developers and QA experts will thoroughly test the app, always run a double check. 

Even small changes can unexpectedly break other features, so continuous testing helps catch issues early and ensures a smooth user experience.

Tip

Make sure your product is responsive and functions well on different screen sizes. Prioritize mobile-friendliness if your users are likely to access via mobile.

Example

Uber ensured their MVP was responsive and mobile-friendly, making it easy for users to browse listings on both mobile and desktop.

Tip 19: Set Metrics for Success

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to effectively measure your MVP’s success.

When making decisions about your MVP, rely on clear, data-driven insights rather than assumptions. 

Tracking the right KPIs helps you understand user behavior, identify areas for improvement, and validate your product-market fit.

Some essential KPIs for MVPs include:

1. User Acquisition Rate – How quickly are new users signing up?
2. Activation Rate – Are users engaging with key features early on?
3. Retention Rate – How many users continue using your product over time?
4. Customer Feedback & NPS (Net Promoter Score) – Do users find value in your MVP?
5. Conversion Rate – How effectively are you turning visitors into active users or paying customers?
6. Churn Rate – How many users stop using your product, and why?

Tip

Define success metrics such as user acquisition rate, retention rate, feedback volume, and engagement to measure progress and make data-driven decisions.

Example

Dropbox tracked engagement metrics like file storage growth and user retention to measure the success of their MVP and inform further product development.

Tip 20: Avoid Overbuilding

Avoid the common pitfall of overcomplicating your MVP by adding too many features too soon.

The first version of your MVP should focus only on the core features that solve your users' primary problem. 

Adding unnecessary functionality can increase development time, raise costs, and dilute your product’s value.

Start simple, gather user feedback, and iterate based on real data. 

A lean and focused MVP not only accelerates your launch but also ensures you're building something that truly resonates with your target audience.

Tip

Keep the focus on delivering core value and avoid adding features that don’t directly solve the user’s problem. Simplify wherever possible.

Example

Twitter initially launched as a simple status update tool, evolving over time based on user feedback and introducing new features as needed.

Tip 21: Use a Beta Testing Program

Invite a carefully selected group of early adopters to test your MVP and provide valuable feedback before a broader launch. 

Their insights can help you identify usability issues, validate core features, and uncover potential improvements. 

Consider creating a structured beta testing program with clear objectives, feedback channels, and incentives to encourage participation. 

Tip

Implement basic security measures such as encrypted data storage and secure login to build trust with early users.

Example

Dropbox ensured that data was encrypted and protected during the early stages, giving users confidence in using their platform for file storage.

Tip 22: Build a Community Early

Building a community around your product early on is a powerful way to gather valuable feedback.

Engage with users, read their conversations carefully, and identify key insights such as: what features they love, what frustrates them, and what might be missing. 

Understanding their needs and pain points will help you refine your product and build stronger user loyalty.

Source: codica

Tip

Create spaces for users to interact, ask questions, and offer feedback (e.g., Facebook Groups, Reddit AMAs, or Slack communities).

Example

Airbnb fostered a community of hosts and guests who shared experiences and advice, which helped the platform grow rapidly.

Tip 23: Maximize Marketing Efforts Initially

During the MVP stage, a full-scale marketing campaign may not be necessary, but a set of highly targeted and strategic efforts is crucial to getting your product in front of the right audience. 

Focus on cost-effective channels that allow you to reach early adopters and generate meaningful engagement. This could include niche online communities, influencer collaborations, strategic partnerships, and early access programs. Leverage social proof, case studies, and testimonials to build credibility.

Additionally, use data-driven experimentation such as A/B testing ads, landing pages, and messaging to refine your approach and maximize impact. 

Tip 

The goal is to attract a core group of engaged users who will validate your product, provide feedback, and help drive organic growth.

Example

Dropbox utilized referral programs where users received extra storage by referring others, which drove organic growth.

Tip 24: Create a Simple Onboarding Process

Make it as easy as possible for users to start using your application. 

While you may be tempted to collect extensive data during onboarding, a lengthy or complex process can lead to user drop-off. 

Users are interacting with your app for the first time. 

Instead, focus on essential steps and minimizing friction. 

Offer a simple sign-up process, provide clear guidance, and consider progressive onboarding where users learn features gradually as they engage with the product. 

A smooth, intuitive onboarding experience increases user retention and ensures they quickly see the value of your MVP.

source: tidio

Tip

Keep onboarding simple and guide users through key features with short tutorials or tooltips.

Example

Slack's MVP onboarding was simple and intuitive, helping users quickly understand its core features, and leading to increased adoption.

Tip 25: Be Transparent with Users

Transparency is key to building trust and fostering long-term loyalty among users. 

Always communicate openly about the state of your product. 

If you're testing an unfinished feature, let users know it’s a work in progress and invite their feedback. 

If you experience a service issue or unexpected downtime, acknowledge it promptly and offer a solution whether it’s compensation, a discount, or a simple apology. 

Tip

Honest communication not only strengthens user relationships but also encourages early adopters to become advocates for your brand.

Example

Basecamp openly communicated to users that they were building an MVP and encouraged users to share their insights for improvement.

Conclusion

We hope these tips will help you guide in your way of developing your MVP. There are many simple and easy tips that you just need to keep in mind and not overdo with your ideas (even though it is tempting to).

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