How do you test your MVP?

2 Choose your metrics

The next step is to choose your metrics. These are the indicators that will help you measure the performance and impact of your MVP. Depending on your hypothesis and goals, you might choose different types of metrics, such as user acquisition, retention, engagement, revenue, or satisfaction. You should also define your success criteria, which are the thresholds or benchmarks that will tell you if your MVP is working or not. For example, you might set a goal of achieving a 20% conversion rate, or a 50% retention rate, or a positive net promoter score (NPS).

3 Select your methods

The third step is to select your methods. These are the tools and techniques that will help you collect and analyze data from your MVP testing. There are many methods you can use, such as surveys, interviews, analytics, experiments, or user testing. You should choose the methods that are most suitable for your MVP, your target audience, and your resources. You should also plan how to recruit and incentivize your testers, how to design and run your tests, and how to interpret and report your results.

4 Execute your tests

The fourth step is to execute your tests. This is the stage where you launch your MVP to a small group of potential or existing customers, and observe how they interact with it. You should follow your testing plan, and use your methods to gather data and feedback. You should also monitor and troubleshoot any issues or problems that might arise during the testing process. You should aim to test your MVP as quickly and as cheaply as possible, without compromising on quality or validity.

5 Analyze your data

The fifth step is to analyze your data. This is the stage where you review and evaluate the data and feedback that you collected from your MVP testing. You should use your metrics and success criteria to measure the outcomes and impacts of your MVP. You should also look for patterns, trends, insights, and surprises that might emerge from your data. You should try to answer questions such as: Did your MVP achieve your goals? Did your MVP validate or invalidate your hypothesis? What did you learn from your users? What worked and what didn't work?

6 Iterate your MVP

The sixth and final step is to iterate your MVP. This is the stage where you use your data and feedback to improve and refine your product. You should identify the strengths and weaknesses of your MVP, and prioritize the changes and features that will add the most value to your customers. You should also test your assumptions and hypotheses again, and repeat the testing cycle until you reach a product-market fit. You should aim to iterate your MVP as frequently and as leanly as possible, without losing sight of your vision or mission.