Why Most Feedback Is Useless
Your friends and family will lie to you. Random strangers will be unnecessarily harsh. You need feedback from the right people who understand your market and have relevant experience.
Free Online Communities
These platforms offer free feedback but require time investment and community participation. Quality varies significantly, so choose wisely based on your industry and target audience.
Reddit Communities
Communities:
- • r/Entrepreneur
- • r/startups
- • r/SideProject
- • r/ValidateMyIdea
Pros:
- • Large audience
- • Diverse perspectives
- • Quick responses
- • Brutally honest
Cons:
- • Quality varies
- • Can be harsh
- • Limited expertise
- • No follow-up
Indie Hackers
Communities:
- • Main forum
- • Product feedback
- • Ideas & feedback
Pros:
- • High-quality feedback
- • Experienced entrepreneurs
- • Supportive community
- • Detailed responses
Cons:
- • Smaller audience
- • Tech-focused
- • Slower responses
Facebook Groups
Communities:
- • Startup Grind
- • Entrepreneurs Network
- • Side Hustle Nation
Pros:
- • Active communities
- • Real names
- • Local groups available
Cons:
- • Echo chambers
- • Self-promotion heavy
- • Algorithm limits reach
ProductHunt Ship
Communities:
- • Makers
- • Early adopters
- • Product enthusiasts
Pros:
- • Product-focused
- • Early adopter audience
- • Newsletter exposure
Cons:
- • Limited to products
- • Competitive for attention
YCombinator Forum
Communities:
- • Startup School alumni
- • YC founders
- • Mentors
Pros:
- • Expert feedback
- • High-quality discussions
- • Investor perspectives
Cons:
- • Smaller audience
- • Competitive entry
- • Tech-heavy focus
Paid Feedback Services
When you need expert feedback quickly, paid services can provide higher quality insights from experienced professionals. Here are the best options:
RoastYourIdea
Features:
- • AI-powered analysis
- • Market data
- • Competitor research
- • Pivot suggestions
Clarity.fm
Features:
- • Expert consultations
- • Industry specialists
- • Recorded calls
SCORE Mentors
Features:
- • Experienced mentors
- • Industry expertise
- • Ongoing support
Alternative Feedback Methods
Customer Interviews
Direct conversations with potential customers provide the highest quality feedback.
- • Schedule 15-30 minute calls
- • Focus on problems, not solutions
- • Ask about current alternatives
- • Understand willingness to pay
Landing Page Tests
Create a simple landing page and measure interest through signups or pre-orders.
- • Build with Webflow or Carrd
- • Drive traffic with ads
- • Measure conversion rates
- • A/B test different messages
How to Get Better Feedback
Do:
- ✓ Be specific about your ask
- ✓ Provide context about your market
- ✓ Ask about problems, not solutions
- ✓ Follow community rules
- ✓ Engage with other posts first
- ✓ Thank responders publicly
Don't:
- ✗ Ask "What do you think?"
- ✗ Lead with your solution
- ✗ Ignore negative feedback
- ✗ Spam multiple communities
- ✗ Be defensive about criticism
- ✗ Only extract value
Get Instant Expert Feedback
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