Stop Using Paid Ads for Idea Validation: A Zero-Cold-Start Customer Discovery SOP
kylegawley · x · 2026-08-05
The author argues that using paid ads to validate a startup idea on day one is a terrible strategy, as you lack clarity on your target customer, messaging, and a converting landing page.
Instead, he shares a step-by-step cold outreach SOP for customer discovery:
- Search for your ideal customer's job titles on LinkedIn.
- Send 100 connection requests with no notes.
- Once accepted, send a DM asking if they have a few minutes to answer questions.
- Core Principle: DO NOT SELL in the opening message. Ask for help to learn if they actually have the problem.
- If they confirm the problem, present your solution and ask for the sale.
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