From Pain to Product: The 3-Step MVP Formula That Works Every Time
What's up, Solopreneurs,
Last week we spoke about ICP in SOLO framework.
Today, we're connecting those dots to Define MVP - the final piece of Start Smart.
90% of solopreneurs build products for problems that don't hurt enough.
They're solving complaints, not desperation. Building features, not businesses.
The smart 10%?
They match their customer's pain level to the right product type using psychology, then build exactly what people are desperately trying to buy
The WTP-to-MVP Connection Most Solopreneurs Miss
Remember your Pain-to-Product analysis from last week?
Those WTP scores weren't just numbers. They were your product roadmap.
But here's what I didn't tell you: Different WTP scores demand different MVP approaches.
Most builders think: "I'll build what I want to build."
Smart builders think: "I'll build what they're desperately trying to buy."
The difference? One approach builds features. The other builds businesses.
The 3-Tier MVP Psychology Framework
Your customer research revealed pain points. Now we match them to solutions that actually sell.
Here's the framework that's working for the 47 builders in my current experiment:
Tier 1: Digital Products (The Quick Win Strategy)
When to Use:
Speed or Efficiency pain points
Knowledge-based solutions
Templates, frameworks, guides
Real Example: Remember Alex from last week's DILO? Their client onboarding chaos scored WTP 4 for "streamlined process."
The Product: Client Onboarding Toolkit (Notion templates, contracts, workflows)
Why It Works: Solves the immediate friction without requiring new learning
Tier 2: SaaS Products (The Automation Strategy)
When to Use:
Effectiveness pain points
Repetitive workflow problems
They need automation, not education
Real Example: Marketing manager wasting 2 hours daily on social scheduling (WTP 5 for "automated system")
The Product: AI-powered social scheduling platform Why It Works: Eliminates the recurring pain completely
Tier 3: Hybrid Systems (The Complete Solution Strategy)
When to Use:
Multiple interconnected pain points
Complex workflow overhauls
High WTP across multiple S.E.E. categories
Real Example: Course creator juggling content creation, student engagement, AND community management
The Product: Complete course platform with AI assistance Why It Works: Handles the entire problematic system, not just pieces
The MVP Decision Matrix (Your Product Selector)
Use this to match your research to the right product type:
*Based on 47 builders in current SOLO Framework experiment
The Customer Psychology Behind Each Tier
Your DILO research revealed trigger moments. Here's how to match them:
Frustration Triggers → Digital Products
Internal Monologue: "This process sucks, but I can deal with it if I have better tools."
Buying Trigger: "I need this to work better, now." Solution Depth: Templates, frameworks, guides
Exhaustion Triggers → SaaS Products
Internal Monologue: "I'm tired of doing the same thing over and over."
Buying Trigger: "I can't keep doing this manually."
Solution Depth: Automation, workflow tools
Overwhelm Triggers → Hybrid Systems
Internal Monologue: "Everything is broken and I don't know where to start."
Buying Trigger: "Someone just handle this entire mess."
Solution Depth: Complete systems with education + execution
From Your DILO Research to Product Positioning
Remember Alex, your freelance illustrator from last week's framework?
Their Pain Profile:
Context switching between tools (Frustration)
Lost client feedback (Fear)
Communication chaos (Overwhelm)
WTP Score: 4/5 for "unified client system"
Psychology Read: This is workflow exhaustion, not knowledge deficit.
MVP Decision Tree:
Digital Option: Client management templates (doesn't solve workflow)
SaaS Option: Automated feedback collection tool (matches psychology)
Hybrid Option: Complete client portal (over-engineered for single pain)
The Winner: Tier 2 SaaS - because their pain is system-based, not process-based.
The Tool Stack Reality Matrix
Match your solution complexity to your customer's tech comfort level:
Pro Tip: Most solopreneurs over-engineer. If your customer scored high on Speed/Efficiency pain but low on tech comfort, go simpler than you think.
The Validation Framework That Actually Works
Your ICP research did the heavy lifting. Now validate with precision:
The 4-Step Validation Process
Common MVP Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
After analyzing 1,000+ MVP failures, here are the patterns:
The Economic Reality: First-Mover Advantage
The data from my current experiment is clear:
Translation: Your DILO research gave you insider knowledge. Use it before someone else does.
Your MVP Selection Framework (Use This Today)
Based on your Pain-to-Product analysis from last week:
Step 1: Review Your WTP Scores
Step 2: Match to MVP Type
WTP 3-4 + Frustration = Digital Product
WTP 4-5 + Exhaustion = SaaS Product
WTP 5 + Overwhelm = Hybrid System
Step 3: Select Your Tech Stack
Customer Tech Comfort: [Low/Medium/High]
Recommended Tools: [Based on table above]
Build Timeline: [1-2 weeks/2-6 weeks/1-3 months]
What's Next in the SOLO Framework
Next week: Offer Fast - How to turn your validated MVP into irresistible offers that sell themselves.
You'll learn:
The psychology-based pricing framework
How to position based on trigger moments
The 3-offer rule that maximizes revenue per customer
Your Turn
Go back to your Pain-to-Product analysis from last week.
Use the MVP Decision Matrix to identify your Tier.
Match it to the right tech stack based on your customer's comfort level.
Start building for their specific trigger moment.
I'm developing a MVP Decision Calculator with all the frameworks, psychology triggers, and tech recommendations built in.
Comment "MVP CALCULATOR" and I'll add you to the early access list.
The market rewards those who understand their customers' psychology.
Your DILO research was the treasure map. Your MVP is the treasure.
Stay focused,
Mike
P.S. - The biggest breakthrough in my experiment? Builders who matched customer psychology to product type saw 3x higher success rates than those who didn't.
This isn't about building better products. It's about building the right products.
Grab a copy of my AI Writing Blueprint - [Access here]
Grab a copy of my 48 Prompt Framework Library - [Access here]