The 5-Minute Market Test: Validate Your Invention Idea Fast (Without Spending a Dime)

A simple system to test market demand for your invention idea — before you waste time or money.

Author

Brian Fried
April 28th, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

If you’ve been following along, two weeks ago we talked about the million-dollar idea — and how to tell if yours has real market potential. (If you missed it, catch up here).

Today, I’m giving you something even more tactical:

✅ A simple way to quickly test your invention idea’s demand — without spending a dime
✅ Free tools you can start using right now
✅ Clear signs to watch for — before you invest time, money, and energy

Whether you’re still brainstorming or getting serious about launching, this “5-Minute Market Test” can save you months of wasted effort.

🔎 Why Quick Validation Matters

Before you jump into patents, prototypes, or pitching — you need to know one thing:

👉 Will anyone actually want this?

Brian's Reminder from How to Make Money with Your Invention Idea:

“Inventors often fall in love with their creations before the world has a chance to weigh in. Love your idea — but validate it first.”

— Brian Fried

Without validation, you’re guessing — and guessing is expensive.

This simple checklist will help you work smarter from the start.

Achieve To Do List GIF by MAX

🧪 The 5-Minute Market Test

Here’s how to quickly check if your invention idea has real potential:

1. Search the "Big Three"

(Amazon, Google, Pinterest)

  • Amazon: Search for products that solve the same problem.
    ➔ Are there similar products? Are people leaving lots of reviews? Positive AND negative?

  • Google: Try 3–5 different search phrases.
    ➔ Does anything almost identical pop up? What kinds of companies are offering similar solutions?

  • Pinterest: Browse how everyday consumers are solving these problems.
    ➔ Is there growing interest around a DIY version of your idea?

🧠 Quick Coaching Tip:
If your search turns up nothing and your idea solves a common problem, you may be onto something.
If your search shows tons of similar products... you’ll need to be different or better.

Go to Google Trends.

  • Type in a few main keywords related to your idea.

  • Look for spikes, steady climbs, or consistent demand over time.

  • Compare search interest across seasons.

🔍 Real-World Example:
Brian’s Pull Ties invention benefited from year-round demand (kitchens, home organization), not just a one-season spike.

If your idea is seasonal — plan accordingly.

3. Check Social Proof

Use Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook:

  • Search hashtags related to your idea’s core benefit (e.g., #KitchenHack, #LifeHacks, #OrganizeYourLife)

  • Look for posts, videos, and comments — especially questions like "Does anyone know how to...?"

Pro Tip:
Type into Twitter/X search:

"I wish there was a ____"
You'll uncover real unmet needs straight from real people.

📚 Real-World Example:

Brian’s “Pull Ties”

"It started with resealing bread bags — but grew into cereal bags, frozen veggies, cords, and so much more. That's how I realized it wasn’t a bread solution... it was a household solution."

— Brian Fried, How to Make Money with Your Invention Idea

✅ Lesson:
Think wider.
Test broader.
One good idea can sometimes serve multiple markets — and the bigger the market, the bigger your opportunity.

💡 Quick Note:
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🛠️ Pro Tip: The “Yes / Maybe / No” Method

After your 5-minute market scan, sort your findings:

Category

Meaning

Action

✅ YES

Demand exists, clear opportunity

Move forward to deeper validation

❔ MAYBE

Some interest but needs refinement

Adjust idea, test again

❌ NO

No demand or market is saturated

Rework, reposition, or rethink

📝 Save your research notes!
Even a “No” today could inspire a better spin later.

🧠 Thinking Bigger: A Coaching Moment

When I coach inventors, I always ask:

"Are you solving a small problem… or opening a big door?"

Sometimes it’s a tweak in messaging, a shift in audience, or even adding one more application that turns a “good” idea into a winner.

🧑‍🏫 Want a Second Set of Eyes?

If you’re feeling stuck or want to make sure you're heading in the right direction:

👉 Explore Invention Coaching and Services with Brian Fried »
One-on-one coaching. Real-world advice. No sugarcoating — just real help to move you forward.

📌 Coming Up Next

Next issue:
Prototype Like a Pro (Without Breaking the Bank)

You’ll learn exactly how to build a simple, affordable prototype — even if you’re not a designer or engineer.

This will be a game-changer if you’ve ever thought, "I have an idea, but I don’t know how to build it."

🏁 Keep Moving Forward

Every successful inventor I know has one thing in common:

They validate early, learn quickly, and adapt without fear.

You’re doing the right work — and The Invention Playbook is here to back you up every step of the way.

Inventively yours,
Brian Fried
The Inventor Coach
www.brianfried.com

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