How "Real" is Your Infoproduct Idea?

Your 10‑Step Guide to Verifying the Viability of an Infoproduct

When you sit down to sketch out a new online course, ebook, or training program, the first question that should pop into your mind is whether the idea will actually resonate with people and, more importantly, translate into revenue. A quick mental filter can save weeks of wasted effort. Below you’ll find a structured, practical checklist that guides you from curiosity to concrete validation. Each step is designed to be doable in a single afternoon, helping you stay focused while uncovering the hidden assumptions behind your concept.

Before you even draft a curriculum outline, ask yourself if the idea can make money. Look at existing solutions in the marketplace: are there successful products that already solve the problem you’re targeting? Identify gaps - perhaps a niche sub‑topic that remains underserved or a delivery format that hasn't been tried. Estimate the market size: how many people are searching for this solution, and how much are they willing to spend? You don’t need an exact figure; a ballpark of a few thousand active prospects is enough to move forward. If the numbers look promising, sketch a rough revenue model - subscriptions, one‑time sales, or upsells. This exercise keeps the idea grounded in business reality from the start.

An infoproduct will only survive if you’re willing to put in the work. Reflect on the energy you bring to the topic: do you feel excitement when you think about teaching it? It’s normal not to have every detail ironed out; the goal is a strong initial attraction. Consider your comfort with public speaking, content creation, and marketing - areas that will demand time and skill. If you find yourself feeling hesitant, test the waters by discussing the concept with a trusted friend or mentor. Their honest feedback can confirm whether the idea feels authentic to you or just a passing thought.

Create a list of at least ten channels where you could promote the product. Think beyond email lists - look at niche forums, social media groups, partner blogs, webinars, and even offline events. If you’re not sure where those audiences gather, spend an hour browsing platforms like Reddit, Quora, or industry‑specific LinkedIn groups. Write down each venue, noting the typical posting rules and audience tone. This step turns an abstract “market” into a concrete set of touchpoints, making it easier to plan outreach and gauge demand.

Collect research that supports the need for your product. Start with search engines and keyword tools to identify common pain points people express online. Record at least 10 relevant keywords or phrases - e.g., “how to launch a YouTube channel from scratch” or “time‑management hacks for freelance designers.” Then turn to authoritative sources: academic articles, industry reports, and best‑practice guides. If you hit a wall, reach out to experts. A quick email to a professor or seasoned practitioner can open a door to insider knowledge and, sometimes, even a partnership. All this groundwork feeds the credibility of your product and informs the curriculum’s structure.

Identify five specific challenges that your target audience faces right now. For each problem, jot down a solution you can deliver through a lesson, worksheet, or case study. The key is specificity: instead of “improve your writing,” propose “write a 300‑word elevator pitch in ten minutes.” By matching problems with actionable solutions, you build a roadmap that customers can follow. This mapping will later become the backbone of your sales page and lesson outlines.

List the five most compelling outcomes your audience will achieve after completing the infoproduct. Be clear - “earn a higher hourly rate,” “cut project turnaround time by 30%,” or “free up two hours each week for family.” Next, craft persuasive copy that turns each benefit into a promise. Use vivid verbs and concrete numbers: “you’ll learn the exact three‑step framework that boosted my client intake by 25% in two months.” These statements will dominate your marketing materials and help you articulate the product’s value quickly.

Compile a list of your main competitors. Download or bookmark their landing pages, course outlines, and testimonials. Note the angle they’re using - price, speed, community, or depth. Then ask yourself: what gap can you fill that they miss? Maybe you can offer a hybrid format combining live coaching with self‑paced modules, or you can target a sub‑niche that others overlook. Articulate that unique selling proposition in one sentence, and ensure it stays front‑and‑center throughout your content creation and marketing.

Even a one‑page landing site can do the job if it’s clean, trustworthy, and mobile‑friendly. Choose a domain name that is short, memorable, and reflects the core of your product. If you need a quick option, consider using a subdomain on a reputable platform like WordPress.com or Squarespace. A professional layout with a clear call‑to‑action and an email opt‑in form is all you need to start building your list and testing demand.

Identify a handful of individuals who match your ideal customer profile. Invite them for a short, informal conversation - no more than fifteen minutes - to walk through the concept. Use a recorder (with permission) so you can revisit the nuances they mention. Pay attention to the enthusiasm they show and the objections they raise. The conversation should feel natural, almost like a brainstorming session, and should help you refine both the product’s messaging and its content.

Reach out to five or more people you’ve spoken with or who have expressed interest. Offer them a complimentary copy of the product in exchange for an honest testimonial. Be clear about your timeline so they can plan their review. When you receive the feedback, use it prominently on your landing page - video clips work best, but a well‑crafted quote can also boost trust.

Once you’ve walked through these ten steps, you’ll have a clear picture of whether your infoproduct idea is viable, appealing, and market‑ready. If you’re ready to move beyond validation, it’s time to start building your course or guide. And if you’re looking for extra support on launching and scaling, consider signing up for the FREE B2B newsletters from Murdok to stay updated on the latest strategies.

For more inspiration, visit Abundance Center or explore our blog at Abundance Blog. Catherine, a veteran entrepreneur and communications coach, has helped countless creators turn ideas into profitable realities.