Product strategy for startups

As a startup, it can be hard to know where to start and what to prioritise. A product strategy outlines the steps you'll take to bring your new idea to market and grow your business. It also helps you stay focused on your goals and make informed decisions. In this short overview, we'll look at some of the key components of a product strategy.

Here are some things to consider when developing your tech product strategy:

1. Identify your target market: Who is your product for? Understanding your target market will help you tailor your product to their needs and determine the best distribution channels.
2. Define your value proposition: What makes your product unique? Your value proposition should clearly articulate the benefits of your product and how it addresses a specific need or problem for your target market.
3. Develop a product roadmap: A product roadmap outlines the development and launch of your product, as well as any updates or enhancements you plan to make. It helps you prioritize features and allocate resources.
4. Set clear goals and metrics: What do you want to achieve with your product? Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to help guide your decision-making.
5. Establish a clear pricing strategy: Determine how much you will charge for your product and consider factors such as the cost of production, competition, and the perceived value of your product to the customer.
6. Build a strong team: Assemble a team of talented and passionate individuals who can bring your product vision to life.
7. Stay agile and responsive: The tech industry is constantly evolving, so it's important to be flexible and open to change. Be prepared to pivot your product strategy as needed to stay relevant and meet the needs of your customers.

By following these steps, you can build a solid foundation for your tech product and set yourself up for success. Remember, a well-thought-out product strategy will help you stay focused and make informed decisions as you bring your product to market and grow your business.

There are different ways to approach product strategy, we like the Strategyzer series and apply it’s tools and methodologies to most of our projects. Particularly the Business Model Canvas, and Value Proposition Design; these tools are invaluable for thinking about the sustainability of your business model, and making sure you are building something your customers actually want. We also like the simplicity of these tools, they are very visual and most teams can start using them quickly.

It can also be beneficial to work with external consultants on product strategy to get fresh perspective and maintain objectivity. Look for agencies that offer inception workshops to help get your project off on the right foot, or get in touch to find out how we can help.