Is The Thought of Marketing Research Killing Your Dreams?

If you've ever tried to create a digital product, course, or online program, you've probably heard the same advice over and over:

"You have to do market research before you create anything."

"Talk to potential customers first, survey your audience, go into Facebook groups, start conversations in the DMs…"

But what if you don’t have an audience to survey? What if you’re not comfortable DMing strangers and pretending to be social just to dig for answers?

What if you’re like me—a 65-year-old entrepreneur who knows she has something valuable to offer but isn’t about to waste time trying to chat up people in random groups?

I’ll tell you the truth: Market research is not what’s stopping you from making money online. What’s stopping you is the belief that you have to jump through all these hoops before you can even get started.

Let’s break down why traditional market research is unnecessary and what you should do instead.

The Biggest Myth: “You Need to Validate Your Idea First”

The so-called experts will tell you that you need to prove your idea is viable before you create anything. But here’s the reality:

✅ If people are already selling products in your niche, it’s validated.

✅ If you’ve spent money on something similar, it’s validated. 

✅ If people are actively searching for it online, it’s validated.

The fact that there are existing products, books, courses, and content on your topic means there is already a market.

The goal isn’t to find an idea that no one has thought of yet—that’s actually the fastest way to fail. The goal is to find a way to enter an already-existing market with your own unique spin.

Why I Almost Quit Because of Market Research.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bought a course, excited to learn, only to get hit with the same frustrating advice:

"Before you create anything, you need to do market research."

Every time I heard this, my heart sank. Because what they suggested—surveying an email list (that I didn’t have), DMing strangers in Facebook groups (which felt completely unnatural), or reaching out to friends and family (who weren’t supportive of my business journey)—just wasn’t an option for me.

But I still believed in my idea.

I created something valuable—a beautiful Digital Vision Board I know will become an invaluable asset to the Christian who feels called to create wealth. Why? Because we come up against so much opposition and pushback we need a way to remind ourselves daily that this is our calling, these are our dreams. It is a way to keep God’s mission and your dreams alive. 

But because I thought I needed to follow the advice of the expert, I tried the next best thing: I offered it for free to my prayer team just to get feedback.

Not one person downloaded it! :(

That moment was crushing. I started questioning everything. Maybe my idea wasn’t good? Maybe no one wanted it? Maybe I should just give up?

But then I realized something: The problem wasn’t my Vision Board. The problem was the flawed approach that everyone keeps teaching.

Giving something away to an audience that did not come into that space for that particular topic doesn’t prove anything. Even if they are your ‘friends’ or followers, that does not mean they are aligned with what you are trying to create and sell!

I realized I didn’t need “market research” in the way the experts defined it. I just needed to put my product in front of the right people—people who were already looking for something like it.

Why Traditional Market Research is Flawed

Let’s take a look at the typical advice and why it doesn’t work for everyone.

1. “Join Facebook groups and start conversations”

• Most groups don’t allow promotional posts, so you’re stuck awkwardly forcing conversations and hoping someone takes the bait.

• You have to be extroverted and willing to spend hours engaging with strangers.

• It feels fake and manipulative, especially when your only goal is to see if they’ll buy something later.

  
  

2. “Survey your email list”

• What email list?

• If you’re just starting out, you don’t have people to survey, making this advice pointless.

• Even if you do have a small list, people often won’t take the time to respond, leaving you with little useful data.

  
  

3. “Ask your friends and family”

• If they were your target audience, they would’ve bought from you already.

• They likely don’t understand what you’re doing and won’t give valuable feedback.

• Worse, they might discourage you because they don’t see your vision.

  
  

If this advice stops you from even getting started, then it’s bad advice.

A Better Approach to Market Research -- That Won’t Waste Your Time

Instead of wasting time trying to force conversations with strangers, here’s a simpler way to validate your idea without all the nonsense.

1. Search Google, YouTube, and Pinterest for Your Topic

If people are already searching for content around your topic, then there’s demand.

Try typing: 

🔍 “How to [your topic]” 

🔍 “Best [your topic] tools” 

🔍 “[your topic] for beginners”

If results pop up, you have proof that people are looking for this information.

2. Look for Existing Products on the Same Topic

If there are already books, courses, or digital products being sold, that’s a good thing!

Check:

• Amazon (Are there books on this topic?)

• Udemy (Are people buying courses on this?)

• Etsy (Are people selling printables or templates related to this?)

  
  

The fact that people are already making money in this niche means you can too.

3. Ask Yourself: Have I Ever Paid for This?

If you have personally spent money on a course, ebook, template, or program in this niche, then you already know there’s demand.

Chances are, there are people just like you who would pay for something similar—especially if you make it simpler, easier, or better than what you’ve bought before.

Stop Overthinking—Start Creating

Market research is not a prerequisite for success.

Action is.

Here’s what to do next: 

1️⃣ Pick your idea—make sure people are already talking about it, searching for it, and spending money on it. 

2️⃣ Create something small first—a simple digital product, a low-ticket offer, or even just free content to see how people respond. 

3️⃣ Sell it and refine as you go—instead of waiting until you’ve done months of research, put it out there and improve it based on real customer feedback.

You do not need to waste time “validating” an idea that’s already been proven.

You need to start.

Final Thoughts

If market research has been stopping you from moving forward, let it go.

Instead of waiting for the perfect conditions, the perfect audience, and the perfect validation—trust that your idea has value and take action.

Because the truth is, you’ll never know if something will sell until you put it out there.

Now, are you ready to start? Let me know what you're working on—I’d love to encourage you along the way!

Until next time...

Stay Strong & Warrior On!