StartSmart Step 3: Make Sure You're Solving the Right Problem

Welcome back to the StartSmart blog series! So far, we’ve covered why market research matters and how to define your ideal student. Now it’s time to move into one of the most overlooked pieces of your course creation journey: making sure you're solving the right problem.

Here’s the truth: the success of your course depends heavily on solving the right problem. Not just a problem you think they have — but a problem they’re actively asking to have solved.

Why Choosing the Right Problem to Solve Matters

When you build a course around what you think people need, you risk missing the mark. But when you create a course around what they’re already asking for, you tap into an existing demand — and that’s where the magic happens.

Choosing the right problem ensures that your course:

• Feels like the answer to your audience’s prayers.

• Naturally creates desire and demand.

• Positions you as someone who truly understands and serves their needs.

How to Find the Right Course Topic

1. Ask, Don’t Assume

Instead of guessing what your audience wants, ask them directly! Here are some ideas to get started:

• Post a poll or question on social media.

• Send a quick survey to your email list.

• Have real conversations with potential students.

Ask questions like:

• "If I could help you solve one problem related to [your area of expertise], what would it be?"

• "What’s the biggest challenge you're facing right now when it comes to [topic]?"

It’s vulnerable to put yourself out there and risk hearing crickets—or hearing something different than you expected—but it’s necessary if you want to create a course people actually want.

2. Look for Patterns

As responses come in, look for problems that keep coming up. The problem that keeps surfacing is where you need to start.

You might notice:

• Multiple people asking about the same pain point.

• Similar wording or emotions used across different responses.

• A gap between what’s available in the market and what your audience still needs.

3. Validate Before You Build

Once you’ve identified the most common problem, validate your idea before building the course! You can do that by:

• Host a free workshop or webinar on the topic.

• Create a small paid offer or mini-course.

• Offer a beta version of your course to a handful of students.

Validation gives you real-world proof that people are willing to invest in the solution you’re offering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a topic based only on what you want to teach: Always match your passion with your audience’s demand.

• Skipping the validation step: Building first and asking later can lead to major disappointments.  So may of my clients skip this step!  Back to step 1: Market Research

• Trying to solve too many problems at once: Focus on ONE clear problem with ONE specific solution.

Your StartSmart Action Step

This week, create a simple poll or survey asking your audience what problem they most want solved. Share it on your social media, with your email list, or inside communities where your ideal students hang out. Collect and review the responses for common themes.

The right course topic isn’t about guessing — it’s about listening. And by choosing wisely, you’re setting yourself up to build something truly impactful.

Next time, we’ll move into validating your course idea with a baby step. See you then!