1. Check if the core feature works

Your MVP is built around one main feature, and that feature must feel reliable. Because if the core feature doesn’t feel reliable, users lose trust immediately. An MVP can lack extras, but the one thing it promises has to work every single time. If that main feature fails, people won’t stick around to test anything else or give feedback; they’ll just leave.

Mini checklist:

• Does the core feature load quickly?

• Have you tested it on both desktop and mobile?

• Can a first-time user complete the main task without confusion?

• Does it break when the internet speed is low?
  
  

2. Test it with a small group

Before a public launch, share your MVP with a few trusted users and do user testing. Watch them in action and note where they struggle.

Mini checklist:

• Identify 5–10 people who fit your target audience.

• Give them basic instructions and observe how they use the product.

• Ask them to explain their thought process out loud.

• Collect written or recorded feedback after their session.

Doing this kind of user testing will give you:

1. Usability insights – You’ll see where people get stuck, confused, or take longer than expected.
   Example: If 7 out of 10 testers can’t find the “sign up” button quickly, that’s a clear design issue.
   
   

2. Natural behavior patterns – You’ll learn how real users actually use your product vs. how you imagined they would.
   Example: You may think they’ll click “Browse Products” first, but they might go straight to “Search.”
   
   

3. Thought process clarity – Asking them to speak out loud shows you why they take certain actions.
   Example: A user might say, “I clicked here because I thought it would show pricing,” which tells you expectations aren’t matching the design.
   
   

4. Pain points & frustrations – Written or recorded feedback highlights problems in their own words, helping you improve faster.
   Example: “I wasn’t sure if my order went through because there was no confirmation screen.”
   
   

5. Validation of MVP assumptions – You’ll know if your core feature solves their problem or if it needs tweaking.
   Example: If users say, “This part is great, but I still need to use Excel on the side,” your MVP isn’t fully solving the problem yet.

   
   

3. Polish the first impression

Your MVP doesn’t need to be pretty, but it should be clear. Users should immediately understand what your product does.

Mini checklist:

• Is your landing page headline short and clear?

• Does your onboarding explain the product in under 30 seconds?

• Are there unnecessary steps in the sign-up flow?

• Does your design look clean and consistent (fonts, buttons, colors)?
  
  

If you polish the first impression by making your MVP clear and easy to grasp, a few things happen:

• Users quickly “get it”: They won’t feel confused about what your product does, which reduces drop-offs.
  
  

• Higher trust: A clean, consistent design signals reliability, even if the product isn’t fully developed.
  
  

• Smoother onboarding: If users can start using the product without friction, they’re more likely to continue.
  
  

• Better feedback: Instead of getting distracted by confusing layouts or unclear wording, testers will give feedback on the actual value of your product.
  
  

• Improved retention: A strong first impression keeps users interested long enough to explore deeper.

  
  

4. Make feedback easy

If users can’t tell you what’s wrong, you’ll never learn. Build feedback loops directly into the product.

Mini checklist:

• Add a simple feedback button or form inside the app.

• Share a survey link in onboarding or via email.

• Make sure feedback doesn’t require too many clicks.

• Create a channel (email, chat, WhatsApp) dedicated to user suggestions.
  
  

5. Double-check the basics

Sometimes small mistakes ruin trust. A typo or a dead link makes your MVP feel sloppy.

Mini checklist:

• Review all text for spelling and grammar errors.

• Test every button, link, and form field.

• Check that error messages are simple and helpful.

• Make sure your privacy policy and contact info are visible.
  
  

6. Prepare your support channel

Even a small launch means people will have questions. Be ready with at least one support channel.

Mini checklist:

• Decide on a single support channel (email, WhatsApp, or Slack).

• Draft 5–6 responses to common questions in advance.

• Add a short FAQ page for the most basic queries.

• Assign someone to respond quickly during launch week.
  
  

7. Track the right metrics

Data gives you answers. But too much data leads to noise. Choose a few metrics that show if your MVP is working.

Mini checklist:

• Define your success metric (e.g., sign-ups, bookings, daily use).

• Set up simple tracking (Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or similar).

• Test if events are logging correctly before launch.

• Decide how often you’ll review the data (daily, weekly).
  
  

Final thoughts

Your MVP launch is all about opening the door to real feedback, and these 7 steps for building an MVP will help you do it. Walk through this checklist, tick the boxes, and you’ll step into launch day prepared. If you are looking to build an MVP in 60 days, reach out to us at Grey Feathers Studio.