How to test ideas before public view

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But maybe the real problem is this: you didn’t test how people think.

Many Nigerian entrepreneurs build ideas based on logic. But people don’t buy with logic. They buy with emotion, habit, and psychology.

Before you expose your idea to the public, you must test how real humans will react. Not just what they say — but how they behave.

Here’s how to do it, using human psychology and behavioral science.

1. Test with small, real actions — not opinions

When you ask people, “Would you buy this?” they often say yes. But when it’s time to pay, they disappear.

This is called the intention-behavior gap. A study by Kantar found that 80% of people say they’ll buy something, but only 20% actually do.

So instead of asking, give them a chance to act. For example, create a simple landing page with a “Buy Now” button. See how many click. That’s real feedback.

2. Use the power of context

People don’t make decisions in isolation. Their mood, environment, and timing affect everything.

Behavioral scientists say context can change decisions by up to 60%. If you test your idea in a quiet office, it may look perfect. But in a noisy market, it may fail.

So test in the real world. If you’re selling food, give samples in a busy bus park. If you’re selling fashion, test in a wedding or party setting.

3. Watch for emotional triggers

People buy when they feel something — fear, pride, excitement, belonging.

A report by NeuroLaunch showed that campaigns using emotional triggers had 2x higher conversion rates than those using facts alone.

So when testing your idea, ask: what emotion does this product touch? Then test if people actually feel it. Use facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice to measure reactions.

4. Use A/B testing to compare versions

Don’t test one idea. Test two. Show version A to one group, and version B to another. See which one performs better.

This method helped Booking.com increase conversions by 30% just by changing button colors and wording.

You can do this too. Try two different names, two different prices, or two different ads. Let the audience decide.

5. Start with a small group that reflects your market

Don’t test with your friends. They love you too much to be honest.

Instead, find 10–20 people who match your real customers. If you’re selling to mothers, test with mothers. If you’re selling to students, test with students.

Behavioral strategy experts say that testing with the wrong audience can mislead your entire business direction.


So, in summary, don’t trust your idea blindly. Don’t trust compliments. Trust behavior.

Human psychology is not a theory — it’s the engine of every sale, every click, every decision.

If you want your idea to succeed, test how people think, feel, and act. Not just what they say.

Ngwanu. Bye👋.

Jbm Advertising 
Founder, Jbm Advertising Agency | Media and marketing consultant

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