Your Validation Framework

Sign #1: There’s a Real Problem People Pay to Solve
(The “Pain Point” Test)

This is the foundation. No problem, no business.

What to Look For: You need a niche centered around a “pain point”a frustration, a desire, a gap, or a dream that people are motivated to address. Crucially, this motivation must be strong enough to open their wallets.

How to Validate It:

• Check for Existing Solutions: Are there already companies successfully selling products in this space? If yes, it’s a good sign the market is validated.
• Analyze Online Conversations: Go to forums like Reddit, Quora, or niche communities. Look for “How do I…?” questions or complaints like “I’m frustrated with…”  these are gold.
• Use a Tool (Quick Way): Try Google Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic. Look for commercial intent searches like “best [product],” “[product] reviews,” or “buy [product].”

Sign #2: The Commissions Make Your Effort Worthwhile
(The “Math” Test)

You can have a hungry audience, but if the affiliate offers are weak, you’ll burn out. You need to make sure the math works.

What to Look For:

• High-Ticket Items: Products with higher prices and good commission rates (e.g. $1,000 course with 50% = $500/sale).
• Recurring Commissions: SaaS or memberships that pay monthly for continued subscriptions.
• Average Order Value (AOV): Even lower % can work if AOV is high (premium appliances, furniture, etc.).

How to Validate It:

• Browse Affiliate Networks: Search in ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, or Impact Radius. Sort by ECPC or $/Sale.
• Check Direct Brands: Visit brand sites and look for “Affiliates” or “Partners” in the footer.

Sign #3: You Can Find Your Space Without Fighting Giants
(The “Competition” Test)

A niche with no competition might mean no market. A niche with only Amazon, Forbes, and MrBeast means you’ll be buried. You want the sweet spot.

What to Look For: “Aspirational” competition, smaller creators and niche sites, not corporate giants.

How to Validate It:

• Google Keywords: Search for “best [product]” or “[niche] for beginners.” If you see smaller blogs, that’s a green flag.
• Analyze the Angle: Find a sub-niche you can own (e.g., “yoga for busy moms” instead of just “yoga”).
• Social Media Recon: Search your niche on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. If creators with 10k–100k followers exist, there’s space for you too.

Your Action Plan:

Now, let’s turn this framework into an actionable 60-minute plan.

1. Step 1: Brainstorm & Triage (15 min): List 3–5 ideas and test them for clear pain points.
2. Step 2: Affiliate Offer Deep Dive (25 min) :Validate your commissions and math using affiliate networks.
3. Step 3: Competition & Angle (20 min):Identify your sweet spot by checking Google and social media.

Conclusion: From Overwhelmed to Confident

Finding a profitable niche isn’t about luck. It’s about validation. By focusing on Problem, Payout, and Position, you replace guesswork with strategy and confidence.

You stop asking “What niche should I choose?” and start asking “Does this niche pass the three tests?”