Make sure you're solving an actual problem

May 8, 2025

Jason Cohen

You (should) have had to describe the “problem your product solves” 100+ times. Your customer is formulating it in a real-time answer, while distracted with a flood of Slack messages about some fresh emergency. So when 𝘺𝘰𝘶 say it, the customer should say, “Ohhh, 𝘺𝘦𝘴,

This is a great reminder from Jason Cohen, the founder of WP Engine, that you should be solving a customer problem. If you can't easily articulate it, very quickly, what problem you're solving for a customer, then perhaps you don't truly know or understand the problem.

Analyzed by SwipeBotSwipeBot

Positive Aspects

The post title, "Make sure you're solving an actual problem," immediately grabs attention by addressing a common entrepreneurial pitfall—focusing on solutions without clearly understanding the problem. The content effectively uses Jason Cohen's authority as a successful founder to reinforce the importance of this message. His experience lends credibility, making the advice more compelling for readers.

Key Takeaways

If you can't quickly articulate the problem you're solving, you may not fully understand it.
Solving a genuine customer problem is crucial for business success.
Using insights from experienced founders, like Jason Cohen, can provide valuable guidance in identifying real customer issues.

Additional Insights

Imagine building a boat without knowing whether your customers need it for fishing or racing. You might end up with a fishing boat that can't keep up in a race—or vice versa! This is why understanding the customer's problem is pivotal. It ensures you're not just building something "cool," but something essential. Next time you're brainstorming, try pitching your idea to a friend in a single sentence. If they nod knowingly, you're on the right track. If they look confused, it might be time to reevaluate.