The best place to find new business ideas? Honestly, it's not limited to just one source, you need to keep an eye out everywhere you go, as ideas often appear unexpectedly. Let me share a few favorite spots: Problems you or others face Business ideas are often the result of frustrations. Ever wondered, "Why isn't there a better way to do this?" That's it! You got one. For example, I once struggled to keep track of activities and projects, which spurred the idea to create our own project management tool, ProofHub. Consider the issues around you, there are countless possibilities waiting to be solved. Online trends and buzz Yes, Google Trends is great for determining what's popular right now. But go a little further! Check the conversations on Reddit, Twitter (or X), and even Quora. I once came across a niche post on Reddit discussing sustainable packaging. And, two months later, I noticed a boom in startup activities in that niche. Conversations in communities Spend time in communities, whether it is online or offline. Connect with people through Facebook groups, Slack channels, or even local meetups. These platforms offer loads of ideas. People love to complain about their problems, and where you find a complaint, there is an opportunity. Your existing industry Sometimes, the best ideas are just ways to improve what you already do. Think of Uber! It wasn't the first taxi service, but it redefined how we hail trips. Identify the inefficiencies or gaps in your field. Your own curiosity Lastly, pursue what excites you. For instance, if you are an avid gamer, look for challenges or innovations in the gaming field. As the saying goes, "Passion fuels perseverance". So, follow your passion. Pro tip: Always keep a notebook or a notes app handy. You never know when inspiration may strike. It can be while scrolling your feed, at a cafe, or even in the shower. The idea is to stay curious and always ask, "What could be done better here?"
Greetings, business community, My name is Vladimir Gendelman. I started Company Folders, Inc. in 2003 and grew it into one of Inc.'s 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America for three consecutive years. What's the best place to look to find new business ideas? "One of the most powerful yet underutilized resources for identifying new business ideas is Google Search Console. By diving into the search queries that are driving traffic to your website, you can uncover products or services that visitors are actively searching for but that you may not currently offer. This method allows you to identify demand before investing in product development-essentially flipping the traditional model of creating a product first and then working hard to generate traffic. For example, in our business, which focuses on custom printed folders, we discovered through Google Search Console that a significant number of visitors were searching Google for "manila folder printing" and landing on our website, even though we didn't offer it at the time. Recognizing this untapped demand, we decided to add manila folders to our product line. The response was immediate, with new orders coming in as soon as we launched the product. We've since applied the same strategy to other high-demand queries, such as vinyl presentation folders, and are currently sourcing materials to expand into that space. This approach has been incredibly effective for us because it allows us to prioritize product development based on data-backed demand. Instead of guessing what the market wants, we can respond directly to what potential customers are already searching for, resulting in faster returns and more efficient use of resources." I am well-versed and passionate about helping small businesses and entrepreneurs navigate market trends to locate winning products and services. Send me a link, and I'll be sure to share the post on social media. Each of my posts typically receives hundreds of engagements. Bio: Vladimir Gendelman is the Founder and CEO of Company Folders, Inc. (https://www.companyfolders.com/), winner of multiple awards, including making Inc.'s list of 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America three consecutive years. He's a thought leader in print design and business, publishing numerous articles in major publications, including Forbes and Time. Headshot: https://www.companyfolders.com/images/vladimir-gendelman-images/vladimir-gendelman-web-1.jpg
Let me share how I, as a Performance Management Platform CEO, hunt for breakthrough business ideas in a more personal way. Here's my real-world approach: 1. Customer Conversations: When a client says, "I wish our performance tracking could...", I lean in. Those unfinished sentences are often the seeds of our next killer feature. 2. Community Pulse: I'm religiously tracking Reddit threads, LinkedIn discussions, and HR tech forums. Not just reading-analyzing. Where are people frustrated? What workflows feel broken? Those pain points are my product roadmap. 3. Product Hunt: Every morning, I scroll through new launches like a treasure hunter. I've spotted: Micro-feedback tools that reimagine traditional performance reviews AI-driven coaching platforms Collaboration software that tracks team dynamics in real-time Just last month, I discovered a startup using natural language processing to analyze team communication patterns-a potential game-changer for understanding workplace interactions. 4. Twitter/X: I use advanced search and follow specific hashtags like #FutureOfWork, #HRTech, and #WorkplaceCulture to catch emerging trends before they become mainstream. 5. Competitive Intelligence: Every feature our competitor misses is a potential breakthrough for us.
The best business ideas often come from paying close attention to problems that need solving. Look at your own experiences and the challenges faced by the communities you care about. For example, when I founded the Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance, it was because I saw a gap in resources and support for veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship. That gap became an opportunity to create something impactful. Online tools like Google Trends, Reddit forums, and LinkedIn groups are great for spotting emerging trends and understanding what people are talking about. But don't underestimate the value of personal conversations. Talk to people-customers, peers, and industry leaders-and listen closely to their pain points. The best ideas aren't just trendy; they solve real problems, create value, and make a lasting impact.
Hands down, the best place to find business ideas is this: listening to people complain. If someone has a problem with something, allow your mind to be curious and dig down deeper. Ask them to keep going, explain more about everything that annoys them. Then, imagine three different ways to solve that complaint: 1) the most absurd and expensive way, 2) the cheapest and simplest way, 3) the most realistic way. Practice doing this on any complaint you hear and you'll learn to come up with business ideas at the drop of hat.
I have built and sold 20 digital businesses and the most effective way that I have found to get new business ideas is to pick the industry you want to be in and then work in that industry. You will quickly see processes that are broken, struggles that people in the industry are having and what causes you and others the most pain. Then get to work figuring out a way to solve those problems. Just make sure that the pain point you are solving is more than just an inconvenience. You need to be able to save people time or money. As long as the problems are big enough people will pay to have them solved.
The best place to find new business ideas varies from business to business. If you're looking for a new retail product to sell, your best options would be to scour social media to find any new, untapped trends or products with high demand but low competition. You can also use Google Search tools to get an idea of monthly traffic volume for specific keywords, then run reports on the number of competitors for each potential product. Amazon is another great tool to determine demand and competition. You can use the BSR (Best Sellers Rank) data provided by Amazon, along with your own competition analysis or tools like Jungle Scout. If you're looking for inspiration to start a SaaS, you could use Reddit to see if there is a large percentage of people asking for a specific tool or app, searching for problems or issues that many people share. Reddit can also be used to validate and get feedback on ideas once you have a few you're considering. You can also use tools in tandem, like Google Trends, SEMrush, Reddit, Jungle Scout, etc., by taking screenshots or PDF prints and then uploading them to Clause or ChatGPT for further insights and analysis. Another great way to get business ideas is through LinkedIn and YCombinator. By studying other companies and the problems they're solving, while at the same time listening to consumers voices, ideas will start to compile. Predicting which business idea will be a success is out of our control. Many times, the idea you feel is the worst ends up performing the best, while the idea you thought was the best completely flops. What we can control is the number of iterations or attempts we make and how we leverage customer feedback to gain traction.
As a growth marketer and founder of Shaun Savvy, here's how I approach finding new business ideas. Top 5 Best Place to Look to Find New Business Ideas Reddit (r/Entrepreneur, r/Startups, r/SmallBusiness) I browse discussions to uncover common challenges or pain points entrepreneurs are facing. It's a goldmine for understanding unmet needs. Social Media Platforms TikTok and Instagram are invaluable for spotting viral trends and emerging products/services that resonate with audiences. Facebook Groups & LinkedIn Communities Joining niche-specific groups allows me to stay plugged into industry conversations, where people often highlight gaps in services or products. Personal Pain Points Some of the best ideas come from solving problems I've faced personally or noticed in my community. It's a natural way to identify real-world needs. Reverse Engineering Success I study thriving companies to analyze what works and how those strategies could be adapted to other markets or demographics.
Reverse engineer the pain points of niche communities. When I first faced the difficulties of crypto taxation with hundreds of transactions in the report, I was shocked, to say the least. I headed to Reddit and it turned out, I was not alone with this problem. This is how I and two fellow Redditors founded CoinLedger: we simply had the same issue and saw the same opportunity in it. But we did not stop at that point. We actively listened to all the requests from the Reddit community on how to improve our SaaS, what bugs to fix, and what integrations to prioritize. It means that you can use the power of niche communities for further product improvements. Here's an exact action plan: First, pick a niche you have expertise in. Next, dive into Reddit and X, read every post, and every comment, and write down all the pain points. Find the most common pain points and think of which product could solve all that headache. Create an MVP and introduce it to the community for free and ask for feedback. Congrats, here's how you build your first product and get your first users!
The best place to find new business ideas is to look where no one else is paying attention. Your Own Frustrations. Every inefficiency, every pain point is an untapped market. Forget Google Trends, by the time it's trending, you're late. Build what you wish existed because disruption starts with solving problems nobody else notices. Online tools can be a great way to plan and efficiently manage your business, but your mission statement should be to solve an existing problem in the industry.
For me, LinkedIn is one of the best places to find new business ideas. It's a hub of professional conversations where industry trends, challenges, and opportunities often emerge organically. Being actively involved in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, I pay close attention to what professionals are discussing-especially recurring problems or gaps that need addressing. This approach led me to identify the growing interest and need for prefabricated and modular design solutions. By observing discussions about efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in construction, I realized there was an opportunity to create a dedicated platform that connects these ideas with projects and professionals. That's how prefabprojects.com was born. The domain and concept align perfectly with this niche, providing a space to showcase and explore prefab solutions. By staying tuned to LinkedIn conversations, I not only stay informed but also uncover ideas that have real-world demand, allowing me to develop ventures that directly respond to industry needs.
In my experience, the best place to find new business ideas isn't on a screen-it's in the gaps of everyday life. I've always believed that the richest opportunities lie where frustration meets repetition. Here's what I mean: Pay close attention to the moments when people mutter, "There's got to be a better way." It could be while they're struggling with a clunky process, navigating an inefficient system, or even searching for a product that doesn't quite exist yet. This is where ideas are born. For me, the real gold has come from observing industries I'm not directly involved in. Sometimes, the most revolutionary ideas aren't completely new; they're old solutions applied in a novel way. By looking at how problems are solved in one field, I've found ways to adapt those strategies to entirely different markets. That's not to say tools like Google Trends or online communities don't have their place-they do. But if you're relying solely on them, you're playing in the same sandbox as everyone else. The real magic happens when you step outside the echo chamber and let curiosity guide you. Talk to people outside your usual circles, explore overlooked industries, and, most importantly, listen more than you speak. The best ideas often come not from what people explicitly ask for but from what they don't realize they need yet.
Where to Find Your Next Big Business Idea Uncovering a profitable business idea doesn't have to be overwhelming. The right tools and strategies can help you spot opportunities, validate concepts, and turn ideas into actionable plans. Here's a guide to discovering your next big business idea. 1. Explore Market Trends Data-driven insights can help you identify emerging opportunities: Google Trends: Track growing topics and seasonal spikes, such as sustainability or remote work solutions. Statista & IBISWorld: Industry reports highlight fast-growing sectors backed by reliable data. Product Hunt: Discover innovative tech and apps. Many businesses emerge by improving existing products. 2. Leverage Online Communities Engaging directly with consumers can uncover unmet needs: Reddit: Subreddits like r/Entrepreneur reveal problems and ideas across industries. Quora: Repeated questions often indicate gaps in existing products or services. Facebook & LinkedIn Groups: Explore challenges and solutions in niche industries. 3. Analyze Consumer Feedback Listening to your target audience is crucial for validating ideas: Amazon Reviews: Common complaints often highlight market gaps. Social Media Listening: Monitor platforms for discussions about frustrations or desires. Surveys: Tools like Typeform gather direct feedback to refine ideas. 4. Research Competitors Competitor analysis can reveal opportunities they've overlooked: SimilarWeb & Ahrefs: Gain insights into competitors' traffic and popular content. Shopify's Trending Products: Track what's performing well in eCommerce to spot niches. 5. Offline Inspiration Real-world observations often spark great ideas: Networking Events: Industry conferences introduce you to emerging trends. Customer Interactions: Identify frustrations with products or services you use. Local Communities: Look for underserved markets in your area. 6. Validate with SEO Tools Use SEO tools to confirm demand for your idea: SEMrush or Ubersuggest: Identify high-demand, low-competition keywords to validate your concept. From Idea to Execution Once you've found a viable business idea, execution is critical. You must research, refine your value proposition, and craft a marketing strategy. At Demson Consulting, we specialize in helping businesses scale through proven strategies like performance marketing, user-generated content (UGC), and email campaigns.
If you have a clear understanding of your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), a great starting point is to go where they spend their time-professional groups, online communities like Reddit or Facebook groups-and pay attention to the common, recurring challenges they face. This not only sparks ideas for new business ventures but can also provide valuable insights for refining your existing products or services. Tools like Google Trends, SEMrush, and other keyword research platforms can help confirm if there is much volume around those problems. These tools can also be incredibly useful, especially if your business is agile enough to capitalize on emerging trends. Whether it's adding a new product to your lineup or service, these platforms can help you stay ahead of the curve and spot opportunities as they arise. Personally, my favorite way to generate fresh ideas is over beers with another entrepreneurial-minded friend. There's something about a fun, relaxed conversation that sparks creativity and leads to some pretty cool ideas.
Your own network! You won't know the pain points of people you don't know until you do market research. Look at your own network-friends, communities, both in person and online. What are they complaining about? What tasks do they dislike doing? How can you solve those problems? If they're looking for a solution, chances are many others are, too. Meet more people and listen to more conversations.
The best place to find new business ideas? Look where your life and your passions intersect. For me, inspiration strikes when I'm paying attention to real people-whether it's a casual chat with a friend, reading through questions in a niche Facebook group, or listening to my clients share their challenges. The golden thread is this: the best ideas come when you stop trying to create something "for everyone" and start creating something for someone. I also love diving into tools like Google Trends or Reddit when I'm researching, but the real magic happens offline. I keep my ears open at local meetups, community events, or even during those heart-to-heart conversations over coffee. You'd be surprised how often someone says, "I wish there was a better way to..." and BAM-that's your lightbulb moment. So, my advice? Start where you are. Pay attention to what's missing in your world or what people around you are struggling with. The best ideas aren't out there-they're already with you, waiting for you to see them.
One of the best places we look for new business ideas is in the Google reviews of the competitors, as well as similar review platforms where alternative products have a presence. I focus specifically on one- and two-star reviews, as they often highlight user frustrations and unmet needs. By analyzing these comments, I gain a deeper understanding of recurring pain points and the reasons why these issues remain unresolved. This approach helps identify gaps in the market and create targeted solutions that address these problems directly, allowing me to differentiate my offerings and provide greater value to customers.
For entrepreneurs and business professionals looking for new business ideas, Discord groups are my top choice. Unlike older platforms like Facebook groups and SubReddits, Discord offers a unique mix of both, but with some great advantages. Discord groups, also known as servers, are organized into different channels that focus on specific topics. This makes it easy to find conversations about business trends, market ideas, and innovative strategies. The clear structure helps members stay focused and find exactly what they need without getting lost in too much information. One of the best things about Discord is that it feels more private and personal. Many Discord servers are invite-only or require approval to join, which creates a safe space where members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and challenges. This privacy encourages more honest and open discussions compared to the public nature of Facebook groups or the anonymity of Reddit. Discord also supports real-time communication through text, voice, and video chats. This means members can brainstorm ideas together instantly, get quick feedback, and collaborate more effectively. These live interactions make the community feel more connected and active, helping ideas grow faster. Another advantage of Discord is its ability to integrate with various tools and apps. Members can use bots, calendars, and project management tools right within the server. This makes it easier to keep track of ideas, plan projects, and stay organized, all in one place. In summary, Discord groups are a modern and effective way for entrepreneurs and business professionals to find new business ideas. They offer a private, organized, and interactive environment where members can openly share and develop their ideas. If you're looking to discover and build new business opportunities, joining a Discord group could be your best move.
Whenever I'm looking for business ideas, I always turn to Starterstory. It's an incredible resource for discovering new business ideas or you can say hidden gems. The many entrepreneur stories are both inspiring and full of potential ideas that you can get reading them. It has helped me start profitable businesses, and it's all about learning from successful people. Any entrepreneur searching for a great idea should definitely explore this platform.
The best business ideas often come from identifying common problems people talk about in online communities like Reddit, niche forums, or Facebook groups. For example, when I worked on a marketplace integration project, I noticed sellers in e-commerce forums complaining about clunky dashboards and missed customer messages. Their frustrations weren't about price but functionality, so we focused on building a better inbox and streamlined dashboard. Engaging with these communities is key-ask follow-up questions or start discussions to understand pain points deeply. For instance, I'd ask sellers what they wished existing tools did differently. It quickly became clear that the issue wasn't a lack of tools but tools that didn't prioritize usability. However, steer clear of trying to compete solely on price; it's a fast way to commoditize your value. Focus on offering unique solutions that solve specific pain points. That's how you avoid a race to the bottom and build something people genuinely value.