Make something people want is a deceptively simple, yet incredibly powerful principle in a world flooded with products, services, and ideas.

It's the mantra behind the success of every thriving startup, every revolutionary invention, and every viral trend.

But what does it really mean to create something that people want? And how do you know what people truly desire?

This mindset that has the potential to transform your ideas into unstoppable success.

The Difference Between Success and Failure

Every year, thousands of startups fail. Brilliant ideas, expert teams, and even hefty funding are no guarantee of success. Why? Because too many businesses focus on what they think is cool, rather than what their audience is craving. If you aren’t solving a problem or fulfilling a desire that your target market cares about, you’re likely missing the mark.

The golden rule? Don’t try to sell what you want to create—create what others want to buy.

The Power of Listening

One of the most effective ways to know what people want is through active listening. This doesn't mean only hearing feedback after launching your product, but from the very beginning, tune into the pulse of your market. Ask yourself:

What are the pain points in your industry?

What frustrations or unmet needs do customers constantly talk about?

Where are competitors falling short?

By understanding your audience deeply, you create something that not only meets their expectations but exceeds them.

Steve Jobs once said, "People don’t know what they want until you show it to them." However, even Jobs and Apple spent years studying consumer behavior, learning from competitors’ mistakes, and deeply understanding human psychology. Their products weren’t just technological marvels—they tapped into the deepest desires of their users.

Obsession with Quality and Experience

Let’s face it, people want more than just functionality. They want an experience. Products that succeed today are often those that go above and beyond to delight users at every touchpoint.

Take Tesla, for example. Sure, people wanted electric cars. But Tesla didn’t just stop at offering clean energy—they obsessed over performance, luxury, and technology, making their cars desirable not just for the eco-conscious but for anyone who wanted the best driving experience.

The key here? Make something people not only want but can’t imagine living without.

Solve a Real Problem

Too many products exist because the creator thought they were a good idea, but they don’t solve a real problem. One of the greatest things you can do is understand what frustrates your audience and provide a solution.

Consider Slack, the communication platform. Before Slack, teams used emails, messaging apps, and other disjointed methods to communicate. Slack recognized the chaos and simplified it into one cohesive platform, solving an actual workplace problem. Today, it’s an essential tool for millions.

Tip: If your idea doesn't solve a tangible problem, either directly or by improving an experience, it’s time to rethink your approach.

Iterate Relentlessly

Success doesn’t happen overnight, and your first version might not be the best. In fact, many of the most iconic products today started off as something entirely different.

Take Instagram. It began as a location-based app called Burbn. But as the creators noticed users gravitating toward the photo-sharing feature, they pivoted and doubled down on what people wanted: simple, beautiful photo-sharing. The rest is history.

Stay agile, listen to feedback, and be willing to adjust. Your audience will guide you toward creating something they truly love.

Build a Community

People don’t just want products—they want to be part of something bigger. If you can create a product that resonates with your audience and foster a community around it, you’ve struck gold. Apple has fans, not just customers. Harley Davidson doesn’t sell bikes—they sell a lifestyle.

The secret here is simple: If you can make people feel like they belong with your product, they’ll be loyal for life.

Don’t Just Build, Fulfill a Desire

The formula is clear: To create something people want, you need to listen deeply, solve real problems, obsess over quality, and continuously iterate. But above all, you need to focus not just on what your product is, but on how it makes people feel.

So, ask yourself: Are you building what you think is cool, or are you creating what people need and desire? When you crack that code, the success will follow, and your product will become something people can’t live without.

And that, my friend, is how you make something people want.