What Is the $0 UX Test?

Many entrepreneurs assume that UX testing is something only big companies can afford and that it’s time consuming, expensive, and requires a team of experts, and some cases YES! But the reality is much simpler and more accessible. Research by usability expert Jakob Nielsen shows that testing with just 5   real users can uncover up to 85% of the major usability issues in a product or website. By observing a small group of people using your product and paying attention to where they get confused or stuck, you can gain powerful insights quickly and without a large budget. It’s a low cost, high-impact practice that any entrepreneur can (and should) do.


This isn’t a formal lab test with mirrored rooms and clipboards. It’s a  low tech method where you ask 5   real people , who ideally resemble your target audience to use your website or product while you watch them.

Most entrepreneurs build first and test never.

But the ones who build, test, then refine? They build brands people actually enjoy using and come back to. So before you spend more on ads, or new tools… Run the $0 UX Test.
It might be the most profitable hour you spend this month.


How to Run a simple UX Test in 5 Simple Steps

  • Define 3 to 5 Core Tasks

    Pick a few key things you want users to try, like:


    “Find and buy a product”

    “Book a discovery call”

    “Download your free guide”

    “Sign up for your newsletter”

    These should represent real actions your users would take..

  • Find 5 Real People

    You want participants who reflect your actual target users. You can find them:


    In your online community

    Through social media (a simple ask works!)

    From your email list

    Even via a quick outreach on LinkedIn or Instagram

  • Ask Them to Think Out Loud

    As they go through the tasks, ask them to say what they’re thinking:


    “I expected this to be a button”

    “I don’t know what this means”

    “Oh, I thought I was signing up, not paying”


    This is gold. You’re hearing confusion in real time , and that’s exactly what you need to fix.

  • Observe (But Don’t Help!)

    That's the akward phase for many of us, you’ll be tempted to jump in and explain. Don’t!


    Just watch:

    -Where they click

    -Where they hesitate

    -What confuses them

    -Where they back out


    EVERY Confusion = friction AND Friction = lost sales.

  • Take Notes, Not Just Praise

    Capture the struggles, not the compliments. You’re not looking for validation , you’re hunting for usability issues:


    Unclear buttons

    Confusing language

    Hard-to-find links, ETC.

📌Don’t Skip This: It’s Too Important


The $0 UX Test is a powerful first step but it’s not a full substitute for professional UX research or strategy. If you’re experiencing consistently low conversions, high drop-off rates, or serious issues with your sales funnel or user journey, it may be time to bring in a UX professional or agency for a comprehensive website audit.


Additionally, be mindful when implementing changes. Poorly applied fixes or fixes based on incomplete information can create new friction points or unintentionally harm the user experience. Always test changes carefully, and when in doubt, consult with a qualified UX designer or strategist. The goal is not just to remove problems, but to create a seamless, enjoyable, and trustworthy experience for your users.


UX Research for designers and entrepreneurs

By Christine Jean-Charles • April 7, 2023
If you want to create a successful product or service, it's vital to understand your target audience and how they interact with your competition. Here are seven tips to help you use UX research to improve your offerings: 1. Scope out your competition: Before you start any research, take a look at your competitors and analyze their products or services. This will help you identify areas where you can improve and differentiate your own offerings. For example, if you're creating a new meal delivery service, you might analyze the menus, pricing, and delivery options of your competitors to find ways to stand out. 2. Define your target audience: Clearly defining your target audience is key to conducting relevant research. Consider their needs, behaviors, and preferences to ensure that the research you conduct is focused and effective. For example, if you're creating a new mobile app for runners, you might define your target audience as runners who use technology to track their progress and set goals. 3. Conduct competitive analysis: Conduct a thorough competitive analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your competition's products or services. This will help you make informed decisions about your own product or service design. For example, if you're creating a new fitness app, you might analyze your competitors' apps to see what features they offer and what users are saying about them. 4. Use research to create value: Use the insights gained from your research to create value for your users. This can be achieved by identifying and addressing pain points, improving usability, or adding new features. For example, if you're creating a new e-commerce website, you might conduct user research to find out what users find frustrating about current online shopping experiences and then design your site to address those pain points. 5. Test early and often: Conduct user testing early and often throughout the development process to ensure that your product or service is meeting user needs and expectations. For example, if you're creating a new education app, you might conduct user testing to see how students interact with your app and what features they find most helpful. 6. Iterate based on feedback: Use the feedback gathered from user testing and other research to inform iterative design changes. This will help you ensure that your product or service is always improving and evolving. For example, if you're creating a new social media platform, you might conduct user testing to see how users interact with your platform and then make changes based on their feedback. 7. Continuously monitor and analyze: Continuously monitor and analyze user feedback and behavior to identify areas for improvement and new opportunities for innovation. For example, if you're creating a new travel app, you might monitor user reviews and social media feedback to see what users love about your app and what they think could be improved. By following these seven tips, you'll be well on your way to using UX research to create a successful product or service that meets the needs of your target audience.