Niche Scoring Template for Technical Founders

Copy this sheet. Adapt the names. Score this afternoon.

Sheet Layout

Six columns: Niche, Reachability, Pain Frequency, Existing Spend, Differentiation, Builder-Fit. Total at the end.

Five rows, one per candidate.

Scoring Rubric

Reachability: 1-3 ads only; 4-6 scattered; 7-8 specific channel; 9-10 channel + you have presence.

Pain Frequency: 1-3 annual; 4-6 monthly; 7-8 weekly; 9-10 daily.

Existing Spend: 1-3 nothing exists; 4-6 modest adjacent; 7-8 clear paid adjacent; 9-10 established category.

Differentiation: 1-3 cannot describe; 4-6 vague (cheaper/faster); 7-8 specific mechanism; 9-10 mechanism + alternatives cannot copy.

Builder-Fit: 1-3 only interested; 4-6 some adjacent experience; 7-8 audience or expertise; 9-10 audience + lived experience.

Decision Rule

Sum the five scores. Highest wins. If top two within 3 points, pick the one with higher existing spend - it is the most predictive criterion.

After

Five problem interviews against the chosen niche this week.