The 'Barbell Strategy' for MVPs: Maximize Impact, Minimize Effort

How Pieter Levels Built Nomad List

In 2014, Pieter Levels created Nomad List with a simple Google Sheets document. Instead of building a complex platform right away, he used an extremely basic setup - a spreadsheet with cities and their costs of living. The "barbell strategy" showed up perfectly in his approach: on one end, he kept the technical implementation dead simple, while on the other, he went all-in on community building and city data gathering.

What Is The Barbell Strategy for MVPs?

The barbell strategy, borrowed from investing, means putting 90% of your resources into extremely safe bets while using 10% for high-risk, high-reward opportunities. For MVPs, this translates to keeping your core features absolutely minimal while focusing your creative energy on one distinctive element that makes your product stand out.

How to Apply the Barbell Strategy

Following the done-better-than-perfect principle, here's how to implement the barbell approach:

The "Safe" End (90% of Your Focus)

1. Pick proven technology you already know
2. Use templates and existing solutions
3. Focus on a single core function
4. Keep the user interface basic but functional

The "Bold" End (10% of Your Focus)

This is where you differentiate your product. Choose one area to make your mark:

1. Unique data collection method
2. Novel user interaction
3. Distinctive community aspect
4. Innovative pricing model

Practical Implementation Steps

1. Core Feature Selection: Pick one main feature that solves your users' primary problem. If you're finding your first beta testers, this clarity helps them understand your value proposition immediately.

2. Technology Choice: Use proven tech stack shortcuts for the basic structure. This might mean choosing:

• No-code tools for the backend
• Template-based frontend
• Existing authentication systems

3. Innovation Focus: Put your creative energy into one distinctive element. This could mean developing a unique psychological hook or an innovative approach to attracting early adopters.

Measuring Success

Track these metrics to ensure your barbell strategy works:

• Time to launch (should be weeks, not months)
• User feedback on core feature
• Engagement with your innovative element
• Resource allocation (90/10 split)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Adding "nice-to-have" features
2. Overcomplicating the tech stack
3. Trying to innovate everywhere
4. Perfectionism in the basic features

When to Adjust Your Strategy

Consider shifting your approach when:

• Users consistently request specific features
• Your bold element isn't resonating
• Technical limitations block growth

Remember: The goal is to create buzz without burnout. Start small, focus your innovation, and let user feedback guide your growth.

Extra Tip: The 48-Hour Check

Before adding any new feature, wait 48 hours. If it still seems essential after two days, and fits within your 90/10 split, then consider adding it. This prevents feature creep while maintaining your strategic balance.

Recommended Next Steps

Based on the barbell strategy approach, here are specific actions you can take:

For Technical Implementation

• Audit your current feature list and ruthlessly categorize into "basic 90%" and "innovative 10%"
• Consider using no-code tools for the basic features
• Set up analytics to track engagement with your innovative feature

For Market Validation

• Run a micro-commitment test focusing only on your innovative feature
• Create a simple landing page highlighting your unique approach
• Start building your community presence around your innovation

For Growth Planning

• Develop a minimum viable marketing plan
• Set clear metrics for when to expand beyond the 90/10 split
• Plan your user onboarding process to highlight your unique value

Taking Action

Ready to implement the barbell strategy? Here's your roadmap:

This Week

• List all your planned features
• Identify your potential 10% innovation
• Strip everything else to absolute basics

This Month

• Build and launch your basic version
• Perfect your innovative element
• Start gathering user feedback

Next Quarter

• Analyze user engagement with your innovation
• Consider strategic feature additions
• Plan your growth based on real data

Remember: Your MVP's success depends more on doing a few things extraordinarily well than doing many things adequately.

Join the Discussion

Are you building an MVP using the barbell strategy? We'd love to see what you're working on!

Share Your Project: List your MVP on BetrTesters and get feedback from other builders who understand the journey.

Connect with Builders: Join our X Community where we discuss MVP strategies, share wins, and help each other grow.

Remember: Every successful product started with a focused MVP. Your next step could be the one that makes the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start With Documentation

Create a simple system to document every support interaction. Use minimum viable processes to ensure consistency without overwhelming your team.

Build Support-Development Bridges

Set up regular meetings between support and development teams. Share support insights using customized dashboards to keep everyone aligned.

Test Solutions Quickly

Use feature flags to test solutions with small user groups before full rollout. This reduces risk and accelerates learning.

Measure Impact

Track how your solutions affect support volume and user satisfaction. Implement customer health scoring to measure improvement.

Start With Documentation

Create a simple system to document every support interaction. Use minimum viable processes to ensure consistency without overwhelming your team.

Build Support-Development Bridges

Set up regular meetings between support and development teams. Share support insights using customized dashboards to keep everyone aligned.

Test Solutions Quickly

Use feature flags to test solutions with small user groups before full rollout. This reduces risk and accelerates learning.

Measure Impact

Track how your solutions affect support volume and user satisfaction. Implement customer health scoring to measure improvement.