Lean Canvas

1: The Problem

Top 3 problems

Put yourself in your customers’ shoes and describe up to 3 problems they face. Try to understand their unique needs and challenges. Problems lead to working business models.

Existing Alternatives

How else can your customers address their problems? What products or services already exist as alternatives to yours? This section is where you identify competition. Who are you up against?

2: Target Customers

Who is your intended audience? What type of person do you anticipate benefiting most from your product? Is there a group of individuals you anticipate itching to sign up for your service?

3: Unique Value Proposition

The Unique Value Proposition (UVP) should capture the essence of your product and the solutions it offers your target audience with respect to the problems you are trying to solve.

4: Solution

Top 3 Solutions

Define the top features and capabilities your product or service offers to solve your customers’ problems.

5: Channels

Path to Customers

How will consumers come into contact with your brand? Where will they first learn about your company? Will it be through social media? If so, which sites? Will it be through advertising? If so, where will these ads exist?

6: Revenue streams

Revenue model, life time value, etc.

Revenue streams are the lifeblood of companies. What sources of income keep your business churning?

7: Cost structure

Customer acquisition costs, distribution costs… etc.

Try to consider all your costs of doing business, and make sure your customer lifetime value exceeds your acquisition cost.

8: Key metrics

Key Activities to Measure

What activities drive your product usage? Which statistics indicate how well your company is doing? What numbers best underline opportunity for development?

9: Unfair advantage

Can’t be easily copied or bought

What puts you ahead of your competitors? Here are examples of Unfair Advantages to get you thinking about what makes you stand out: