If you’ve been hanging around startup circles, you’ve heard it a thousand times:
“Just launch an MVP!” (Minimum Viable Product.)

But here’s the thing…
In 2025, minimum isn’t good enough.

Markets are crowded. Audiences are savvier. Competition is fiercer.
If you launch something that’s just “viable,” you risk blending into the noise and being ignored.

That’s why today’s smartest creators are launching MLPs instead:
✨ Minimum Lovable Products.

Let’s dive into what an MLP is, why it’s a game-changer, and how you can use this approach to launch smarter (and more successfully) this year.

What is a Minimum Lovable Product (MLP)?

An MLP is the smallest version of your product that people love — not just tolerate.
It’s focused, polished, and delivers a clear, delightful experience around the core promise.

Key difference:

• MVP: “It works. It’s functional. It’s enough.”

• MLP: “It works. It’s delightful. I’d tell my friends about it.”

✅ MLP = Minimum + Memorable.

Why “Lovable” Beats “Viable” Today

Here’s why aiming for “lovable” (not just “viable”) is the smart move:

• Crowded markets reward differentiation.
  If your product feels bland or rushed, someone will find — and choose — a better one.

• Word-of-mouth drives growth.
  People don’t rave about “meh” products. They rave about ones that surprise and delight them.

• First impressions matter more than ever.
  Online attention spans are short. You often get one shot to make someone care.

• Building trust = Building sales.
  A lovable product creates immediate trust, and trust drives repeat customers and referrals.

How to Build Your First MLP

You don’t need to build a monster product with 100 features.
You just need to nail the core experience — and make it lovable.

Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Identify the Core Transformation

What’s the #1 promise you’re making to users?
Focus ONLY on delivering that transformation brilliantly.

Example:

• Selling a productivity course? → Promise: “Plan your week in under 10 minutes.”

• Selling a design template pack? → Promise: “Create stunning social posts in minutes.”

🎯 One core transformation. Done exceptionally well.

2. Cut Ruthlessly, Polish Relentlessly

Yes, simplicity is still key — but it should feel intentional, smooth, and thoughtful.

Ask yourself:

• What’s essential to deliver the promise?

• What small touches would make this enjoyable or easy for users?

✅ Small onboarding flows
✅ Friendly microcopy
✅ Beautiful UI or design
✅ Quick wins built into the experience

3. Bake in Delight

Delight doesn’t mean gimmicks.
It means adding tiny moments that make users smile, feel smart, or feel cared for.

Ideas:

• A celebratory message after completing a milestone

• A beautifully designed first login experience

• A handwritten thank-you note for first customers

• A bonus surprise inside the product

🎉 These small “extras” are what turn users into raving fans.

4. Launch Small, Listen Big

Once you have your MLP:

• Launch to a small audience first.

• Collect real feedback.

• Double down on what users love, and fix what’s confusing.

✅ Your early adopters will become your best marketers — if they love what you’ve built.

Final Thoughts

Minimal gets you a product.
Lovable gets you momentum.

In today’s digital economy, an MLP approach sets you apart, builds faster word-of-mouth, and gives your product a fighting chance to not just survive — but thrive.

If you want to launch a product that actually gets noticed, ditch MVP thinking.
Build something people don’t just use — build something they love.

🔥 Ready to launch & grow your digital biz like a pro?
Subscribe to the Launching Profits newsletter and I’ll send you my free 21 Creator Playbooks Bundle 🚀📚 — when you subscribe today! 👉 https://leighburke.kit.com/a99159c8c1