Holicent
VIP Contributor
When you're starting out, it seems like there are a million things to do. You need to set up your shop and figure out what products you're going to sell. What about the logistics of shipping? How much inventory will you need? You should be able to answer those questions within an hour or two of starting up your store, right?
The truth is, it doesn't work that way. It takes time to find answers to your questions, but the sooner you can get started, the better off you'll be long-term. Here are 10 tips for getting started on Product Research:
1. Start with a list of customer problems and solutions. Define the problem, then look at what's already in the market that solves it. Once you've identified a few solutions that could work well for your customers, start looking at other companies who offer similar products and services.
2. Look at customer reviews on Google and YouTube (or anywhere else where people share their opinions). Is the company's product any good? Are there any bad reviews? What are people saying about the service they received from them? Are there any real customer complaints about this company? Do these reviews sound legitimate or are they just written by paid promoters who have nothing else to offer.
3. Talk to customers
4. Get out of your own head
5. Analyze competitors' products
6. Use online research tools
7. Look at industry reports and data sets
8. Read industry news sites
9. Consider social media as a source of information
10. Ask friends and family who might be interested in the product or service
11. Join or connect with relevant industry organizations or groups (e.g., local incubators)
12. Talk to people who are in similar industries.
The truth is, it doesn't work that way. It takes time to find answers to your questions, but the sooner you can get started, the better off you'll be long-term. Here are 10 tips for getting started on Product Research:
1. Start with a list of customer problems and solutions. Define the problem, then look at what's already in the market that solves it. Once you've identified a few solutions that could work well for your customers, start looking at other companies who offer similar products and services.
2. Look at customer reviews on Google and YouTube (or anywhere else where people share their opinions). Is the company's product any good? Are there any bad reviews? What are people saying about the service they received from them? Are there any real customer complaints about this company? Do these reviews sound legitimate or are they just written by paid promoters who have nothing else to offer.
3. Talk to customers
4. Get out of your own head
5. Analyze competitors' products
6. Use online research tools
7. Look at industry reports and data sets
8. Read industry news sites
9. Consider social media as a source of information
10. Ask friends and family who might be interested in the product or service
11. Join or connect with relevant industry organizations or groups (e.g., local incubators)
12. Talk to people who are in similar industries.