An online community research software is used to perform a variety of market research methods. That market research gives businesses a better idea of what their target audience is looking for and gives a better look at current trends.
Online research communities are turning out to be the most widely accepted and successful research methodology. There are a variety of benefits that can be gleaned from using this method of market research. Here are four of the most prevalent.
1. Targets Millennials
Not every research or study has to even involve millennials, let alone focus on them. But more and more researchers are focusing on them as they begin to hit their mid-20s and -30s. Millennials tend to be well-versed in modern technology, making it quite easy for them to respond, too.
Millennials also tend to “think digital.” That means quicker engagement and responses to the questions proposed. All of that means a better set of information as to their habits and how companies can better market to those needs.
2. Driven by Technology
Perhaps the best aspect of this marketing research tool is that it can be done on just about any device. In a time where smartphones and tablets are becoming a dominant force, being able to implement market research through those methods is huge.
Users can provide feedback and participate through phones, tablets, or computers without much of a difference. They can share their opinions whenever it suits them from whatever devices they want. Given the “on the move” attitude that many of today’s under-40 crowd has, that kind of access can be ultimately beneficial for market research purposes. All of that equates to better, more concise products aimed at the consumer.
3. More Participants
The more people that you have partaking in a market research project, the better the insights will be. One community is great but what if you could combine more people? An effective community can be better than five focus groups.
Online community research allows for engaging more than 100 people easily. In a focus group, that would become an impossibility that wouldn’t go anywhere. More participants means that there is more data available. The more data that is available, the better the insights are and the clearer the marketing focus can be moving forward.
4. Engaging Multiple Segments
Segments are typically variations of the demographic. So, a segment may be for people who are 25 to 30 years old. Another may be for people 30 to 35 years old. And so on. Doing focus groups can be difficult enough as it is, let alone when there are multiple segments desired.
But online community research software allows for a broader range of research. That community may encompass 100 people but it will cross over four or five different segments at once, all in a single study. That means having a more diverse set of opinions and ideas far more rapidly than using a focus group. That means more effective data for market research going forward.
