| What Makes Clients Buy? Ask Them |
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Often, business owners get stuck wondering whether a new product will sell. They talk with their friends and colleagues. Maybe they have a networking group or mastermind that will give them feedback. But, if
Often, business owners get stuck wondering whether a new product will sell. They talk with their friends and colleagues. Maybe they have a networking group or mastermind that will give them feedback. But, if you want to know if a client will buy something you K.I.S.S. Why do we insist on making everything difficult? The people who might buy from you are right in front of your face. They are on your lists, current customers and tend to hang out in packs on discussion boards and in professional organizations. Ask them! It's just that simple. Surveys and Polls - People love to give their opinion, especially if it's anonymous. Market research has never been easier than today with all the free stuff out there. Which to use, though? Polls are quick. They usually ask one question with some select choices to choose from and take the reader seconds to complete. Surveys require more buy in. Increase your audience participation with a drawing for something they can win. It doesn't need to be big - just valuable enough. Starbucks cards or free products work well. What To Ask - This is where your marketing knowledge will be tested as a poorly written survey can create more confusion than answers. Horse Before The Cart, Please - It can't be stressed enough that you should be doing this before you launch, not after. Although there are lots of exit surveys out there (customer service loves these). The ones that worry me are the "it didn't work - help me figure out what went wrong." That just screams poor planning. The credibility lost when you do that is mind-boggling. If you must, be sure it's a very small sample of trusted users. If it went live - then bust, you should have polled up front. Credibility Gained - Well written product development polls and surveys can also help increase your credibility. Even if the target doesn't reply they are probably thinking, "Wow. She wants my opinion. I must be important." Everyone likes to feel important. The benefit is to your brand. Not only will you get actual prospects telling you what they want, you look brilliant for asking. So, why aren't you asking? Paula Pollock is Director of the Pollock Marketing Group: elevating business owners to marketing entrepreneurs, training them to know their client inherently and see market opportunities that were invisible before. To receive her quick-read, weekly marketing tips and her Special Report, “7 Client Attraction Secrets That Will Double Your Income,” CLICK HERE and sign up.www.paulapollock.com |
should probably ask them. 
Like anything, you need to have a goal for your poll or survey. If you are trying to determine features of a new product, you best be certain that your target is remotely interested in this type of product. They won't give two cents about it's features if they aren't already slightly interested. As always, the emotional triggers of need will help focus your Q&A. Stay Connected!
