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In 2020, UK citizens spent over £250m more on groceries each week than in previous years. To take advantage of current consumer spending trends, your product must meet, and in most cases, exceed customer expectations.
Consumer testing gives brands the insight they need to develop high-quality products. This form of product testing includes research methods that rely on consumer feedback to measure your product’s performance or properties.
So, with that in mind, let’s run you through some of the different types of consumer testing.
Taste Testing
Taste testing is a product acceptance research method that tells you what customers really think about your product. Research can be conducted using home use testing or central location testing methods. Most taste tests are conducted on location as it allows researchers to create a controlled environment for all participants, which leads to more objective feedback.
New and existing brands can benefit from taste testing. New brands can use the data received from the tests to impress retail partners and secure shelf space in busy UK supermarkets. Established brands, on the other hand, can use taste testing to make their product more competitive and increase market share.
One of the most significant benefits of taste testing is that the research process itself acts as marketing. When tests are conducted in prominent locations such as shopping centres or supermarkets, your brand awareness increases automatically, likely increasing product sales.
Online Research
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the importance of going digital. Online research is an affordable way to get feedback from your target audience, as there are no additional costs such as travelling expenses. As the name suggests, the research is conducted virtually, and customers can participate from the comfort of their homes.
It’s essential to have the right software for accurate data collection when conducting online research. The last thing you want is for your product adjustments to be based on feedback from automated bots. An experienced consumer research company, such as Wirral Sensory Services, utilises reliable software and research methods to deliver real data from real people.
Focus Group Study
Focus groups studies are a qualitative research method that provides insight into your customer’s behaviour.
During the research process, approximately eight respondents (sometimes more, sometimes less) are selected to discuss research topics for approximately two hours. The discussions topics and format are designed with your research objectives in mind.
When conducted correctly, the data received from focus groups can give brands insight into their competitiveness, the effectiveness of their package design, or even product usefulness.
Children’s Testing
Children’s brands often find it challenging to gain objective feedback from their young target market.
The research methods used in adult product research can’t be applied when conducting children’s research. There are critical differences in the research methods applied, even though the principles and desired feedback may be the same. For example, children can’t answer long-winded questionnaires. The questions must be designed specifically for their age group.
Most children’s research is conducted through home use tests. The extended time spent with your product allows for comprehensive feedback that can be used for claim support or to make product adjustments.
Choose Wirral Sensory Services For All of Your Consumer Testing Requirements
Consumer research is an essential part of your brand’s success. With your brand’s profits at stake, the last thing you should be doing is investing in incorrect research methodologies. That’s why you need to enlist the help of industry experts.
Wirral Sensory Services has over 20 years of experience in product research, including children’s testing, focus group studies, and taste testing. Our research team includes MRS-accredited moderators, experienced sensory panellists, and marketing claim support experts.
We are serious about your brand’s success and have helped brands of all sizes conduct comprehensive product research. Contact us today, and one of our experienced team members will help you get started on your research journey.
