I think it's important to differentiate between market and product research. "Market research" for me is much more high level. I'm looking for competing companies/products, what are they doing? what can I do better? how they are positioned (budget, middle of the road, premium)? I'm trying to get a feel for how large the market is (in $ and # of users), etc.
"Product research" is talking to prospective users/customers. For me, early stage conversations are me trying to understand the customer's problem and how painful it is, not immediately going in with a solution in mind.
Rather than "I've a got a tool that will update your menus on your website", I'm asking "I noticed your website menu is not up to date, why?" "Is it hard to update? Is it expensive? too time consuming? does anyone really care? do you care? does having an outdated menu impact sales?"
Once you've talked to 10's of customers (at minimum), you think you understand the problem, and even have a solution, only then start getting feedback on your proposed product. Do NOT build anything before having customer conversations.
Some general research tips:
- Family and friends in the industry
- Twitter and reddit (looking for complaints, wish lists, people asking for alternatives)
- Product review
- Industry specific publications and forums
- If you've got serious cash, expert interviews and surveys through GLG insights or similar
- Finding people on Linkedin and ask to have a conversation
>Is there a suggestion for reaching out to public officials?
Depends on what you're trying to accomplish. I assume you're trying to find government customers? Some agencies are far more proactive, easier to deal as it's in their mandate to help businesses. An example would be a Chamber of Commerce. Try and get someone within an agency onboard to advocate for you.
You could try finding gov employees on Linkedin as a more direct route. Another option is to try contacting your local elected officials and ask for help, that's what they are there for.
If you are having difficulty in your outreach, you can try finding ex-gov employees or service members who can help you navigate bureaucracy.
"Product research" is talking to prospective users/customers. For me, early stage conversations are me trying to understand the customer's problem and how painful it is, not immediately going in with a solution in mind.
Rather than "I've a got a tool that will update your menus on your website", I'm asking "I noticed your website menu is not up to date, why?" "Is it hard to update? Is it expensive? too time consuming? does anyone really care? do you care? does having an outdated menu impact sales?"
Once you've talked to 10's of customers (at minimum), you think you understand the problem, and even have a solution, only then start getting feedback on your proposed product. Do NOT build anything before having customer conversations.
Some general research tips:
- Family and friends in the industry
- Twitter and reddit (looking for complaints, wish lists, people asking for alternatives)
- Product review
- Industry specific publications and forums
- If you've got serious cash, expert interviews and surveys through GLG insights or similar
- Finding people on Linkedin and ask to have a conversation