Focus groups are a market research method used to gather customer opinions and perspectives on new products, services, campaigns or ideas. There are five types of focus groups, mini focus groups, online focus groups, two-way focus groups, dual moderator focus groups, and client participant focus groups. During focus group discussions, participants are asked different types of questions and encouraged to freely share their thoughts. 

The questions are designed to gather as much information as possible and include engagement questions, exploration questions, and exit questions. Focus groups are part of product development, marketing, or customer service development strategy and should have defined goals. What are the benefits of focus groups?     

Understand Customers’ Thoughts  

The customer is at the core of every business, and the main advantage of focus group interviews is learning about their experiences. You gain valuable insight into the customer’s perspective on a brand, product, service or topic. When the group discussion is well planned, held in a comfortable interactive setting and led by an experienced moderator, consumers are more likely to share their opinions. 

Focus groups might not be the most effective method to get customer feedback on delicate topics or products of a sensitive nature, as people could feel inhibited. A confidential questionnaire or survey should elicit more feedback. At Consumer Perceptions, our moderators are skilled and experienced in facilitating focus groups. They know how to create a safe space that guarantees all views are heard and respected.

Collect Valuable Output  

A mix of perspectives and focus group dynamics can have a very positive impact on the quality of the research results. Good moderators know how to stimulate discussions among participants, which leads to more in-depth conversations and the collection of valuable output. Establish rules at the beginning of the meeting that guarantees everyone will be heard, including people that are shy about giving their opinion. When contributors know they are listened to and their input is valued, they become more comfortable sharing.     

The Customer Perceptions field researchers are vital to the success of our focus groups. The base is large, and we can profile particular demographics requested by our clients.  

Data Is Created and Received Quickly  

Every manufacturer or service provider wants to be a first mover. The competitive advantage allows them to establish brand recognition and customer loyalty before competitors bring out their products. To be a first mover, you need to produce and deliver a product quickly, and this means you must have access to data from potential customers. Focus groups are ideal. They involve up to ten people and can be held in 3 to 4 cities, ensuring you get different ideas and reactions within 90-minutes.   

The focus group content must include observations about facial expressions, body language, social cues in language, and past recollections. The results provided by Customer Perceptions as a market research company are succinct, user-friendly and easy to interpret. 

It Is A Time-Saver 

Focus group interviews are led by a trained moderator. For 30 to 90 minutes, people discuss a set list of 10 to 12 questions designed to draw thoughtful responses from participants. Everyone is encouraged to share their different opinions and ideas as honestly as possible. Members of the focus groups are recruited based on their purchase history, demographics, activities, interests, and views. They generally do not know each other. 

The condensed nature of the focus group methodology means that a large number of opinions and feedback are sought on multiple aspects of a product within a limited set of time. It saves time during the research phase of product development, speeding up the journey of new merchandise or services to the marketplace.

We operate in seven industries, and after nearly thirty years, Customer Perceptions are specialists at creating bespoke market research solutions for our clients. Do you need customer satisfaction surveys, public opinion polls or focus groups? Contact us today.