Product development goes through a series of stages, with multiple involving consumers before the final launch. Relying on internal teams’ input is not enough: retrieving raw opinions before products hit the shelves (virtual or physical) is crucial. While some testing involves products nearly ready for release, other instances could mean brands looking for ways to improve their existing products.
How does product testing work?
Product testing means brands receive user feedback on an item’s appearance, usage, price, quality, taste, and other relevant aspects. Traditionally, companies would organize focus groups (some still do) and invite people to them. Now, there’s no need for face-to-face interactions, as companies can:
- Send products to their reviewers with lists of questions.
- Offer testing opportunities via their official websites.
- Partner with other companies that help find people for reviews.
Additionally, product testing can happen during different stages:
- Concept testing refers to getting feedback on an idea for a product to predict its potential on the market.
- Internal quality assurance also conducts extensive testing, focusing mainly on ensuring the product is safe and working as intended.
- Before the official release, brands can conduct product testing to see the overall attitudes towards their creation.
- Regression testing happens sometime after launch, aiming to find gaps or determine the need for improvements.
How does this affect you?
Well, product testing is an opportunity to earn money without the need for additional skills. Of course, QA testing does require some knowledge, but not necessarily expert coding (despite common misconceptions).
You can do so through these options if you’re interested in testing work. Also, remember that some product testing opportunities could involve NDAs, preventing the leakage of concepts.
Content creator collaborations
A popular way of getting testing deals is launching a social media career. Creators frequently receive products before their initial launch. For example, that could be makeup products that beauty vloggers showcase as a sneak peek.
In other cases, it could be access to video games, and creators have the exclusive chance to stream their gameplay before anyone else.
Look for official listings
Check the official pages of popular brands to see whether they have any product testing campaigns. Typically, you can complete the applicant forms, showing whether you, for example, are the target audience.
Third-party sites partnering with brands
You can get paid to test products via third-party sites that partner with brands. Typically, these refer to digital products with a broader audience, such as apps, games, tools, and assets. Since no shipping fees are involved, nearly anyone can apply. All it takes is downloading the software and seeing how it works.
Some platform examples and notes
We can also suggest some platforms that focus on or include options for testing products: Respondent.io, JumpTask, BetaTesting, Toluna, SaySo, and others. However, pay attention to whether the service offers a reward in points, money, or free products.
Another thing to focus on is the platform’s reliability in offering testing opportunities. Read reviews on payment flows and whether users feel satisfied with their services.
Conclusion
Overall, product testing is beneficial to everyone. Brands can recognize issues and potential in their products. Consumers benefit from it since the products arriving on the market have better quality and address their concerns. Lastly, it’s also an opportunity to make money and try out new stuff in the process!
