What is Crowdsourcing?
Crowdsourcing is a way to gather consumer opinions about your brand's products, services, customer support, and more.
In business, this method is often used instead of internal “brainstorming” sessions among employees. A client who uses the product knows its strengths and weaknesses better than its manufacturer. As a result, they can offer the best and most practical ideas to improve your offerings.
Now imagine receiving not just one, but a hundred such ready-made solutions, allowing you to choose the most innovative one. Intriguing, isn't it?
How Does Crowdsourcing Help?
In addition to finding new growth directions for your business, this method can help you overcome crises and boost sales. A fresh idea can change how customers perceive your product or service and elevate your profits to new heights. Companies that use this method in their marketing strategies are often more popular with consumers. Listening to client feedback demonstrates how much you value their opinions.
Who Already Uses Crowdsourcing?
This method is most commonly used in the B2C sector. Companies such as Facebook, Coca-Cola, McDonald's, and Starbucks have successfully implemented it.
For example, McDonald's regularly runs the “My Burger” campaign in Europe, where customers can share recipes for their perfect burger on social media, a dedicated website, or even by making it at a restaurant. McDonald's uses these ideas to add new and original recipes to its menu!
Coca-Cola gathers thoughts on “What is Happiness?” and uses them in advertisements, even creating billboards featuring customer quotes, reflecting the brand's core values.
Facebook frequently surveys users about the quality of new features, needed updates, and overall service performance. If clients encounter issues, the company addresses them promptly.
This approach is also excellent for banks, restaurants, shopping malls, gyms, and other service-oriented businesses to monitor and improve their operations.
How to Find Clients Willing to Share Their Consumer Experience?
1. Ask Clients What Changes They Want
If you have several options for a new product, share them with your clients and find out which one they prefer and why.
2. Create a Poll
Similar to the previous point, but instead of asking openly, create a survey where clients can vote. Collect and analyze the results to make informed decisions.
3. Use Google Forms
Create a modern survey using Google Forms, including key questions you're interested in. Share the link via social media, SMS, or your website and wait for responses. This tool allows you to gather detailed insights into client preferences.
4. Use SMS Campaigns
To crowdsource your audience, you can use SMS surveys or SMS announcements.
Send a message to your client base asking for help solving a problem, choosing a new product color, or selecting a suitable model. Include a link to your website or social media where they can vote or leave feedback.
You can also send SMS surveys with multiple-choice options. Clients can reply with their preferred choice by sending back a word or number. This is the fastest way to collect maximum client feedback.
5. Host a Contest for the Best Product or Service Name
Organize this as a contest for the best idea. Choose five winners who can try the new product or service. This will enhance your brand recognition and generate new ideas.
Crowdsourcing…
Helps you involve clients in business processes, leverage their creativity to benefit your brand, increase audience loyalty, attract new customers, and show consumers how important they are to your business growth.
The more users you engage through crowdsourcing, the more clients you'll gain and the more people will want to buy your products or services.
