When you're all out of options, Reddit is one of the best research methods.
When all else fails, Reddit stands as a beacon for research. This past weekend, I found myself immersed in a Reddit community, seeking their unfiltered opinions on my startup's landing page copy.
The Brutal Honesty of Reddit
Reddit's reputation for candor is well-earned. The feedback I received was nothing short of a mental gauntlet, leaving me to wrestle with whether to heed their biting critiques or dismiss them outright. But I had braced myself for this, fully aware of the platform's penchant for harsh truths.
Navigating the Rough Waters
This method of research is not for the faint of heart. It demands a thick skin and the ability to separate constructive criticism from outright insults. My strategy was simple: thank every commenter and ask probing questions, regardless of the nature of their feedback.
The Impact
The post resonated, garnering over 100 comments, 60 shares, and reaching an audience of over 50,000. This visibility only amplified the feedback, both good and bad.
A Diverse Perspective
The diversity among the commenters was invaluable. Some were novices to the problem space, others were complete outsiders to research, and a few were seasoned experts. Their varied insights were crucial.
The Name Game
Feedback began with my product's name, "PrepxUs." The consensus was clear: it was reminiscent of a medical ointment. Simplicity was key, so "PrepxUs" evolved into "PrepsUs," maintaining its meaning while enhancing pronounceability.
Visual Missteps
The hero image also faced scrutiny, with many saying the featured man appeared lethargic or intoxicated. Heeding the call for change, I opted for an image that better represented the user's frustration and the product manager's epiphany.
Refining the Message
The value proposition underwent several iterations, each time becoming more focused and compelling:
- PrepsUs: Empowering product managers to conduct user interviews seamlessly, eliminating the drudgery of administrative tasks and structuring the process akin to a survey.
Features at a Glance
- A survey builder for screening and interview sessions.
- A participant recruitment system.
- An integrated video chat for user interviews.
- A structured report akin to a survey, detailing overall results and individual responses.
The Journey Continues
While progress has been made, the journey is far from over. I'm prepared to go through several more iterations until perfection is achieved.
Your Thoughts?
Have you embarked on a similar journey? Share your experiences below. 👇