Anyone used social media to assess the likely demand for a new product before it is produced. What social media channels did you use and how effective was your research?

Thanks Rich, good idea re Google ad words!! I wonder if you could do something with Facebook ads? Not heard of a Kickstarter project, is that some kind of crowd funding programme?

@chatmarketing

Here’s an article I wrote a while back for SME on Kickstarter and other crowdfunding sites: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/11-tips-for-crowdfunding-how-to-raise-money-from-strangers/

And a short TV segment I did on the same subject, if you’re interested: http://www.flyteblog.com/flyte/2011/06/crowd-funding-taking-money-from-strangers.html

Alan, I know of a German team who created a FB app for that: unserAller.

You can sign up and get involved in the product development process, from defining the product itself all the way to giving it a name and designing the package.

For example: one of their customers wanted to create a new chutney for their range. Members received a basic ingredients package as a start to make up their own chutney recipe. Members could vote for the best recipe. Members defined the name – winning name by voting. etc

Currently a face care brand has simply asked the community which product they feel is missing in their portfolio. So they leave the door wide open for any idea.  

Unfortunately I don’t have an example in English but I hope this inspires you nevertheless.

@chatmarketing