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The votes are in and prototypes are an overwhelming favorite of customers. Why wouldn’t they be? Apart from being free, they give the consumer an opportunity to try before they buy. E-commerce sites know this is the biggest obstacle facing online shopping as unpredictability is a killer. A small sample of a product or service should be enough to convince the base to choose your firm. Of course, the tester has to be high-quality to catch the attention of potential buyers, and that can be a sticking point. Regular businesses don’t understand prototype marketing, so they have no idea how to create a functioning sample.
Here are the steps which will help.
Find A Purpose
Think of a tester as a way to gauge interest in a product. The sample which you put out should engage customers and persuade them to convert. It will never happen unless the item adds value to the life of a consumer. With this in mind, don’t gloss over the most important point: the purpose. What does it do? Why does it do it? Is it different to the competition? One way to answer these questions is to research rival products. Go out and hold them in your hand and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Then, write down how your prototype will utilize the product’s pros and fix its cons.
“Works Like” Vs “Looks Like”
There are two different types of prototypes and you have to decide which one is the best option. The names are self-explanatory, but it’s worth going over the basics. A “works like” model is a sample which focuses on functionality over the design element. Usually, they contain the most up-to-date PCB design software and data management tools. A “looks like” model is the complete opposite and places style over substance. The key is to think like a customer. Is the base aesthetics-based or do they prefer practicality?
Build It
After you have the measurements etc., it’s time to churn out the testers. The first step is to create a bill of materials, also known as a BOM. In simple terms, it’s a shopping list that you should consult throughout the development process. A prototype with the wrong components is pointless, and a list ensures you don’t forget a vital ingredient. To bring it to life, try a 3D printer. Advanced tech can cost thousands of dollars, yet a 3D version is less than $500. And, the quality is just as high.
Listen To Feedback
There’s no point giving away freebies and then not listening to the responses. Yes, criticism hurts but it’s one of the pillars of success. Without genuine feedback, you can’t improve the product and appeal to a wide audience. Start by getting people to answer a short set of questions before giving away the sample. Then, start a social media campaign and ask for advice. Getting their unbiased opinions before and after is an excellent way to gauge the effectiveness of a prototype.
Research and development are essential for a successful marketing campaign. Are you ready to go the extra mile for the sake of the customer?
