What Do Your Fans Want? (Part 1) - Product Research

If you had access to "X-Ray Glasses" that would allow you to see exactly what your fans wanted, do you think it would help you to sell more music and get more people to shows?

If so, keep reading, because I have a tool that does just this... In fact, there is a good chance you've already used it at some point.

Almost every group we belong to has its own "language." If you go to church, you may hear about a "crisis of faith." If you go to a yoga studio, you're probably familiar with the term "Adho Mukha Svanasana." If you play Scrabble, you know what "Triple-Word Score" means.

So let's say you've got some music that's very relaxing and you think it would be good for a yoga studio? Obviously, if you're part of this group, actively going to yoga classes, that's the best way to know what others in this market are looking for. What if you have no personal interest in yoga though?

Perhaps the quickest and best way to get connected with buyers in any market is to hit a site with product reviews, such as Amazon. Read the reviews, find out how people talk, what they're looking for, what they like about certain products, and what they can do without...

When you develop your product, talk in their language, give them what they want, and avoid what they don't. This will put you way ahead of something creating something at random, throwing it against a wall, and hoping it sticks.

Comments

[Music Marketing Chris]

Great advice David.

I learned a lot about the "secret language" of a market from Frank Kern, and it works so well to connect with your audience.

The best way I know to get up to speed with this is to get on google alerts and immerse yourself in the market for a month or so.

- Chris

[David Hooper]

Frank and I have a similar background in direct marketing. It's pretty amazing to see these old school writers work. They really nail what their prospects are feeling.

Mad Men is a great show, which I think explains the concept pretty well.

Yes, Google Alerts is a great way to keep in touch with what people are talking about. Great for "reputation management" as well, although I feel it's best to have somebody else handle that, since it can be overwhelming if you (or your product) are generating a lot of discussion.

Thanks for your comments!!