5 Ways To Research a Product or Service
You need a product or service, and there’s no way around it — a purchase is required. But you don’t want to deplete your vital energy searching and evaluating all your options. Instead, you prefer a simple, streamlined way to make your decision without too much effort. After all, you have your life to live and enjoy! Here are a few strategies that’ll make your research process uncomplicated and effective.
1. Prepare In Advance
Get out a pen and paper and jot down what you’re looking for. It doesn’t have to be neat or organized — just write out your thoughts as they come, drawing arrows and making connections. Make it fun. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the thought of lots of reviews and focus groups interviews. Brainstorm, pare your thoughts down, then sketch out a plan of action. You may have to do a lot less than you think.
2. Use the Right Keywords
Do a general online search. You’ll likely get the most biased reviews (in favor of the product or service) if you Google “(name) reviews.” A few alternatives are in order. Try searching for the person’s name who’s doing the promoting. Also, learn about and use long-tail keywords. That way you’re being very specific, asking Google to show you only the results of users or people who have direct experience with the product or service. You’ll get a lot more detail than you would directly from the company, including unconventional reviews and complaints. The pages that appear in this type of search won’t typically be from sellers or affiliate marketers. If they are, refine the terms. Get creative! You never know what you might find.
3. Search Independent Sites
There are several independent sites where you will find respected, vetted evaluations of what you’re looking for. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a time-honored favorite that can be a big help if you need honest reviews and problem reports. Type in the business or product name + BBB for results. Needing to evaluate a product for its purity and earth-friendliness? While it’s a rating and not a review site, the non-partisan EWG (Environmental Working Group) offers a wealth of valuable information, well-researched articles, and a useful app. Trust pilot and Consumer Affairs have easy search engines for companies and products. Depending on your needs, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Reports have detailed, well-vetted information. The FTC also provides scam alerts.
4. Browse Forums & Social Media
Here’s a situation where it’s crucial to stay focused and not get off track. Forums and social media are useful places to see how people feel and think about services and products. You’ll find extensive, unfiltered, and sometimes quirky perspectives. As you refine your keywords and browse with discernment, write down anything that stands out to you or that comes up repeatedly. No need to evaluate it yet, simply write it so you remember it. In addition to traditional social media, it might be helpful to take a look at Reddit and Quora. Just as you do a Google search, put your terms in their search bars and see what comes up. There’s a good chance that other people have had the very same questions. If you find these forums particularly useful, you can get a variety of answers if you set up a profile and ask directly.
5. Use Your Intuition
Stay relaxed, hydrated, and grounded as you do your research. Check into your breathing. That way, you’ll circumvent the “fight or flight” response and settle down your nervous system. You’ll be less distracted and better able to tap into your intuition. Even keeping in mind what the reviews say, it’s also important to be aware of your own experiences, preferences, and responses to make the best decisions for you and your loved ones.
Doing your research requires a combination of practical knowledge and mindful discernment. Try these tips to help your decision making!
