What is a focus group?

Focus groups are used by businesses to gain insight into customer needs and preferences. They involve small groups of people discussing a topic in front of a moderator. The moderator then takes notes on the discussion and summarises the results for the company.

focus group meeting

Set up a time and place for your focus groups.

To set up a focus group, first decide where you will hold them. You might choose a restaurant, coffee shop, or even a local library. Next, determine when you would like to hold them. It’s usually best to schedule them during off-peak times, such as early morning or late afternoon.

Choose participants carefully

Once you have decided where and when to hold your focus groups, you need to select the right people to participate. This means choosing participants who represent your target market. If you are planning to sell a new type of car, for instance, you should recruit people who own cars. If you are selling a new type of computer, you should recruit people with computers.

Create the discussion guide

You will also need to decide what questions to ask during the sessions. These questions should help you understand whether your product or service meets the needs of your target market. For example, if you are trying to sell a new type of car, you might ask participants about their driving habits, their current vehicle, and their expectations for a new car.

Ask them what they think about your business

You should use a focus group when you need to understand more about your customers. It will help you identify where you might improve your products or services. In addition, it helps you learn about your competitors.

Analyse the results

After conducting a focus group, analyse the data you collected. Look at the responses to each question and see what you learned. Did people agree with your initial assumptions? What did they say about your competitors? How do these answers compare to other research you’ve done? If you find something interesting, share it with others so they can benefit too.

Speak to one of our Research Consultants to find out how My View Research can create bespoke focus group for your business.