You might not know this, but we’ve been up to something pretty exciting over the past few months. I realised as I’m writing this that for 90% of people, this might not sound exciting, which kind of says a lot about who I am.
For the first time ever, I decided to put our own courses to the test with some beta testing—and even reverse beta testing! We tackled both new courses and ones we’ve already launched.
Today, I’m going to share some of the things I learned with you so you can also use this tactic and strategy to take your products and services to the next level.
👩🏫 Lesson of the week
Beta testing is asking people to give you feedback on your content / products / services before you launch.
Honestly - it's an art. It took me 10 years (since I released my first ever course - it was 'marketing for yoga teachers', I sh*t you not) but I finally cracked the code.
Because I pretty much attempted beta testing 5 times - and failed. Not the right results, endless follow ups, lack of insights.
And now, I think we got it.
Before looking at ways to improve latest releases, we had to work somewhat backwards and look at what was already there.
To make our courses even better, we embarked on a reverse beta testing journey.
What does reverse beta testing mean?
Well, it means we need to identify which of our existing products we want to look at and improve.
Identify Products to Beta Test
First things first, we pinpointed the courses that needed a bit of a polish. This step was essential because it set the stage for the entire testing process.
If you’re testing a new product or service, this step is redundant because you already know what you need feedback on!
Recruit Beta Testers
Next, we recruited beta testers. We whipped up a form to find the perfect candidates, and we asked a hella of a lot of questions. No, not really, but it’s important we can trust potential beta testers are really interested in the topic of the course, and they are the right fit.
Screening for the right people is essential.
Where do we find these amazing humans, you may wonder? It’s important to identify at least three places where you can find the right testers to contact. Whether it’s communities, newsletters, or even ads, knowing who to approach is key.
Fab tip: It’s better to approach people directly rather than constantly talking about it publicly in a newsletter or on social media, as this might devalue the product and attract an unsuitable audience.
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Define the Workflow
This is the step many of my dear readers might be tempted to skip, but honestly, I cannot stress enough how important it is.
We mapped out how long the testing would take, sorted out some fun incentives, and planned regular check-ins to keep everything on track.
Break down each task, create video instructions of all the tech bits.
Do you need to grant/revoke access to content?
Is there any technical know-how needed?
How can you check progress?
Where do you gather all the data?
Yes it’s tedious, but also yes, it’s worth it. If it helps, run through a scenario first - even come up with names of fictional beta testers - to identify the step-by-step process.
Communication and Support
Keeping our testers in the loop was vital. Regular reminders and clear instructions helped them stay on course.
We created a Notion dashboard to keep track of our beta testers and ensure we knew if they needed an extension or were missing anything.
Yes, I now. Notion again. If you do not know where to start, our shop has got you covered.
Collect and Implement Feedback
Finally, we collected and implemented feedback. At the end of the testing phase, we asked to fill surveys to gather feedback. The real magic happens when we analyse this data and make the necessary improvements.
When I started diving into market research I wished someone told me how important it is to get the questions right.
For example, keep your survey short and sweet. Long surveys can be overwhelming and lead to fewer responses. Aim for clarity and brevity.
Ask clear and specific questions. Make sure your questions are easy to understand and directly related to the info you need.
Use a mix of question types. Include multiple-choice, rating scales, and open-ended questions to get a variety of responses.
Avoid leading questions. Don’t phrase questions in a way that suggests a particular answer.
Avoid using jargon. Use simple language that everyone can understand. No need to show off your SAT vocab here.
Keep in mind that this process takes time and is not a quick fix.
It’s helpful to schedule a session with a teammate, colleague, or peer to discuss the feedback and reflect on the findings.
🏫 Class in session
Summer School starts today! Still a few spots left to join the fun 💛
Before I shoot off, remember, beta testing is not just a box to tick on your to-do list. It requires the right mindset, which means really focusing on…
Structured Planning: Beta testing requires careful planning. Defining timelines, incentives, and communication strategies upfront can streamline the process.
Finding the Right People: Identifying and recruiting the right beta testers is crucial. They should represent your target audience and provide valuable feedback.
Use beta testing as the launchpad for broader improvements.
It’s a game-changer that can reveal hidden gaps, enhance user experiences, and fine-tune your products to perfection.
For us, it uncovered insights we would have missed otherwise. So why not giving it a go yourself?
Always cheering you on,
Fab ✌️