FOUR Product Design Mistakes Product-Based Businesses make when they start a business

Welcome to QuickSource.co mini-workshop blog series!

Today, I'd like to discuss typical errors that creative entrepreneurs encounter when developing, designing, and manufacturing physical products for sale, along with solutions to avoid and rectify them.

This is essential information for all entrepreneurs with product-based businesses.

If you want to be a successful physical product-based business owner, you must implement simple strategies on a regular basis to see REAL Growth in your creative business.

Today's topic is important:

Four Common Product Design Mistakes Product-Based Businesses Keep Making when they first start their business.

We're going to review several specific Tips for you to prevent these mistakes in your own business!

Let's jump right in.

Here's how to avoid common Product Design mistakes when creating your product-based business.

1. Did You Validate Your Product Idea?

Often creative entrepreneurs don’t take the time validate their product idea.

Creating a poll in a Facebook group does not equate to validating your product idea. Conducting market research involves a more intricate process, and it actually encompasses two types of research:

Quantitative Marketing Research:

• Dive into the numerical world of marketing research! This method loves to play with hypotheses, connecting the dots between different factors. It's like throwing a party with customer surveys, getting all the juicy details straight from the target market. Imagine the thrill of analyzing data trends, spotting patterns, and uncovering insights that could shape the future of your product marketing strategies.
  

• Get ready to embrace the power of research. In the realm of quantitative marketing research, every data point is a piece of the puzzle that leads to a clearer picture of your consumer behavior and their preferences.
  

• So, grab your analytical tools, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to decode the language of numbers in the dynamic world of quantitative marketing research!

Let’s describe how a product-based business could utilize quantitative market research to confirm the viability of their product concept before committing resources and effort to develop it into a business. 

Here are 4 ways:

1. Conducting Surveys: One effective way for a product-based business to utilize quantitative market research is by conducting surveys. Surveys can help gather valuable insights from potential customers regarding their preferences, needs, and expectations for the product. By analyzing survey responses, businesses can identify key trends and patterns that can guide product development decisions.
   

2. Analyzing Competitor Data: Another strategy is to analyze competitor data using quantitative market research. By studying competitor products, pricing strategies, and customer feedback, businesses can gain a better understanding of market trends and consumer behavior. This information can be crucial in shaping your product concept to differentiate it from competitors and meet the needs of your ideal customers.
   

3. A/B Testing: A product-based business can also benefit from A/B testing to validate their product concept. By creating different versions of the product or marketing materials and testing them with a sample group of customers, businesses can gather data on which version performs better. This data-driven approach can help refine the product concept and improve its market fit before a full launch.  A product-based business example of A/B testing in action is a company that designs and sells custom-made phone cases. In order to optimize their product concept, they decide to run an A/B test on their website. They create two versions of their homepage - one with vibrant, colorful designs displayed prominently, and the other with sleek, minimalist designs showcased. After directing a sample group of website visitors to each version, they analyze the data gathered on user engagement, click-through rates, and ultimately, sales conversions. The results show that the vibrant, colorful design version significantly outperformed the minimalist one. Armed with this valuable insight, the company decides to focus their marketing efforts and product development on the vibrant, colorful designs going forward. This A/B testing approach helps them make informed decisions that resonate better with their target audience and ultimately leads to a more successful product launch.
   

4. Data Analysis Tools: Utilizing data analysis tools can further enhance the effectiveness of quantitative market research for product-based businesses. Tools like Google Analytics, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and social media analytics platforms can provide valuable data insights on customer behavior, preferences, and engagement with the product concept. By leveraging these tools, businesses can make informed decisions based on real-time data and optimize their product design strategy for success in the market.
   

Qualitative Marketing Research:

• Get ready to peel back the layers of consumer behavior! This method is all about digging deep into why people buy what they buy. It's like being a detective, uncovering the hidden motivations behind our customers' choices and understanding what really makes them tick.
  

• Qualitative marketing research is an exciting journey into the minds of consumers. It allows us to go beyond surface-level data and connect with the emotional and psychological aspects that drive purchasing decisions.
  

• By engaging in this method, we can unravel the intricate web of motivations that influence consumer behavior. Just like a detective, we carefully analyze and interpret the clues that reveal the true desires and needs of our target audience. This approach helps us create more meaningful and impactful marketing strategies that resonate with our customers on a deeper level. So, let's grab our magnifying glass and dive into the fascinating world of qualitative marketing research!

Now, let’s describe how a product-based business could utilize qualitative market research to confirm the viability of their product concept before committing resources and effort to develop it into a business. 

Here are 4 ways:

1. Focus Groups: Organizing focus groups can be a powerful tool for product-based businesses to gather valuable insights from potential customers. By bringing together a diverse group of individuals who fit the ideal customers profile, businesses can facilitate discussions and receive feedback on the product concept. This qualitative approach allows for a deeper understanding of consumer preferences, pain points, and needs, helping the business tailor their product to better address these aspects.
   

2. In-depth Interviews: Conducting in-depth interviews with individuals who represent your ideal customer can provide nuanced insights that may not emerge in larger group settings. These one-on-one conversations allow product-based businesses to delve into the specific motivations, behaviors, and attitudes of potential customers regarding the product idea and design. By listening attentively and asking probing questions, product designers can uncover valuable feedback that can inform product development decisions.
   

3. Observational Research: Sometimes, observing how potential customers interact with similar products or how they go about solving the problem your product aims to address can be incredibly insightful. By immersing themselves in the environment where the product would be used, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of user behavior, preferences, and pain points. This observational research can uncover hidden insights that may not be apparent through traditional surveys or interviews.
   

4. Here’s a product-based business example of this: Imagine a cosmetics company looking to launch a new line of skincare products. To conduct observational research, they could set up a booth at a popular beauty expo and observe how attendees interact with different skincare brands. By watching how individuals test products, ask questions, and make purchasing decisions, the company can gain valuable insights into consumer preferences, concerns, and buying habits. This firsthand observation allows the business to tailor their new skincare line to better meet the needs and desires of their target market, resulting in a more successful product launch.
   

5. Prototype Testing: Creating prototypes or mock-ups of the product concept and allowing potential customers to interact with them can be a valuable qualitative research method. By observing how users engage with the prototype, where they encounter challenges, and what features resonate with them, businesses can refine the product concept iteratively. This hands-on approach not only validates the product idea but also provides actionable feedback for enhancing its design and functionality before full-scale production.

By leveraging these qualitative market research methods, product-based businesses can gain valuable insights, validate their product concepts, and make informed decisions that increase the likelihood of success when bringing a new product to market.

In order to create the best physical product design and effectively market it to our target customers, we must utilize both of these marketing research techniques to validate the products we wish to bring to market.

2. What should you do once you have a product idea?

Creative Entrepreneurs often don’t know where to start once they have a product idea that their excited about.

I get it, product creation is overwhelming.

However, having a system in place that not only works for you, but also walks you through the process of creating and launching a product concept with everything in place (and in the order it needs to be done) is key.

Here are 4 steps every product designer must take once they have their product idea:

1. Research and Analysis: The first step is to conduct thorough research and analysis. This involves understanding your target audience, market trends, competitors, and potential challenges. By gathering this information, you can make informed decisions and tailor your product design to meet the needs of your ideal customers.
   

2. Concept Development: Once you have a solid understanding of your target market, it's time to start developing concepts for your product design. Consider different ideas, sketch out rough designs, and explore various possibilities. This is the stage where creativity and innovation play a crucial role in shaping your product.
   

3. Prototyping and Testing: After settling on a specific product design, the next step is to create a prototype of your product. This could range from a simple mock-up to a more advanced working model, depending on the complexity of your design. Testing your product with real users is essential to gather feedback, identify any design flaws, and make necessary product development improvements.
   

4. Refinement and Iteration: Based on the feedback received during testing, refine your product design, make adjustments to enhance usability, functionality, and overall customer experience. This iterative process may involve several rounds of testing and refinement until you are satisfied that your product meets the desired standards.
   

By following these steps diligently, product designers can bring their ideas to life and create innovative solutions that resonate with their target audience.

3. You Wonder “How do I DESIGN this thing?”

Creatives begin to think they can’t design their product idea themselves and they quit too soon!

Listen, not every creative entrepreneur possesses the expertise or understanding required to delve into all facets of designing, executing, and producing a high-quality physical product.

And look, that's perfectly fine!

However, don't allow this limitation to hinder you from accessing the necessary resources to achieve your goals.

Numerous professional design services can help transform your product concept from a mere sketch on a napkin into a detailed drawing with various perspectives and specifications essential for production.

Here's how:

Once you have your initial sketch, the next step is to bring it to life through professional design services. These services can include CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to create detailed 2D and 3D drawings of your product idea. These drawings will include multiple views and specifications that are essential for manufacturing your product accurately.

Working with a skilled designer can help you refine your concept, address any potential issues, and ensure that your product is ready for production. By utilizing these design options, you can effectively transform your idea into a tangible and marketable product.

Here’s a list of resources you can research to find a freelance professional product designers:

1. Online Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are great places to start your search for freelance product designers. These platforms allow you to browse through profiles, portfolios, and reviews of designers to find the right match for your product design.
   

2. Design Communities: Joining online design communities such as Dribbble, Behance, or Designer Hangout can also be beneficial. These platforms not only showcase the work of talented designers but also provide a space for networking and collaboration.
   

3. Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter are valuable tools for connecting with freelance designers. You can search for relevant hashtags, follow design accounts, and reach out directly to professionals whose work resonates with you.
   

4. Design Agencies: Many design agencies work with freelance designers on a project basis. Research and reach out to design agencies in your area or with a specialty in your industry to inquire about their freelance pool.
   

5. Referrals: Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth recommendations. Ask colleagues, friends, or industry contacts if they have worked with any exceptional freelance product designers they could recommend.
   

By exploring these resources, you can expand your options and find a freelance professional product designer who aligns with your vision and product design requirements.

4. Many creatives cringe at the thought of selling.

Creatives just don’t know how to sell their product ideas and turn them into a successful business.

Knowing your ideal customer and being able to speak their language while hitting their pain points is the KEY to marketing and selling your products.

Selling your products is nothing more than talking about what you have designed, why you designed it and who needs it the most. It’s really not as complicated as you may think.

Start by paying attention to your customer feedback, product reviews, or things they say on social media that can be beneficial for you to better understand their wants, needs, and desires.

Constantly working to learn more about your ideal customer and their "WHY" is key. WHY would they choose to buy your product vs other products in the marketplace? When you start to clearly explain this “why”, that’s when you really begin to implement a successful selling strategy for you product-based business.

Here are four simple steps to selling your physical products online:

1. Know Your Ideal Customer: Understanding who your ideal customer is, what they like, what they need, and what problems they are facing is crucial. Tailor your marketing messages to resonate with them and address the pain points your product design directly answer for them.
   

2. Craft Compelling Product Stories: When you talk about your products, focus on the story behind them. Share why you created them, the inspiration behind them, and how they can benefit your customers. People connect more with stories than just plain facts.
   

3. Listen to Customer Feedback: Pay attention to what your customers are saying about your products. Their feedback, whether positive or negative, can provide valuable insights into how you can improve your offerings and better meet their needs.
   

4. Clearly Communicate Your Unique Value Proposition: What sets your products apart from others in the market? Highlight your unique selling points and clearly articulate why customers should choose your products over competitors'. This will help you stand out and attract more buyers.
   

By following these steps and continuously refining your approach based on customer insights, you can create a successful strategy for selling your physical products online.

Now, You Need To Take Action:

Taking action steps to avoid common product design mistakes is crucial for the success of your business.

By implementing the strategies outlined in this blog, you will ensure that your products are well-designed and meet the needs of your customers.

Review all four points carefully. Develop a detailed plan to execute each step systematically and avoid falling into the common pitfalls that many product-based businesses encounter when starting out.

STEP BY STEP RECAP:

1. Did You Validate Your Product Idea? Often creative entrepreneurs don’t take the time validate their product idea.
   

2. Quantitative Marketing Research

3. Qualitative Marketing Research
   

4. What should you do once you have a product idea? Creative Entrepreneurs often don’t know where to start once they have a product idea that their excited about.
   

5. Research and Analysis

6. Concept Development

7. Prototyping and Testing

8. Refinement and Iteration
   

9. You Wonder “How do I DESIGN this things?” Creatives begin to think they can’t design their product idea themselves and they quit too soon!
   

10. Online Freelance Platforms

11. Design Communities

12. Social Media

13. Design Agencies

14. Referrals
    

15. Many creatives cringe at the thought of selling. Creatives just don’t know how to sell their product ideas and turn them into a successful business.
    

16. Know your ideal customers

17. Craft compelling product stories

18. Listen to your customers feedback

19. Clearly communicate your unique value proposition
    

By following these action steps, you can steer clear of common pitfalls in product design and position your business for success in the market.

Remember, thoughtful and strategic product design is key to attracting and retaining satisfied customers.

Having these strategies at your fingertips will save you time, help you avoid common mistakes, and set you on the path to success.

Also remember, every new product design you approach is a learning experience, and even well-established product-based businesses can make mistakes. But with the right tools and strategies, you can prevent product design flaws and mistakes in your product-oriented business.

What's holding you back? It's time to take action!

Quick Source includes a jam packed mini coaching session with each blog entry. My goal is to equip creative entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to excel in designing, marketing, and launching a product-based business.

In case you're new here, I want to take a quick moment to introduce myself...

Hello, I'm Christine- I'm glad you popped over to THE QUICK CREATIVE Product Design Insiders Blog for some tips I know you'll find valuable as a product-based business owner.

Running a small business is probably the craziest idea you've ever had.

You love it, but you feel so overwhelmed with all the details and next steps that seem so foreign to you.

How on earth are you suppose to be on top of everything while still running your business? Well, that's where I can help:) 

If you want to know why you should feel confident taking advice from me, then take a moment to learn more about my extensive background in physical product development & business strategies.

Who's Christine Sacramone?

Look, I know how valuable your time is, so I've made the "Who's Christine" blog post (link above) super convenient for you to listen on the go while taking care of your daily business tasks, like shipping out orders or making new products to sell.

If you haven't already subscribed and received my incredible FREE AUDIO, VIDEO & PDF Training to become the best possible product designer & business owner- here's a quick link to get you started with steps 1-10.

This is 1 of many FREE Resources I have created FOR YOU if you’re just starting out & struggling a bit- don't overlook these tips & tools!

10 FREE Quick & Simple Tips to Building A SUCCESSFUL PHYSICAL PRODUCT BASED BUSINESS

Too often, critical steps are overlooked & it may be what's holding you back. I will outline simple action steps you can take to help you focus on the important tasks in your creative business- And look, I know that sometimes it's hard to decide what to focus on because you're wearing so many hats in your new business.

I will break it down for you in simple step by step actions with worksheets that won't leave you feeling overwhelmed.

POP OVER HERE & START TRAINING

You may even discover that you've been overlooking some of these critical steps. So, let's get them back into being a part of your routine as a successful product-based business owner.

If you're a pen to paper person, like me, then the 10 STEPS INDEX CARD WORKSHEETS makes brainstorming collaboration partners real simple and easy.

I hope by taking this pen to paper action, you will also stay focused on collaborators that focus on selling to your ideal customers, just any partnership will not do! You must understand who your customer is if you are truly committed to growing your product based business online.

The full video, audio training and this 10 steps printable card deck is available in the link below.

GRAB IT NOW!

By working to avoid these Four Common Product Design Mistakes for your specific category of products, you will set yourself up for success with a solid business foundation and a fully thought out product concept.

It's all about discipline and strategy my friend!

The marketplace is becoming increasingly competitive day by day and even the slightest edge over your competitors can make your small business more appealing to your customers and allow you to grow your sales.

I know you can do this. Stay on course!

Whether you’re launching a new product offering, considering a wholesale opportunity, or brainstorming a new product line, I want QuickSource.co to be the place to go for creative business advice and insight into what really matters when scaling and growing your physical product design business online.

You can trust I have the experience and knowledge you are looking for. If you don’t know me by now, pop over here, and see how my 3 decades of creative product development has built millions in sales for so many companies that I have had the pleasure of working with.

I am VERY familiar with all the challenges of building and growing a physical product based business.

Consider me, Christine at QuickSource.co, as your year round creative business stimulator providing you insight and pro-tips that will truly make a positive impact in your day to day tasks as well as the growth of your overall business.

I hope you found this helpful. Please LEAVE A COMMENT so we all grow.

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