We live in a world where everyone has an opinion and they aren’t afraid to share it. But when it comes down to it, how are we incorporating these opinions into our marketing and product development?

Going along with consumer research, these crowdsourced opinions are incredibly valuable because of their raw, unfiltered sentiment. People who are voicing these opinions because they have a strong reaction, whether positive or negative. Do we prefer reading opinions, or looking at websites that incorporate user feedback? On one hand, it’s beneficial because it has us step back and look at our efforts from an outside perspective. It shows us what works, what doesn’t work and what just plain stinks. On the other, it also forces us to realize that we aren’t perfect and that we won’t be able to please everyone all the time. This is still beneficial to us because we can assess our own strengths and weaknesses internally.

Additionally, we know these opinions are out there, but HOW are we getting them? What is the best way to receive opinions, or, if needed, how do we solicit them? A lot of the time, these opinions, comments and user-submitted information are voluntary. There is no specific occasion for sharing (though perhaps they occur after a particularly good or bad experience), but when we do need those opinions, sometimes the well runs dry. Have you ever found that when you are in need of user-created content, these voices go silent? How do you motivate responses from your target audiences or do you even ask? Do you provide incentives? Do you feel we have to provide incentives for people to do anything?

I’m not saying that we need to bribe people, but perhaps we need to always keep our ears open. Thanks to online and social communities, we really can.

What are you thinking? What am I missing?

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are mine and mine alone. They do not represent the thinking of the company I work for, or anyone else with whom I am affiliated. Except my wife of course, who is good at telling me what not to say.