Startup Success: Beta Testing Products is Essential

24 Sep. 22
279 VIEWS

Businesses can use beta testing to find usability issues and make improvements so they meet their customers’ needs. Every development agency has quality assurance specialists. However, they tend to look at the problem from the company’s perspective, not the user’s.

Companies can create beta testing programs to gain access to the most important POV of their product, the final customer’s. This allows them to avoid potential setbacks and ensure the product’s commercial success.

The failure rate of startups in tech is a well-known fact. It can reach as high as 90%. Beta testing your products can help you ensure that your services are of the highest quality.

We’ll be highlighting the benefits of beta testing both for the business and for the testers in this article. We’ll also share success stories from startups that used beta testing to improve their products and deliver exactly what customers want.

Keep reading and taking notes.

 

What is Beta Testing?

 

A lengthy development and testing process is required before a product can be introduced to the public. Initial tests, also known by alpha testing are performed in-house by quality assurance specialists and team members in controlled testing environments.

This type of testing has its flaws. It is performed under predictable conditions by a small number of people who are familiar with the product. Alpha testing, while important and necessary, is biased and may not be completely reliable.

Companies also do so-called “beta tests”.

The beta phase starts once the marketing strategy, product design, and product development are complete. Instead of presenting the product to a large audience, the company invites limited samples of users to test and use it.

Beta testing is, in essence, the same as alpha testing but is carried out by users who are part of the product’s target audience. It is done in an uncontrolled environment and on their own devices. It is intended to uncover issues that the development team may have overlooked while also providing insights into usability and user experience .

 

Beta Testing

 

The beta phase usually lasts for a short time and involves the following steps:

  • Determining user profiles
  • Prepare a feedback survey.
  • We are looking for participants.
  • Examining the applications and choosing a sample group.
  • Contacting participants and giving instructions.
  • Conducting beta testing and collecting feedback.
  • Analyze the results.
  • Implementing the changes

 

Companies should plan each step in advance to ensure that testing is efficient and produces the desired results. Companies should ensure that they only hire reliable candidates who can complete the task efficiently and provide valuable feedback promptly.

 

How to Choose Beta Testers

 

The product may require that the testers fit certain demographics and profiles. A company may want to target a particular audience by distributing beta products via multiple beta testing platforms instead of just relying on users who visit their sites.

Many businesses offer incentives to beta testers that reward them for their efforts. However, there may be programs where users have to pay fees to take part in studies. Startups are not eligible for this arrangement, because their products don’t have the popularity they need, particularly in the early stages.

 

Feedback from Beta Testing

 

Once the testers are done, they will need to fill out a feedback form detailing their experience with the product.

  • What if there were usability problems?
  • Are there any bugs?
  • Improvements/ suggestions?
  • What was the user experience like?
  • Are you looking for marketing ideas?
  • What are your likes and dislikes?
  • Other pertinent questions like competitor comparisons, etc

 

No matter what type of feedback is required, the survey usually includes both closed-ended and open-ended questions to ensure sufficient qualitative as well as quantitative data.

Companies can use customer insights to improve their products, increase their marketing strategies, and find new profitable selling points.

 

Why is Beta Testing Important for Products?

 

To survive and thrive, tech startups depend on many key success elements. These include coming up a great business idea and assembling a reliable team. Doing market research is another.

All these efforts could be wasted if the product isn’t high-quality and works properly.

Beta testing also offers businesses the following benefits:

 

It allows for testing in a real-life environment

 

Beta testing has the greatest benefit: you can see how your product performs in real life, with actual customers and on a scale. Beta testing allows you to identify and fix any issues before your product goes on sale.

This is different from when the product is in development. Beta testers are aware that they may encounter problems and will provide feedback. Instead of unhappy clients leaving because of poor experiences, you now have a group that is dedicated to finding the mistakes and offering suggestions to improve.

 

Facilitates demand creation

 

Demand creation is a key factor in startup growth. No matter how clever your business strategy may be, success is impossible if the target audience doesn’t need or want your product.

Beta testing is an excellent way to make sure that the product meets or exceeds customer expectations. This allows businesses to spot usability issues and get valuable feedback about design, performance, and features.

It’s all about the details. If your product fails to please and impress the customer, it will be hard to earn their loyalty. You can also expect them to become frustrated if they keep encountering bugs and issues, and they may leave your product.

Beta testers who enjoy your product can be brand advocates and help build demand for it once it is released.

 

Informs Marketing and Sales

 

Feedback surveys have open-ended questions that provide valuable insight into the opinions of beta testers about the product. They can also tell you what they think it is interesting.

This information allows companies to better understand the user experience and help them develop their strategies.

Startups may have a difficult time figuring out how to market and sell, especially if they don’t have clear buyer personas. Businesses often misinterpret the product’s value to customers. These touchpoints should be present, but they are not the same thing.

Beta testing allows businesses to modify their strategies by searching for the best product-market fit and improving their marketing messages that are based on these .

 

Gives you a competitive advantage

 

Success in a competitive market is dependent on testing. It increases the likelihood that a product passes another important trial, which will ensure it lasts the test of time. People will choose your brand over those of your competitors if your solution is superior to theirs and provides a seamless user experience.

You can ask the beta testers to provide feedback on your product, including how it compares with similar products and whether or not they think your product is superior. You can identify which features you should add, remove or improve and what you can do to increase your competitive edge.

 

Benefits of being a beta tester

 

Okay, beta testing is great for businesses. But what about the users?

Beta testers are often rewarded by developers for their cooperation.

  • Early access to features and products
  • Use the products free of charge
  • Get Discounts
  • Vouchers
  • Gifts
  • Cash, etc.

 

My bank launched the beta version their mobile app recently and participants had the opportunity to win one of three Playstation 5 sets.

But not all beta testers are interested in the incentive.

 

People want to explore new technology. They will be able to check out your product before anyone else if they find it interesting.

If a product is popular, or introduces cutting edge innovation, users will often pay a fee to join the test to get a first glimpse.

For some tech-heads, searching for bugs can be likened to catching Pokemons. This virtual hunt is fun and provides the satisfaction of fixing things that others have missed.

 

7 Startups With Successful Beta Testing Programs

 

Let’s take a look at 7 startups that have succeeded in implementing their beta testing programs. This helped them overcome production problems and create amazing products that their audience loves.

Beta testing was not the only thing that helped them succeed, but it was a huge benefit.

 

1. Utopia

 

Utopia provides a digital experience that includes instant messaging, encrypted email communication and private web browsing. This tool allows users to maintain their online privacy while still enjoying the internet without any strings attached.

 

2. CROOW

 

CROOW enables businesses to implement their ideas quickly and efficiently through a creative workflow. SaaS solutions provide digital tools that simplify project collaboration and facilitate communication between teams.

 

3. Medicus AI

 

Medicus AI uses AI to analyze medical data and other health information and translate it into clear, personal explanations and health insights. This interactive service provides actionable tips for healthy living that will help you build sustainable habits.

 

4. Homads

 

Homads specializes in short-term rentals of 30+ days. It lets its users get a feel of a place or neighborhood before they move there or just enjoy a long stay at home.

 

5. DocSumo

 

DocSumo automates bookkeeping and document management. It can capture data from bank statements, invoices, receipts, forms, and other documents. It integrates the data collected with workflows and third party platforms like Zapier, SalesForce, webhooks etc. This tool reduces time spent on bookkeeping while increasing the accuracy of data.

 

6. NANOS

 

NANOS a digital marketing platform that allows businesses to automatically target, optimize, and generate paid advertisements (PPC), across Facebook, Instagram and Google. This tool uses AI and machine-learning to place ads based upon information about the product and a budget.

 

7. The Weather App!

 

The Weather APP combines checking the weather and taking care of a virtual pet in the most entertaining way. Select a companion (a cat or dog) and then choose your local weather (powered Dark Sky).

It is your daily job to dress your pet properly and take care of them. Cats and Dogs will reward you for selecting the appropriate clothes depending on the weather. You will earn more rewards if your pet wears the correct clothes.

 

Bottom line

 

Beta testing gives valuable insight into customers’ opinions about new products. This allows companies to quickly fix usability and design issues, and gather first-hand feedback about their product’s value and performance.

Beta testers are able to review your product with fresh eyes by giving them early access. Beta testers can help you fix bugs and other problems and show your customers how you are doing once the release date arrives.

We use cookies to give you tailored experiences on our website. Talk to us for COVID19 Support
Okay