She Told Someone, and She Told Someone, and So On, and So On, and So On
A couple of months ago I signed up for SheSpeaks, an online community for women who volunteer to test commercial products from beauty supplies to clothing to gadgets. In exchange for blogging and posting discussions on the SheSpeaks community about the product you test, you get to keep the item. I signed up because I love trying new stuff – especially beauty products (please, please, please send me some free Bobbi Brown or better yet La Mer samples!) – and I never seem to be at a loss of words, so I figured that makes me a pretty good fit.
A couple of weeks ago I was chosen for my first product test: the Philips Sonicare toothbrush.
Interestingly enough, I am actually one of those weird people who loves going to the dentist. The glossy way my teeth feel after good oral hygiene is a big turn on. I feel polished and consequently more confident. So my honest review of the Sonicare: I love it. I don’t think I have owned an electric toothbrush since a Bugs Bunny one that I had back in the early 1970’s. Even though I liked the idea of one, I never wanted to splurge the cash. (I’ve been using the free Oral-B toothbrushes from the dentist for years!) Perhaps the price of this free one makes me love it more.
But what I love most is the whole marketing idea behind these communities. SheSpeaks is one of several that have popped up recently. Others include Mavishare and BzzAgent. If your business is in the consumer packaged goods industry then you should consider offering your product to one or more of these forums. It is viral marketing at it’s best. (I mean, hey, I even blogged about my experience on my own blog in addition to SheSpeaks.com). Better yet, approach another well-established community like iVillage, Divine Caroline, Daily Candy or Kaboodle and pitch the idea yourself.
-Melissa
Tags: SheSpeaks, free products, product test, beauty, gadgets, makeup, online community, online communities, sonicare, philips, dentist, toothbrush, ivillage, divine caroline, daily candy, kaboodle
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January 19, 2009 at 1:09 am
This truly is a spiraling effect! By giving consumers commercial products to test, companies have more insight into “What a woman wants,” and needs, based on our personal experience with the product.
Our feedback helps make or break product sales.