Have you ever had that “I know this idea is golden, but will anyone actually care?” feeling? Maybe it’s a podcast idea, a product you want to launch, or a new service you think your clients will love. Here’s the deal: market research groups might be just the thing you need to make it all come together.

Today, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how one mom and client of mine launched her podcast with the support of her amazing market research group – and how you can use the same approach for whatever you’re planning to launch. The best part? It makes the whole process feel so much easier and less overwhelming.

Let’s dive into why market research groups are like having a cheat sheet for launching (without all the second-guessing)! And before we start, if you need one to help validate your ideas or offers, head over to BossMom+!

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Why Market Research Groups Make Everything Easier

Launching something new can feel pretty terrifying, right? The worry about “What if no one shows up or buys?” can freeze us in our tracks. That’s why market research groups are a game-changer: they give you a safe space to test your ideas and get feedback before you officially launch.

Don’t guess about what your audience wants – use a market research group to ask, learn, and connect. It’ll help you create something that you know will resonate.

How to Start and Grow Your Own Market Research Group

Starting your own market research group might sound like a big project, but it’s actually really simple. And the pay-off? So worth it. Here’s how my client did it – and how you can too:

1. Know exactly who you’re talking to. Her market research group was for working Christian moms. This clarity meant she could focus her energy on creating posts, conversations, and resources that truly served that specific group. Take a minute to define who your group is for so it feels like home to them.
2. Show up and give value first. Before she ever asked her group for feedback on the podcast idea, she made sure to show up consistently with real value. She interacted, shared ideas, and created a supportive space. This built trust, so by the time she was ready to launch, her group was excited to be part of it.
3. Encourage real conversations. Her group became a place where moms could open up and connect, and this back-and-forth gave her amazing insights. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple “What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?” to spark a conversation that’s packed with valuable feedback.

Building a community around shared interests and values will help you launch with a group of people who already know and love what you’re doing – because they helped shape it!

Testing Your Idea Before Going All In

Once her group was rolling, she started casually sharing her podcast idea and paying attention to what her members were excited about. Their reactions helped her refine her ideas, choose the right topics, and get clarity on what her audience really wanted.

We put together 63 questions for all sorts of industries that you can ask to create engagment and help market research.

Getting this feedback before you officially launch saves so much time and stress! Plus, it reassures you that there are real people out there who want what you’re creating.

Designing Your Content Strategy Based on Real Feedback

Thanks to the feedback from her group, she was able to plan a podcast format that was exactly what her audience wanted. She went with a laid-back, conversational interview style (like the BossMom Podcast) because that was what her group already loved.

When you’re ready to plan your own content, here’s what you can learn from her approach:

• Ask about the format and frequency. Does your audience prefer short, weekly updates or in-depth, monthly content? Do they like interviews or solo episodes? These little details can make a big difference!
• Run topic ideas by your group.  Listen to what your group is asking for so you’re sure to hit the topics they’ll find most valuable.

Launching with an Audience That’s Ready and Excited

One of the best parts of having a market research group is the excitement that builds up as you get closer to launch.

And here’s a little launch tip: share your plan with your group first! They’ll be your first listeners, customers, or fans, and they’re already eager to support you. Launching to a warm audience of people who already believe in what you’re doing? Game-changing.

Launching a podcast isn’t just about going live—it’s about opening up, connecting, and hoping your message resonates with others. Share the Hard Stuff—Not Just the Highlights.

If you’re thinking of launching something yourself, start by asking: “What part of my journey could genuinely connect with others?” Often, it’s the hard parts that speak to people the most.

The Soft Launch: Building Early Momentum

Once she had her friends’ feedback, she took the next step and shared her podcast with her email list. She introduced the first three episodes, explained what each was about, and clearly asked for their support. Whether it was subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing, she made it easy for them to help out. And her email list responded with enthusiasm, giving her a great initial boost.

Pro Tip: Don’t be shy about asking for help. When you clearly ask your community to take specific actions—like subscribing, reviewing, or sharing—they’re usually happy to lend a hand. Just make it easy and be specific.

Going Public: Taking the Big Step to a Wider Audience

Once her podcast was live on iTunes, she kept it quiet a bit longer, giving it a soft start so that early listeners could find it on their own. Then, she officially went public. She shared it in her Facebook group and other communities and eventually posted about it on her main social media channels. She even reached out to a few key partners to ask for support.

Tip: A phased launch can really build momentum. If you’re starting something new, you don’t have to go all-out on day one. Instead, share it with your core group first, then your email list, and then open it up more broadly on social media. This gradual build can create excitement and give you a strong foundation to grow from.

Setting Real Goals and Celebrating Small Wins

For my client, the fact that she had even launched the podcast was a huge win. But she also set a few clear goals for herself, like reaching 60 ratings and reviews by the end of May. She picked this goal partly because it would help her stand out in her niche.

She’s also got her sights set on a bigger vision: reaching 10,000 downloads per episode within the next year. But for now, her focus is on showing up, putting in the work, and connecting with her audience, one episode at a time.

Takeaway: Set realistic, motivating goals and celebrate each win along the way. And don’t lose sight of what those metrics actually mean—each download or review is a real person taking the time to engage with your work. That’s something to be proud of.

Embracing Imperfection and Learning as You Go

My client ran into a challenge right out of the gate. Her first episode was recorded in Zoom, which doesn’t have the best audio quality for solo shows. Her podcast producer let her know the sound could be improved. But instead of re-recording (which she said took “about 95 tries” the first time), she decided to roll with it and added a little message at the start explaining the sound issue.

This early learning curve is something many creators face. Sometimes it’s better to let go of perfection and focus on getting your message out there. If you’re starting something new, it doesn’t have to be flawless—especially not at the beginning.

Keeping the Focus on People, Not Numbers

Each download isn’t just a number; it’s a person listening on the other end. On her first day, she reached 75 people, and she felt proud and grateful for each one. It was validation that her message mattered.

If you’re building something, remember that every new follower, listener, or customer represents a real person. This perspective helps keep things grounded, especially in those early days when numbers are just starting to grow.

Staying True to What Matters Most

My client’s ultimate goal is to impact her listeners, share her faith journey, and offer encouragement. She isn’t letting herself get caught up in the numbers or comparison. By staying focused on her mission and connecting authentically, she knows the growth will follow.

So, whatever you’re working on—whether it’s a podcast, a blog, or a business—try to keep it personal. Embrace the small, meaningful steps, and remember that each connection you make matters.