How do you find beta testers?

[Richard Gaskin]

You're very kind, Jonathan.  Thank you for the generous words.

I like things that get people outside.  This is a wonderful planet 
indeed - history, prehistory - so much to learn.

I hope your app does very well.

You may find it inspiring to read up on iNaturalist.  It's a charming 
app (not made in LC as far as I know, but charming just the same) that 
encourages people to share flora and fauna sightings.  It's managed to 
get some good press, lots to read up on.

One of the great things in their story is how they seem to have really 
tapped into the strength of their core audience.  You'll see some very 
enthusiastic users in the news stories about you can find.

Hooking into the human side of things with your app may be at least 
equally engaging.

I hope it is.

Sounds like you're on the right track by starting with a focus on 
history buffs as a core target audience.

So many history clubs and historical societies and more, each with their 
own newletters and web sites and Facebook pages - earn respect among 
some and they'll spread the word for you.

- rg


jonathandlynch wwrote:

> This is good advice Richard. Thank you.
>
> My app, Augmented Earth, is free. The money will (eventually) come from ads, in theory. The idea is for users to add interesting reports in different categories linked to specific geographic spots. Other users can then read those reports when they are near that location. It is like Pokémon go, but with interesting information rather than imaginary critters.
>
> It is a way for people to appreciate how amazing the world really is.
>
> I have not really segmented or defined my target market very thoroughly yet. Your comment makes me think I need to do that now, before I release the mobile version.
>
> I have shown it to three history professors, and they loved it, so I think I should seek history buffs as one group of testers.
>
> Good advice - thanks!
>
>
>> On Apr 12, 2017, at 6:36 PM, Richard Gaskin via use-livecode <use-livecode at lists.runrev.com> wrote:
>>
>> jonathandlynch wrote:
>>
>> > I guess I will do a lot of asking around for the general public
>> > opinion.
>>
>> Prospective customers are great for several reasons:
>>
>> - They represent your target market, so their interests
>>  and skill level will be a good match for assessing
>>  not only technical fitness but also usability.
>>
>> - They're more motivated than most because they'll benefit
>>  directly from what the product delivers.
>>
>> - When encouraged to speak candidly they'll be a wealth
>>  of information about possible new features for v2.0,
>>  opportunities for refinements in v1.1.
>>
>> - Some will be so grateful to work with a vendor that actually
>>  listens to customers that they'll be happy to put in the time
>>  for great testing just to get a free license for the software.
>>
>> - If you don't already have a list of prospects to contact
>>  about testing that may be an indicator of the state of
>>  your marketing plan.  After all, if you can't find prospective
>>  users who'd want a sneak preview of something that will benefit
>>  the work they do, you won't be able to find prospective users
>>  to become customers.
>>
>> Cultivate that inner circle of end-users and so much becomes much easier...
>>
>> --
>> Richard Gaskin