How Do They Work?

Similar to traditional focus groups, six to eight individuals participate in a 90-minute discussion. However, rather than traveling to a meeting facility, they remain at their homes or offices and convene through teleconferencing and the Internet.

A moderator, who directs the conversation by phone, can present a video product demonstration or PowerPoint presentation, and gather input from the participants. At any time during the session, participants can communicate with the moderator using the teleconference facility. The discussion is recorded and transcribed for future reference and incorporated into a summary report. In addition, the moderator can obtain consensus regarding an issue by asking participants to vote using a polling function.

Benefits of Tele-Web Focus Groups:
• Eliminates geographic restrictions — anyone with access to the Internet can participate.
• Improves recruiting of more highly qualified participants — group members can remain in their homes or offices, reducing time spent away from pressing business
• Minimizes peer pressure — participants can respond to polls in private.
• Provides seamless input — sponsors can communicate confidentially with the moderator via an Internet chat facility as the focus group progresses.
• Reduces costs — eliminates conference facility rental and travel costs by participants, moderator or sponsor.
• Reduces scheduling lead time — tele-web focus groups can be convened more quickly than traditional focus groups.

With the added convenience for attendees, and flexibility and efficiency for sponsors, tele-web focus groups are rapidly becoming a mainstay for market researchers. For more information about tele-web groups or our marketing and communications research services, call us at 908-788-9393.

Printable brochure (PDF): Tele-Web