What's your preferred method of discovering new products or services? Do you rely on recommendations, online research, or something else entirely?

Question

Navigating the abundant maze of new products and services requires more than just a keen eye; it demands expert insights. This article delves into a range of strategies, from social listening to leveraging real-time data analytics, guided by the wisdom of industry leaders. Gain a competitive edge by uncovering how experts uncover the undiscovered, enhancing the decision-making process for consumers and professionals alike.

Soubhik Chakrabarti · Answer

I prefer social listening for new products and services. For me, that means actively monitoring social media channels, review sites, and forums where real customers share real experiences. I rely on certified real customer reviews instead of marketing copy. This gives me insights that go way beyond what traditional recommendations can.
Using social listening tools has been a game changer. I use Hootsuite and Mention to track conversations around specific products or services. These tools help me filter out sponsored content and focus on real user feedback. The data I get directly from customers is clear, and reliable and helps me make decisions on what to try next.
One example comes to mind. A few months ago a trending hashtag on Twitter was going crazy about an eco-friendly gadget that many users praised for its durability and design. The feedback was genuine and consistent across multiple platforms. This real-time conversation convinced me to try the product and it exceeded my expectations. A clear reminder that real customer experiences can point you to great products.
Social listening not only saves you money by preventing bad purchases but also cuts through the noise of sponsored content. It builds trust in the products I choose because the reviews come from people who have already used them. This method has consistently helped me find products that match my needs without the bias of traditional advertising.
If you want to try this out start by following industry influencers and joining online communities where users share their experiences. Set up alerts with Hootsuite or Mention to track topics in your areas of interest. Combine these with a focus on real, certified customer feedback and you'll uncover real insights and make better purchasing decisions.

Lauren Parr · Answer

My preferred method is a blend of targeted online research combined with recommendations from trusted networks. I actively browse professional social platforms, especially LinkedIn, to discover what industry peers and thought leaders are excited about. These platforms not only showcase innovative products through algorithm-curated feeds but also offer genuine word-of-mouth insights from people I respect and follow. In parallel, I invest time in deep-dive online research, reading reviews to gain a data-driven perspective on emerging trends.
For instance, I often start by exploring posts and articles shared by industry experts and then follow up with direct research on a product's features and customer feedback. This dual approach helps me cross-verify what's trending while ensuring that the solutions align with real-world needs. It's a method that balances the spontaneity and authenticity of personal recommendations with the thoroughness of digital research.
A recent study reinforces this strategy. Research from Porch Group Media found that one in three consumers now use social media to discover new products and brands. This insight underlines how critical digital recommendations have become in today's marketplace, and it perfectly mirrors my own experience in uncovering innovative solutions that drive growth and customer satisfaction.

Tim Hanson · Answer

I'm a research fiend with a heavy bias toward actual user experiences. I don't trust promotional content at all - I've been behind the curtain and know how that sausage gets made. Instead, I go straight to Reddit, specialized forums, or Twitter/X to find unfiltered opinions from people actually using the product. The marketing fluff tells you what a product claims to do; real users tell you what it actually does. For professional tools, I'll often reach out directly to my network of SEO and marketing folks. The industry is smaller than you'd think, and we're all testing different solutions. If someone I respect is getting results with a tool, that's worth more than a thousand glossy case studies. When it comes to bigger purchases, I'm meticulous - I'll read technical specs, compare features in spreadsheets, and run small tests before committing. I've been burned too many times by shiny promises that don't deliver, so now I basically ignore what companies say about themselves and focus entirely on what their existing customers say.

Daniel Vasilevski · Answer

This might be unusual, but I rely on podcasts more than anything when discovering new products or services. There is something about hearing an expert or industry insider talk about a product in a natural conversation that makes it more engaging. It is not a scripted advertisement or a quick online review. It is a deep dive into the details, benefits, and even drawbacks, which gives me a better sense of whether something is worth looking into.
I listen to a mix of business, tech, and industry-specific podcasts, and that is where I come across a lot of innovative services and tools. A guest might casually mention a software that streamlined their workflow, or a business owner could share how a particular service helped them grow. These recommendations feel more genuine because they come from people who have actually used the product, not just someone reading an ad. I have discovered great tools for my business this way, including project management software and energy-efficient products that I might not have come across otherwise.

Aleksandra Sõsun · Answer

For me, discovering new products or services is a mix of strategy and curiosity. I rely heavily on industry communities and professional networks-real insights come from people who've actually used the product, not just flashy marketing. If a tool keeps coming up in conversations with peers, I take note.
That said, I also dive deep into online research. I look at case studies, customer reviews, and how well a product communicates its value. As a marketer, I appreciate when a company understands its positioning-if they can clearly articulate why they exist and who they help, that's a strong signal they know what they're doing.
Of course, nothing beats hands-on experience. I always prefer to test things myself to see if they truly deliver on their promise. In the end, the best products don't just solve a problem-they fit seamlessly into the way you already work.

Marc Hardgrove · Answer

Google Trends is my favorite way to find new products and services. I love that it allows me to see the data in real time - what product is really taking off and how interest has shifted over time. Rather than relying just on word-of-mouth or traditional online reviews, I find Google Trends' clear, data-driven insights more compelling.
It definitely gives me a bird's-eye view of what's hitting the market, so I can sift through the noise and pay attention to trends that matter to my business and personal interests. It's like some kind of insight into consumer behavior without all the guesswork.
Last year I observed a huge increase in search interest for some social media analytics platform. Google Trends discovered a 35% increase in mentions in a three-month time frame. That leap was intriguing enough to get my attention, so I brought it on for a trial to see if the tool could actually deliver.

Sean Clancy · Answer

Whenever I am looking for a new product or service, I go straight to YouTube reviews. Seeing something in action and hearing an honest opinion from someone who has tested it gives me a better understanding than reading a product description or a few user reviews on a website. Videos let me see how something performs, how it looks in real life, and whether the claims made by the brand hold up. For example, when I was searching for a new mechanical keyboard, there were endless options, and every product listing made big promises about durability, key feel, and responsiveness. I watched YouTube reviews from different tech channels, where they tested the sound of the keys, compared different switch types, and even opened up the keyboards to check the build quality. This helped me narrow it down to a brand I had never heard of before, but after seeing it reviewed in depth, I knew it was the right choice.

Georgi Petrov · Answer

I prefer a mix of online research and recommendations when discovering new products or services. I always start by looking at trusted review sites, social media discussions, and case studies to see how others have benefited. If it's a marketing tool, I check user feedback on platforms like G2 or Capterra, along with YouTube reviews to see real-world use cases. At the same time, I rely heavily on recommendations from my network. If another marketer or business owner I trust has had success with a product, that carries more weight than any ad or sales pitch. I also look at how companies position themselves through their content. If a brand provides valuable insights and demonstrates expertise, I'm more inclined to try their product. The combination of independent research and firsthand experiences helps me make confident decisions while filtering out hype and ineffective solutions.

Steven Ip · Answer

I usually prefer recommendations when it comes to services, especially if they come from people sharing their personal experiences. Hearing real feedback helps me feel more confident in the decision. For products, recommendations are helpful too, but I still take the extra step to research the ingredients, safety, and overall quality before making a purchase. It’s important to make sure it’s a good fit rather than relying solely on what others say.

Matt Little · Answer

Webinars are my go-to for discovering new products and services. There's something about watching an expert break down a product in real time that makes it easier to understand. Instead of reading a generic description or a sales pitch, I get to see how it actually works, why it was developed, and how people are using it in real situations. What I like most is the interaction. If I have a question, I can ask it on the spot. I have been in webinars where someone raised a concern I hadn't even thought of, and the answer completely changed my perspective. That kind of back-and-forth is hard to get from online reviews, which often feel one-sided. When I see a tool or service being explained by someone who knows it inside out, I get a much better sense of whether it's something that would actually help me.

Steve Nixon · Answer

I discover a lot of new products through TikTok. The way content is presented makes it easy to come across things I wasn't even looking for, but end up being interested in. The short-form videos give a quick, unfiltered look at how something works, which helps me decide if it's worth checking out. There's no need to scroll through long reviews or scripted ads. I get to see products in action in a way that feels real.
TikTok's algorithm is another reason I use it. Once I interact with a few videos on a topic, my feed starts showing more related content. This has led me to discover new jazz gear, software, and even books that I might not have come across through traditional searches. Seeing different people use a product in their own way gives a better sense of what to expect.

Evan McCarthy · Answer

Podcasts have become my preferred method for discovering new products and services because they offer insightful discussions and recommendations that feel more personal. Listening to experts and influencers talk about their experiences with different products helps me learn more about them in a relaxed, engaging way. I love how podcasts often feature deep dives into niche markets and highlight new brands that I wouldn't find through traditional ads. It's a great way to hear real stories and reviews from people I trust, making it easier to decide what to try. Overall, podcasts have made discovering new products feel more authentic and enjoyable for me.

Tristan Harris · Answer

My favorite way to find out about new products and services is to rely heavily on recommendations from trusted professional networks, such as LinkedIn and industry-specific Facebook groups. I guess firsthand experiences by peers serve as a reliable measure of the potential value of a product or service. I only truly trust a recommendation if I know that my connection is not paid for it.
While I do supplement these recommendations with my own research online - reading reviews, comparing features - the initial spark of interest almost always comes from a recommendation by someone who has already been through it. Not only does this help simplify my decision-making process, it also guarantees that I'm getting real-world perspectives and not just pretty pamphlets with the latest marketing gloss.

Mike Khorev · Answer

When it comes to discovering new products or services, I generally rely on a mix of online research and recommendations. I tend to start with research, looking for reviews, comparisons, and in-depth information on the product or service itself. But recommendations are powerful too—whether it's from colleagues, industry peers, or trusted networks, I find that hearing about real-life experiences can provide valuable context that might not be captured in marketing materials.
Ultimately, I like to combine both approaches. Online research gives me the broad understanding and options, while recommendations often guide me toward something that's proven to work or be worthwhile in practice.

Matt Harrison · Answer

For me, the best way to learn about new products or services is by observation through video reviews and demos - even better if they aren't sponsored. An unsponsored video has a refreshing feel; it avoids the marketing fluff and offers a true, unbiased viewpoint. 
I love these videos because they give me a real-world view of how a product works in practice, in a way that a static image or written review can never do. Whether it's YouTube or TikTok, or even Instagram reels, I always find myself enjoying content creators who guide you through the pros, cons and features in an easy-to-understand manner. This not only saves time but also builds trust, because you're getting the real scoop from someone who's been there, done that.

How to Discover New Products Or Services

How to Discover New Products Or Services

Social Listening for Genuine Feedback

Blend Research and Trusted Recommendations

Seek Unfiltered User Experiences

Discover Products Through Podcasts

Combine Community Insights and Research

Use Google Trends for Real-Time Data

Watch YouTube Reviews for Honest Opinions

Mix Research and Network Recommendations

Value Recommendations with Personal Research

Attend Webinars for Expert Insights

Explore Products Through TikTok Videos

Discover Products Through Engaging Podcasts

Trust Professional Networks for Recommendations

Combine Research with Trusted Recommendations

Rely on Unbiased Video Reviews