‘Attract & Engage the Right Participants – Better Insights for Market Research’
Recruiting the right people for market research has always been part art, part science, but today, it’s also more complex than ever. Screens are noisier, attention is shorter, and participants are savvier. Even the strongest methodology can wobble if the humans behind the insights aren’t engaged, representative, or genuinely qualified.
That’s exactly the challenge we set out to solve with our brand-new recruitment playbook. A practical, modern guide shaped by a full year of reflection, refinement, and real-world learning. And it’s packed with the kind of grounded, human-first advice that helps researchers feel more confident in their recruitment decisions.
Why this Playbook matters…
In the past 12 months, we’ve taken a deep look at our purpose and processes against the backdrop of the delivery needs of our clients, in an industry that has transformed dramatically since BEAM opened its doors in 2016.
The result?
A clearer, more intentional approach to sourcing participants who truly elevate the quality of insights. To bring this to life, the team gathered learnings not only from their own experiences, but also from over 37,000 active participants within our proprietary panel, Give Opinions. Hearing directly from participants: what motivates them, what frustrates them, and what earns their trust, has allowed us to build guidance that’s grounded in lived experience rather than theory.
What’s inside?
The playbook is structured around four key areas of recruitment, from mindset to methods, to meaningful engagement.
Here’s a quick look at what readers can expect:
A fresh look at recruiting
We explore the “must-haves” for today’s recruiters: the mindset, resourcefulness, and decision-making skills required to balance speed with quality. It also tackles the “conundrum of compromise”, a familiar challenge for anyone who has ever had to prioritise practicalities over perfection.
The participant’s perspective
If insight quality hinges on participant quality, then understanding participants is non-negotiable. This part of the playbook dives into:
- What motivates people to take part
- How incentives influence engagement
- Why a participant-first approach leads to better outcomes
- How to identify and support vulnerable participants
- Why genuinely prioritising participants strengthens the integrity of the research
It’s thoughtful, empathetic guidance that reminds us: when people feel respected, they show up better.
Data validation & screening
Here, the playbook gets wonderfully practical, covering everything from writing effective screeners to spotting fraudulent participants to navigating the data collection process with confidence. The section also includes a clear, accessible breakdown of informed consent and GDPR considerations, keeping ethics at the heart of recruitment.
Tailoring to your audience
No two groups are the same, and this section shows exactly how to adapt. The guidance spans recruitment strategies for kids and teens, how to authentically connect with Gen Z, and what to consider when managing international recruitment. These insights help researchers build approaches that resonate, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model.
Designed for better insights
At its core, our playbook is about reducing the risk of poor-quality recruitment and strengthening the foundation of every project. It’s designed to help researchers ask smarter questions, sharpen their screening, and ultimately achieve better results.
It’s also a reminder of something simple but powerful: behind every data point is a person. When we centre their experience, the insights naturally become richer, more reliable, and more meaningful. As founder Amy Middleton puts it,
“Gathering quality insights often depends on one critical factor – the quality of your participants.”
Who’s it for?
Whether you’re a seasoned fieldwork partner or managing recruitment in-house, this playbook will help you navigate today’s complexity with clarity and confidence. And of course, BEAM is always there when you need support bringing your research to life.