We listen to our community. Our latest internal data reveals exactly what drives people to apply for research today. It shows that meaningful engagement is more important than ever for successful fieldwork.
THE POWER OF PURPOSE
We often assume that money is the only reason people take part in research. However, our data tells a much more human story. 50 percent of our participants state that the purpose of a project is more important than the financial reward.
People want to know that their voices are making a tangible difference. For brand managers, this means the “so what” of your project is your strongest recruitment tool. When we lead with the impact of the research, we attract more engaged and thoughtful respondents.
“Research should always feel like a two-way conversation, not a simple transaction”
Kay Middleton, Operations Director
Kay believes this 50 percent statistic proves that participants are looking for a sense of meaning. They want to contribute to subjects that matter to them or benefit wider society.
Our data shows that the human element of recruitment is still vital. An incredible 97.7 percent of participants rated the quality of the phone call they received from our team as good or excellent. This personal contact builds trust before the research even begins.
Clarity is also a major factor in participant confidence. 97 percent of our community felt the research was clearly explained to them during the screening process. This ensures they arrive at the session feeling prepared and ready to share their insights.
“The best research happens when the logistics are invisible”
Pat Connolly, Panel & Project Operations Manager
Pat also notes that when the recruitment funnel is frictionless, we significantly reduce drop off rates. This operational excellence allows us to deliver a more representative and reliable sample for every project.
The way we communicate with our community is just as important as the message itself. Our database remains our most powerful tool, with an incredible 93 percent of participants opening and reading our emails. This high level of engagement is built on a foundation of trust.
Furthermore, we must meet participants where they are. 90 percent of our community find our application surveys easy to complete on their mobile devices. This technical ease is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for high quality recruitment.
If the application process is difficult, the best participants will simply walk away. By prioritising mobile compatibility, we ensure that we are not excluding busy, high value individuals. This results in a broader and more diverse pool of talent for your brand.
Respecting the participant’s time is the cornerstone of ethical fieldwork. Our data shows a significant desire for more transparency after the application stage. 60 percent of our participants want to know if they have not been selected for a project.
Currently, the industry often leaves unsuccessful applicants in the dark. However, we believe that “closing the loop” is essential for long term community health. When participants feel valued, they are much more likely to apply for your next project.
We also found that over a third of people want to know exactly why we are asking specific questions. By being transparent about data handling and research goals, we build deeper trust. This transparency leads to more honest and detailed responses during the session itself.
Participation should be rewarding in more ways than one. Our results show that 88 percent of participants gave their experience a five-star rating for enjoyment. This high level of satisfaction is a direct result of clear communication.
Furthermore, we make sure the logistical details are seamless. 97.2 percent of participants understood the exact value of their incentive before starting. When people feel respected and well informed, they provide higher quality data for your business.
At BEAM, we use these insights to refine every project we manage. We do not just find people, we build a community that is ready to engage with your brand. By focusing on purpose and participant care, we deliver the depth of insight you need.