Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing marketing” but nothing is actually happening. *raises own hand*
You’re posting on social. You’re writing emails. Maybe even running ads. And yet… the customers aren’t rolling in like you hoped.
If you’re feeling that way, you’re not broken—but your process might be.
Here’s the real talk: Marketing without customer research is like building a house without a blueprint. You’re sweating buckets, but you’re not creating anything sturdy.
Today, I’m going to show you the easiest, $0 research hack to find out what customers really want—and how you can use it to finally make marketing feel simple, strategic, and wildly effective.
Why Most Marketing Misses the Mark (And It’s Not Your Fault)
Most small business owners jump straight into tactics:
- “I need more Instagram posts.”
- “I should try a TikTok ad.”
- “Maybe an email blast will help.”
And this is completely normal and natural because entrepreneurs and small business owners are optimistic and action driven.
But without customer research first, every marketing move feels random. Not only that, but you’re stressing yourself out guessing when you could simply do what your customers want.
If you’ve ever:
- Spent hours making content that didn’t get engagement
- Launched a product only to hear crickets
- Wondered “what am I even supposed to SAY?”
…then you’ve bumped headfirst into the real issue: You’re trying to sell without knowing what your customers really want.
Learning how to find out what customers really want is the first step to building real relationships—and real results.
The $0 Research Hack: Five Conversations That Reveal What Customers Really Want
Ready for it? Here it is:
Have five genuine, curiosity-driven conversations.
No sales pitches. No awkwardness. Just listening.
“I’m working on [your product/service idea]. Would you mind answering 3 quick questions?”
That’s it.
Why This Works (And the Stats to Prove It)
- 88% of buyers say the experience a company provides is as important as its products or services (Salesforce).
- 72% of consumers will only engage with personalized messaging (SmarterHQ).
- Businesses that prioritize customer research grow 2-3x faster than those that don’t (HubSpot).
When you take time to listen first, you naturally:
- Craft marketing messages that feel like a personal conversation.
- Build irresistible offers customers already want.
- Create a brand that feels warm, trustworthy, and unforgettable.
How to Find Out What Customers Really Want (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Identify 5 People
Find 5 real people who could be your ideal customers:
- Past clients
- Social media followers
- Facebook group participants
- LinkedIn connections
Pro Tip: You don’t need 100 interviews—five good ones can transform your marketing.
Step 2: Ask These 3 Game-Changing Questions
- “What’s your biggest frustration with [problem you solve]?”
- “What have you already tried to fix it?”
- “If you could wave a magic wand, what would the perfect solution look like?”
Pro Tip: Capture EXACTLY what they say—their words are your marketing gold.
Step 3: Just Listen (No Selling Allowed)
Your only job? Be wildly curious.
Imagine you’re sitting with a friend over coffee. No pitching. No “selling yourself.”
You’re simply learning how to find out what customers really want—directly from the source.
Pro Tip: How to put yourself into a “Curious Mindset”: The easiest way to put yourself into a “curious mindset” is to imagine that you are a camera and simply be the observer. I like to imagine myself floating above the situation and really watching and listening “for” what the person is saying. The idea is to go beyond hearing and move toward understanding. Once you notice something, jot it down so that you can go back and ask clarifying questions.
How to Get Over the Fear of Talking to Customers
If the idea of reaching out to customers makes your stomach turn, you are not alone.
Many entrepreneurs fear they’ll sound pushy, awkward, or even worse—hear something they don’t want to hear. It’s normal. And here’s the secret: Talking to customers isn’t about selling—it’s about listening.
Mindset Shifts That Help
- You’re gathering insights, not pitching. Customers love being asked for their opinions.
- You’re validating your ideas, not asking for approval. This gives you clarity and confidence.
- You’re making friends, not making sales. Relationships come first—sales come later.
How to Make It Feel Easier
- Frame it as a favor. “Could I ask you 3 quick questions? It would really help me.”
- Focus on learning. Pretend you’re a curious journalist, not a salesperson.
- Remember the big picture. Every conversation saves you time, money, and frustration later.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to start perfect. You just have to start.
Once you have your first real conversation, you’ll wonder why you were ever afraid to begin with.
Real-World Example: How This $0 Research Saved Me $5,000
Before using this method, I wasted $5,000 building a “perfect” course nobody actually wanted.
When I finally did five simple conversations, I found out:
- My audience cared about a completely different pain point.
- They wanted faster, easier, cheaper solutions.
- They used different words than I was using.
Once I listened, I launched a new offer that sold out—fast.
Knowing how to find out what customers really want turned my marketing from “hope and pray” into “plan and profit.”
FAQs: How to Find Out What Customers Really Want
What if I don’t know who to ask?
Start with friends, colleagues, or social media contacts—anyone close to your target audience. In fact, this is a great first step. Start with your friendliest audience and have exploratory conversations. These conversations will help you come up with the best questions for your customer conversations.
What if I’m nervous about reaching out?
Remember—you’re asking for advice, not selling anything. People love giving advice. You are going to be nervous. After all, this might be something you’ve never done before. This is why it’s a great idea to start with friendly people to get some practice.
Can I do this through email or DMs?
Absolutely. A quick message, a short call, or a voice note can work wonders. Use this method to get in touch with your insiders. Then, after you’ve had a few conversations, you can start sending DMs to folks you don’t know very well.
