Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Start with What You Have
- Local Community
- Online Consumer Trend Publications
- Industry Leaders
- Product and Trend Discovery Sites
- B2B Wholesale Marketplaces
- Online Consumer Marketplaces
- Social Forum Communities
- Social Media Networks
- On-Site and Third-Party Customer Reviews
- SEO Analytics and Insights
- Consumer Lifestyle Publications
- Competitors
- Customer Surveys and Feedback
- Crowdsourcing
- Look to the Past
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Have you ever had a brilliant business idea hit you out of the blue? You're not alone—many successful product ideas come from unexpected moments. However, more often than not, finding the right product idea requires a keen eye and active search. With nearly 95% of new products failing, the stakes are high for entrepreneurs to choose wisely. This blog post aims to be your definitive guide on where to find winning ecommerce products to sell online. By the end, you'll know exactly where to look to get inspired and generate ideas that could lead to a successful venture. Let's dive in!
Start with What You Have
Before you scour the internet, start with your existing ideas. Maybe you have an old business plan gathering dust, or a bright idea you once dismissed. Revisiting these concepts can sometimes spark new inspiration. Ask yourself and those close to you what problems need solving. Perhaps your inner circle already holds the key to your next big product.
Example: Michelle Ebbin, owner of Jettproof, tapped into her experience with sensory clothing to create face masks for people with sensory conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local Community
Traditional brick-and-mortar stores have thrived for ages. Observing local trends and translating them to the online marketplace can yield great results. Look around your community. What retail concepts are gaining traction? Sometimes adapting these ideas for ecommerce can be the winning ticket.
Online Consumer Trend Publications
Keeping up with trend publications can offer a wealth of inspiration. Sites like TrendWatching, Trend Hunter, and PSFK track global consumer trends and offer insights into emerging markets and products. These resources can help you stay ahead of the curve and discover untapped needs in the market.
Example: Dan Ben-Nun noticed the trending Inkkas shoes in Peru and introduced them to the North American market through a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Industry Leaders
If you already know your desired niche, follow the industry leaders. Tools such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can help you curate a stream of content from influential people. Observing their activities, likes, or even potential gaps in their products can give you fresh ideas.
Product and Trend Discovery Sites
Websites like Uncrate and Design Milk feature curated collections of trendy and innovative products. Regularly browsing these sites can inspire new product ideas, keeping you informed about the latest design and consumer preferences.
B2B Wholesale Marketplaces
Sourcing from wholesale platforms like Alibaba and DSers can open your eyes to a plethora of product ideas. These marketplaces showcase a vast array of products across countless categories, offering a one-stop-shop for inspiration and supplies. Be sure to explore categories broadly to uncover unique opportunities.
Online Consumer Marketplaces
Platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Etsy reveal popular and trending products through their best-seller lists and customer reviews. Use these lists to identify high-demand items and consider how you could create a unique angle on these existing concepts.
Example: Use the Best Sellers and Movers & Shakers sections on Amazon to identify popular categories and products gaining traction.
Social Forum Communities
Websites such as Reddit and Quora host communities centered around various topics, offering a goldmine of ideas and feedback. You can join specific subreddits or follow trending questions and topics to tap into what people are discussing and wanting in real-time.
Example: A Reddit thread discussing best purchases under $50 can provide numerous product ideas.
Social Media Networks
Social media platforms are treasure troves for finding new product ideas. Hashtags, curated product accounts, and audience insights can reveal what’s currently trending and what people are willing to purchase.
Example: Facebook groups like Purrtacular offer a community-driven insight into what pet owners desire, helping entrepreneurs like Dawn LaFontaine come up with products like custom cat boxes.
On-Site and Third-Party Customer Reviews
Customer reviews on sites like Amazon can uncover gaps in existing products. Look for common complaints and figure out ways to address these issues with a new product.
SEO Analytics and Insights
Google tools like Trends, Keyword Planner, and Analytics can provide invaluable insights into what people are searching for. This information can guide your product development by indicating high-demand trends and potential keywords for marketing.
Consumer Lifestyle Publications
Publications relevant to your target market can reveal trending topics and products. Examine which articles get the most engagement to find what interests your potential customers the most.
Competitors
Monitoring your competitors can reveal what’s working well in the market. Identify their successful products and the reasons behind their popularity. This can help you spot gaps in their offerings that you could fill.
Example: Nolah Mattress launched eco-friendly products after noticing a market gap for sustainable sleeping solutions.
Customer Surveys and Feedback
Direct feedback from your audience can provide personalized insight into their needs and preferences. Tools like SurveyMonkey can help you gather feedback effectively.
Example: KeySmart’s practice of creating private Facebook groups for VIP customers to gather product ideas has proven successful.
Crowdsourcing
Platforms like LEGO Ideas show how crowdsourcing can generate unique product ideas. Creating your own crowdsourcing campaign can also leverage community brainpower for new concepts.
Look to the Past
Nostalgia can be a powerful driver in product development. Reviving old trends or adapting forgotten methods can resonate well with customers looking for a blend of old and new.
Example: Dogfish Head Brewery’s Ancient Ales line uses historical brewing techniques that attract consumers interested in nostalgia and uniqueness.
Conclusion
Coming up with a winning product idea requires more than just a stroke of luck. By exploring these 16 diverse sources, you can systematically uncover high-potential products to launch your ecommerce business. Whether you start with personal insights, local observations, or dive deep into online resources, staying proactive in your search is key. Harness these tools, and let the inspiration flow!
FAQ
How do you develop a product idea?
You can find inspiration from your local community, online consumer trend publications, industry leaders, and customer reviews. This blog post covers 16 ways to brainstorm and develop product ideas.
How do I get products for my business?
You can either make your own products or source them externally from wholesalers, dropshippers, manufacturers, and local artisans.
What products are in high demand today?
Current high-demand products include home office items, self-care products, loungewear, home gym items, face masks, and hand sanitizer.
What do people buy the most?
People frequently buy groceries, hygiene products, and other necessities. Keyword research and social listening can help identify popular products at any given moment.
By leveraging these strategies, you can identify and capitalize on product opportunities effectively, setting your ecommerce business up for success.
