Product research can be the make-or-break step of a dropshipping business. Without the right product, even the most sophisticated strategy will not work. In this article, we are going to explore 6 proven ways on how to do product research for dropshipping—supported by examples, tools, and actionable insights.
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Top Ways for Conducting Product Research
After several years working in the eCommerce industry and supporting businesses, I have compiled a list of the most effective dropshipping product research methods. Don’t miss out on them if you want to get ready for success!
#1 Use dropshipping product research tools
Product research tools provide very good insights into market trends, interests, strategies, and performance of competitors. According to Statista, 63% of high-performing eCommerce companies trust product research tools for decision-making related to their inventories.
Each tool allows you to dive into different information. But what is the best product research tool for dropshipping? The answer is it varies.
For instance, Jungle Scout focuses on Amazon sellers, TikTok Creative Center specializes in analyzing products and trends on TikTok, while Koala Inspector offers insights into Shopify stores.
#2 Identify and solve consumer problems
Here’s a shortcut to success for you: think of a problem you might have, then think about a product that could likely solve that problem. Oberlo reports that 60% of the best-selling dropshipping products are solving specific pain points.
Dropshipping thrives on problem-solving products. Instead of chasing generic trends, focus on items that address specific pain points or fulfill niche needs.
So, start by defining your best dropshipping niches. Ask yourself: What are common problems in this area?
Then, think about the challenges people face and brainstorm products that offer solutions.
For instance, in the sustainability niche, reusable products, such as beeswax wraps or collapsible water bottles, are taking on increased concerns about the environment while bringing convenience to everyday life.
Or, imagine how grocery bag carriers would save people from the hassle of taking multiple trips back and forth to unload their shopping. Customers love what makes their life easier!
Don’t forget to validate your idea by incorporating other product research methods, such as marketplace research. These platforms can help you assess whether there’s sufficient demand for your product idea.
#3 Browse social media platforms
Social media is a goldmine for discovering what’s trending. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest can showcase viral products even before they reach marketplaces.
Let’s get into how you can find potential product ideas with the most popular social media platforms.
How to do product research for dropshipping on TikTok
TikTok allows you to look for things that are gaining in popularity in a variety of ways.
Explore popular hashtags
On TikTok, hashtags like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt and #AmazonFinds might direct you to the most popular products. These often include devices and tools that work well for dropshipping.
Watch product reviews
Look for TikTok videos reviewing products you’re interested in selling. These reviews reveal a product’s strengths and weaknesses, giving you an edge in selecting or improving products for your store.
Product research for dropshipping on Facebook
Facebook has other distinctive features that you can capitalize on to facilitate your product research process.
Join groups
Use Facebook’s search tool to discover groups related to your niche or market. Observe member conversations, questions, and interactions for inspiration. Joining these groups allows you to ask questions directly and gather feedback about products, niches, or trends.
Analyze your pages
If you already have a fan page, could you review its insights? Metrics like post engagement, audience demographics, and popular content can highlight trending products or categories. Examining your followers’ profiles can reveal patterns, such as common interests or locations, that help identify potential product opportunities.
>>> Read more: How To Dropship With No Money? 8 Ways to Get Started in 2024
Dropshipping product research method on Instagram
Another powerful platform you can use to tap into users’ interest is Instagram. How can you know what people are into exactly?
Explore locations
Search specific locations under the “Places” tab to identify products relevant to a particular area. Local businesses in these regions may offer inspiration through their posts and engagement metrics.
Research influencers
Check out the accounts of influencers in your niche to see what products they are promoting. Their posts often feature trending and in-demand products that can spark ideas for your store.
#4 Conduct marketplace research
Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress are filled with information about consumer preferences and purchasing habits. Analyzing these platforms will help you have a better understanding of what sells and why.
Investopedia reports that around 45% of new businesses fail within the first 5 years. Among the common reasons for business failure are an inability to do market research and build a business plan. This shows how serious product researching in business can become, especially for dropshipping startups.
Let’s take a look at how to carry out product research on some of the most popular e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and AliExpress.
Product research on Amazon
1. Use the Autocomplete Search Bar
Begin typing a product keyword in Amazon’s search bar to see suggestions based on popular searches. For instance, typing “kitchen” reveals a variety of trending products.
While Amazon’s algorithm isn’t transparent, these suggestions often reflect demand, making them a great starting point for identifying potential winners.
2. Check the Best Sellers List
Explore Amazon’s frequently updated best-seller categories to find trending products and focus on smaller brands rather than competing with well-established giants.
3. Use Research Tools
Tools like Jungle Scout, Helium 10, and SellerApp provide in-depth analytics to uncover high-demand products with competitive potential.
Product research on eBay
1. Leverage Terapeak
If you sell on eBay, then Terapeak—available through eBay Seller Hub—offers very detailed sales data. Use it to analyze product performance, identify trends, and find niches with strong demand.
2. Explore Trending Categories
Check eBay’s “Trending” sections for inspiration. For example, featured categories like “Celebrate the season of lux” showcase products eBay actively promotes.
3. Use Research Tools
Tools such as ZIK Analytics, ShelfTrend, and Popularity Sort can provide additional insights into trending items and competitive data.
Product research on AliExpress
1. AliExpress Dropshipping Center
Sign up for the Dropshipping Center to access data on product sales, reviews, pricing, and growth trends. This is where you can compare suppliers, analyze order volumes, and identify high-performing products with ease.
2. Sort by Orders
Use the “Sort by Orders” option to identify top-selling items in any category. Products with high order counts indicate strong demand and reliable suppliers.
3. Explore Seller Storefronts
Check seller profiles under product listings to view their storefronts. Many storefronts feature tabs for best-selling products, offering inspiration for similar or complementary items for your store.
4. Use Research Tools
Tools like Niche Scraper and AliShark provide comprehensive data to streamline your product discovery process.
Product research on Etsy
1. Tap Into Personal Interests
Etsy is the go-to marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique products. Use your expertise to identify gaps. For example, if you know a product works better in metal but Etsy only offers plastic options, this insight can set you apart.
2. Use the Autocomplete Search Bar
Similar to Amazon, Etsy’s autocomplete feature highlights popular searches in your niche. These suggestions can guide you toward in-demand items.
3. Use Research Tools
Tools like Everbee and EtsyHunt help uncover niche opportunities by analyzing product performance and trends.
#5 Follow niche forums or communities
Online forums and communities offer unfiltered insights directly from both consumers and sellers. Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and industry-specific forums are great for uncovering pain points and product ideas that may not yet be mainstream.
For example, many talk about new, untapped opportunities on Reddit communities like r/dropshipping, r/dropship, and r/entrepreneur.
On Quora, simply find answers to the question that is bugging you. Or, you can look for keywords, questions, or discussions about specific industries that can inspire product ideas. Industry forums, such as those focused on fitness or tech, often highlight emerging trends.
Engage in these communities to not only gather insights but also validate your product ideas by gauging the community’s response.
>>> Read more: Dropshipping Fulfillment: A Complete Guide to Success in 2024
#6 Keep an eye on ads
Watching ads can be a powerful way to research products for dropshipping, offering insights into trending items, marketing strategies, and customer demand.
Plus, advertisements reveal what’s working for other sellers. Companies don’t spend money promoting products that don’t sell, making ads a reliable indicator of market demand.
By observing these ads, you may be able to spot winning products. High engagement metrics such as likes, shares, and comments often indicate significant audience interest and can help you identify items worth investing in for your store.
Moreover, ads often target specific niches or underserved markets, helping you discover potential opportunities for differentiation. Pay attention to the types of audiences being targeted, such as pet lovers or eco-conscious consumers, and consider whether these niches align with your dropshipping goals.
Additionally, the frequency of ads for a specific product can validate market demand, while lower competition may point to untapped opportunities.
Most ads also link directly to dropshipping stores or product pages, allowing you to discover suppliers, analyze pricing, and evaluate potential profit margins.
If you are wondering how to run ads effectively, Mega Digital is here to help. With expertise in multi-platform advertising, we offer curated solutions catered to your very own needs and goals.
Best Product Research Tools for Dropshipping
In general, your choice of product research tools dropshipping depends on the specific data you want to explore and the marketplace you want to sell on.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of top product research tools, each offering distinctive features, data insights, and resources.
*Note: Prices are subject to change over time; please refer to the respective tool’s official website for the most current pricing.
Tips on How to do Product Research for Dropshipping
Now that you know how to conduct product research in dropshipping, let’s dive into actionable tips on how to streamline your product research process and find winning products.
Conduct Keyword Research
Keyword research is a crucial step in product research as it helps you find what potential buyers are looking for and determines the demand for specific products. Here’s how to effectively do keyword research for dropshipping:
Use Keyword Tools
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Semrush to find out the search volumes and associated keywords for the products you are researching. These tools will show you how often people search for certain things and how competitive those keywords are.
Example: Search terms like “LED strip lights for home decor” or “eco-friendly yoga mats” might show growing demand in your niche.
Analyze Search Intent
Look beyond the keywords themselves and analyze user intent. Are customers looking for information, comparing products, or ready to buy? For dropshipping, focus on transactional keywords like “buy,” “cheap,” or “best .”
Example: “Buy polarized sunglasses online” indicates a high purchase intent.
Long-Tail Keywords
Focus on long-tail keywords with three or more words. These have lower competition and higher conversion rates because they target specific needs.
Example: Instead of targeting “yoga mat,” go for “eco-friendly yoga mat.”
Once you’ve identified high-demand keywords, add them to your product titles, descriptions, and ads for better visibility and search engine rankings.
Social Media Research Best Practices
No matter which social media platform you are browsing, there are common best practices to follow while conducting product research.
Don’t Overlook Ads
Ads, particularly in your niche, also reveal trending items that competitors are promoting. They are an extremely helpful resource not to be overlooked. Look for ads with high engagement and analyze them to understand what resonates with audiences.
Browse the Discovery Page
Plus, you can simply scroll through the discovery page of the most popular social media platforms (or for TikTok, the For You Page) and whatever’s most trending will pop up, giving you more product ideas effortlessly.
Read the Comments
Lastly, don’t skip the comments! Comments can also help you identify potential customer demographics and interests, from there, you can conduct deeper research on promising items.
Prioritize Product Scalability
Scalability is a vital factor when picking dropshipping products. A scalable product is one that can increase in demand and profitability without requiring major modifications to the way your business functions.
Choose Evergreen Products
Opt for products with steady demand throughout the year, not seasonal ones. Evergreen products, like tech accessories (such as portable chargers) or health products (such as massage guns), make sure the revenue is stable all year.
Bundle Opportunities
Find products that could be easily bundled with other products to cross-sell or upsell. A fitness tracker, for instance, can be bundled with resistance bands or smart water bottles for a “Fitness Starter Pack.”
Target a Broad Audience
Go for products that can sell well across many countries. Examples include technology accessories and beauty products, which generally appeal to most people and can be marketed across diverse groups.
It’s vital to keep track of how your products are doing regularly to make informed decisions on when to scale up your products or markets without over-extending your resources.
Conclusion
Researching your product is an important investment in creating a successful dropshipping business. With this detailed guide on how to do product research for dropshipping, you can now discover winning products and explore the endless possibilities that a competitive dropshipping landscape has to offer.
After all, success depends on one factor: being proactive, well-informed, and able to adapt. Launch your product research right away and develop your dropshipping store into a truly successful business.
