My Digital Farmer Podcast - Episode 314: The Power of a Beta Test in Marketing

Release Date: May 28, 2025
Host: Corinna Bench
Podcast: My Digital Farmer Podcast

Introduction to Beta Testing in Farming Marketing

In Episode 314 of the My Digital Farmer Podcast, host Corinna Bench delves into the transformative role of beta testing within farm marketing strategies. Drawing from her personal experiences as a CSA farmer and marketing specialist, Corinna illustrates how implementing a beta test can demystify large-scale projects, reduce risks, and foster innovation in farm businesses.

Corinna’s Journey: Embracing Beta Testing

Corinna begins by sharing her initial hesitation in launching new ideas for her farm business due to feelings of overwhelm and fear of failure. She recounts a pivotal moment when her coach, Rebecca, introduced her to the concept of a beta test. This approach encouraged Corinna to "put a container around" her big ideas, limiting their scope to manageable levels and enabling her to experiment without significant risk.

Notable Quote:
"Why don't you take a very small portion off of this idea, test it on a small scale and see how it goes"
— Corinna Bench [05:30]

Implementing a Beta Test: Step-by-Step Guide

Corinna outlines the essential steps she followed to successfully implement a beta test for her new Chef's prepared foods line:

1. Put a Container Around the Idea

   • Define clear boundaries for the project to make it less daunting.
   • Limit time, resources, or the number of participants to manage scale.

2. Set Clear Goals for the Beta Test

   • Determine specific objectives, such as assessing workflow efficiency or gauging customer interest.
   • Notable Quote:
     "Set one or two goals that you are specifically looking at, because you will then be measuring data through that lens."
     — Corinna Bench [12:45]

3. Announce the Launch Publicly

   • Schedule the beta test and inform your audience ahead of time.
   • Public announcements create accountability and generate initial interest.
   • Notable Quote:
     "Once word got out, it was like a firestorm. Everyone got really excited."
     — Corinna Bench [15:10]

4. Inform Customers It's a Beta

   • Transparently communicate that the product is in a testing phase.
   • Position beta testers as VIPs to foster a sense of participation and importance.
   • Notable Quote:
     "I was very open about inviting them to be beta test persons. It was almost like positioning it as an honor."
     — Corinna Bench [21:30]

5. Pre-Sell Before Building

   • Validate the market demand by securing commitments before full-scale production.
   • This approach helps in assessing the viability without extensive upfront investment.

6. Expect and Embrace Mistakes

   • Accept that initial trials may have flaws and use them as learning opportunities.
   • Maintain a curious and playful mindset to navigate challenges.
   • Notable Quote:
     "A beta test doesn't have to be perfect and it's okay if we make mistakes."
     — Corinna Bench [28:50]

7. Treat Beta Testers as VIPs

   • Show appreciation through exclusive perks and personalized communication.
   • Building strong relationships with testers can lead to valuable feedback and loyal customers.
   • Notable Quote:
     "I'm treating these 50 plus people as special people. I appreciate that they took a risk on me."
     — Corinna Bench [34:20]

8. Capture the Right Data

   • Track key metrics such as sales, time spent, cost of goods sold (COGS), and customer feedback.
   • Analyzing this data is crucial for assessing the success and scalability of the project.
   • Notable Quote:
     "You can't optimize what you don't actually document."
     — Corinna Bench [39:10]

9. Time the Beta Launch Strategically

   • Choose a period when you can dedicate sufficient attention to the beta test without overlapping major projects.
   • Corinna timed her beta launch at the beginning of the season to maximize focus and energy.

10. Manage Fear and Mindset

    • Acknowledge that fear is natural when venturing into new territory.
    • Use fear as an indicator of potential growth rather than a deterrent.
    • Notable Quote:
      "Fear can actually be an indicator that something really cool could be on the other side."
      — Corinna Bench [45:00]

11. Minimize Risk

    • Keep investments low by limiting financial and time commitments.
    • Assess the resale value of any capital investments to mitigate potential losses.
    • Notable Quote:
      "How can I minimize my risk by keeping it small?"
      — Corinna Bench [48:30]

12. Debrief and Evaluate

    • After the beta test concludes, conduct a thorough reflection to identify successes and areas for improvement.
    • Utilize the insights gained to make informed decisions about scaling or modifying the project.
    • Notable Quote:
      "A beta with a debrief is a business lesson."
      — Corinna Bench [52:15]

Real-World Applications and Outcomes

Corinna shares tangible outcomes from her beta test:

• Operational Insights: Identified inefficiencies such as freezer door delays and inconsistent product quality, allowing her team to implement solutions.
• Customer Feedback: Received valuable input on product preferences and usage patterns, guiding future inventory and marketing decisions.
• Team Collaboration: Strengthened communication and problem-solving within her team by adopting a flexible and experimental approach.

Notable Quote:
"We are now in week two of our beta launch, and it's been amazing. We've learned a ton."
— Corinna Bench [30:45]

Encouraging Farmers to Embrace Beta Testing

Corinna challenges listeners to identify aspects of their farm business that could benefit from a beta test. She provides practical examples such as:

• CSA Trials: Offering a mini version of a CSA to gauge interest and optimize workflows.
• New Product Bundles: Testing curated product bundles with a select group to assess market response.
• Event Spaces: Hosting a single event to explore the viability of using the farm as a venue.

Notable Quote:
"What if you wiggled your way into that new identity simply through a pilot project or a beta test?"
— Corinna Bench [59:20]

Conclusion: Transforming Overwhelm into Opportunity

Corinna concludes by emphasizing that beta testing can transform feelings of overwhelm into structured, manageable projects. By breaking down large ideas into smaller, testable components, farmers can innovate confidently and sustainably.

Notable Quote:
"You're coming from a place of energy and you'll actually take action because you're breaking it up into a smaller project and you're taking the pressure off."
— Corinna Bench [1:02:10]

Final Thoughts

Episode 314 of the My Digital Farmer Podcast offers invaluable insights into leveraging beta tests as a strategic tool for farm marketing. Corinna Bench’s methodical approach provides a replicable framework for farmers seeking to innovate without the fear of significant setbacks. By adopting beta testing, farm businesses can foster continuous improvement, enhance customer engagement, and build stronger, more resilient brands.

For more insights and strategies on farm marketing, visit MyDigitalFarmer.com and subscribe to the My Digital Farmer Podcast.