{"id":1072,"date":"2022-01-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-13T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/articles\/tips-for-developing-a-product-a-simple-guide\/"},"modified":"2025-05-22T13:17:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:17:27","slug":"tips-for-developing-a-product-a-simple-guide","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/marketing\/tips-for-developing-a-product-a-simple-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for developing a product: a simple guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finding the right product that\u2019ll delight your customers and meet the needs of today\u2019s society may sound like a daunting task. And as a small business you\u2019ll likely have even more challenges without a financial buffer and large team of people behind you.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But don\u2019t let that put you off.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a small business owner you\u2019ll know your business (and your customers) inside out. With the right research and planning you can start growing or diversifying the products you sell, whether that\u2019s online, in a bricks and mortar shop, or in a caf\u00e9 or restaurant. Our seven-step guide will help you understand the basics when it comes to developing a product.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"whatisproductdevelopment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is product development?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Product development is the process of bringing a product to market, from an initial <strong>idea<\/strong> and market <strong>research<\/strong> to <strong>design<\/strong>, <strong>manufacturing<\/strong>, and <strong>testing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A product can be anything from children\u2019s toys, clothing, and gym equipment to food and drinks. Products can also be intangible items like a service or system that you sell to consumers.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"howtodevelopaproductasimpleguide\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to develop a product \u2013 a simple guide<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re an entrepreneur bursting with new ideas or you simply know how to solve a problem for your customers, this seven-step guide will help you successfully develop your next product.<\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"ideasideasideas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ideas, ideas, ideas<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the creative stage where you can think about what\u2019s missing in your business or how you might evolve an existing product.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you spotted a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-find-a-gap-in-the-market\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"983\" >gap in the market<\/a>? Can you tap into the <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/trending-business-ideas\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1021\" >latest business trends<\/a> and customer needs in your region? Or perhaps you\u2019ve received customer feedback that\u2019s sparked an idea for a new range of products.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s worth taking time on this stage to do your market research and look at competitors too. Using a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/how-to-do-business-swot-analysis-template\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"944\" >SWOT analysis template<\/a> can be a helpful way to analyse potential strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats that could impact development.<\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"filteringandscreening\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Filtering and screening<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to go through a stage of filtering and screening your ideas, so only the best ones make it to market. Think about the amount of time and money you\u2019d need to bring each idea to life, the potential <a href=\"\/knowledge\/income\/how-to-calculate-profit-margin\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1422\" >profit margin<\/a>, and analyse that against your customer needs.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask everyone for feedback on your ideas. You could try:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">focus groups<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">sending out surveys (it\u2019s free and easy to set up with SurveyMonkey)<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">social media polls<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">attending networking events<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">asking family and friends<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">going where your potential customers are<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another way to gauge demand is to try to start selling your product before it goes into production. You can build a landing page to entice people in and take advantage of limited free advertising credits on Facebook or Google Ads. If people are visiting your product page then it\u2019s a good indication that there\u2019s interest in buying it.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Before you move onto the next stage, make sure your product aligns with your overall <\/strong><a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1199\" ><strong>business plan<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"designandprototyping\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design and prototyping<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next up is the design and prototyping phase. By creating models and sketches of your product, you\u2019ll be able to test it, get feedback (again), and iron out any problems before you go into mass production.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you can, try to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/sustainability-in-business-goals-affected-by-rising-costs\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1044\" >integrate sustainability into your design process<\/a> as consumers are increasingly looking for brands that are doing what they can for the environment. Perhaps that&#8217;s through the materials you use, the suppliers you choose, or how you produce your packaging.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can form part of an <a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/what-is-esg\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1578\" >ESG strategy<\/a> if you&#8217;ve got a mission to support the environment, your stakeholders, and your local community. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read our guide to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/what-is-a-b-corporation\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1564\" >B Corp certification<\/a> if you&#8217;re interested to learn more. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"683\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/fashion-designer.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Fashion designer working with clothes and drawings\" class=\"wp-image-2892\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/fashion-designer.jpg 5520w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/fashion-designer.jpg?resize=800,534 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/fashion-designer.jpg?resize=768,513 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/fashion-designer.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/fashion-designer.jpg?resize=1536,1025 1536w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/fashion-designer.jpg?resize=2048,1367 2048w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/fashion-designer.jpg?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><h3 id=\"doasmallsamplerun\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do a small sample run<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next stage in the product life cycle is getting a small sample run of your product and testing it to find out what people think.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where you\u2019ll want to do more research, for example through:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">customer interviews<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">trials<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">surveys<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">giving out free samples<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"makeit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make it<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now for the fun part: making your product. Whether you have your own <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-crafting-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1078\" >craft business<\/a> and are making candles to sell from home, or are sending off your product to be manufactured, it\u2019s important to get your designs right.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re not manufacturing the product yourself, think about where your manufacturing will take place and how much it\u2019ll cost. Will it be made in the UK or abroad? How will you manage contact with your manufacturer?<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"683\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/candle-maker.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Woman decorating candles with flowers\" class=\"wp-image-2893\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/candle-maker.jpg 6720w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/candle-maker.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/candle-maker.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/candle-maker.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/candle-maker.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/candle-maker.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/candle-maker.jpg?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also make sure you\u2019re aware of any legal requirements too, such as:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">following safety and testing regulations  <\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/using-the-ukca-marking\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">UKCA marking<\/a> if you need to<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/what-is-intellectual-property\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"976\" >intellectual property<\/a> and patents for your original designs<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government has published <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/product-safety-advice-for-businesses\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">product safety advice for businesses<\/a> and you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/find-local-trading-standards-office\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">find your local Trading Standards office<\/a> to check you\u2019re trading legally.<\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"dontforgetproductliabilityinsurance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t forget product liability insurance<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re already an established business and just expanding your product portfolio then chances are you\u2019ve already got business insurance.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you\u2019re new to the world of making and selling products then you might not realise the risks involved. <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/product-liability-insurance\/\">Product liability insurance<\/a> exists to protect you if someone was to get injured or their property was to be damaged as a result of your product.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, mistakes on food menus can lead to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/hospitality\/food-labelling-regulations-for-small-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"870\" >allergic reactions<\/a> or a children\u2019s toy could have loose parts that cause choking.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not sure what business insurance you need? Simply Business offers a range of <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/types-of-insurance-covers\/\">business insurance policies<\/a> that you can tailor to suit your business.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"spreadtheword\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spread the word<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now you\u2019re ready to get the word out about your exciting new product. Offering customers the chance to pre-order the item can be a nice way to build up sales while your product is still in the works. Or you could consider a small-scale launch event to create a buzz around your business.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have a shop (online or otherwise), why not explore <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-sell-on-instagram-uk\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"942\" >how to sell on Instagram<\/a>? This is a great way to get your products in front of a captive audience \u2013 and they can buy without even leaving the app.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking for more marketing ideas? Our in-depth <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/how-to-advertise-your-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1410\" >guide to marketing and advertising for small businesses<\/a> will get you started. Plus, you might be interested in our guide to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/radio-advertising-costs-and-tv-advertising-costs\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1498\" >TV and radio advertising costs<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find out more about what happens once your product is on the market in our <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/product-life-cycle-stages\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1068\" >guide to the product life cycle<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"finalthoughts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New product development is certainly a challenge, particularly on top of the day-to-day running of your business. So if you have the <a href=\"\/knowledge\/income\/how-to-budget-calculator-and-guide-for-the-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"956\" >budget<\/a>, you might want to <strong>consider getting a product development company<\/strong> to help you as they\u2019re able to manage every step of the process, from prototyping to production.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re struggling to finance your new product ideas, you could consider <a href=\"\/knowledge\/funding\/what-is-venture-capital\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1029\" >venture capital<\/a> or <a href=\"\/knowledge\/funding\/crowdfunding-for-small-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"924\" >crowdfunding<\/a>. It\u2019s also worth checking if you\u2019re eligible for a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/funding\/small-business-grants\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1525\" >small business grant<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Are you developing a product for your business? Let us know how you get on in the comments.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Small business guides<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1444\" >How to start a business in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-set-up-an-online-shop\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"985\" >How to set up an online shop<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/how-to-price-a-product-uk\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1050\" >How to price a product<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/is-product-liability-insurance-required-by-law\/\">Is product liability insurance required by law?<\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photograph 1:  InsideCreativeHouse\/stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photograph 2:  rh2010\/stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photograph 3: New Africa\/stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><h3 id=\"lookingforselfemployedinsurance\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Looking for self-employed insurance?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">With Simply Business you can build a single <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/self-employed-insurance\/\">self employed insurance<\/a> policy combining the covers that are relevant to you. Whether it&#8217;s <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a>, <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/professional-indemnity-insurance\/\">professional indemnity<\/a> or whatever else you need, we&#8217;ll run you a quick quote online, and let you decide if we&#8217;re a good fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From idea and design to manufacturing and testing, here\u2019s how to bring a new product to market. Read more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[111,110],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[25],"class_list":["post-1072","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marketing","category-business-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Developing a product for your small business: a simple guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From idea and design to manufacturing and testing, here\u2019s how to bring a new product to market. 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