Content testing (also called ‘message testing’) is a research method similar to user testing but it focusses exclusively on content – usually written content.

Content testing tells you whether your message ‘lands’ with your users

Use it to learn:

Test your content when misunderstandings will be costly for the business

Test your content with users when you need to be confident that users have seen what you want them to do, understood how to do it, and been able to achieve it.

Test pieces of content when:

Test complex messages, or any key action-oriented content for an audience you do not know well

Examples of content that we have tested include:

Content/message testing shows you how to think like your reader

Some agencies will tell you that they can analyse your content using behavioural science principles. It is true, they can. We use those principles too – like the impact of biases and heuristics such as anchoring, and how to use ‘nudges’ in your design.

What testing with users does on top of this kind of analysis is that helps you understand your users. It will give you insight into your users as people and the world in which they live and the goals they want to achieve. This will then help you engage with them through the written word.

User testing also shows you whether your users will

Would you like a copy of our ebook: ‘How user testing helps you write so your users Understand’ ?

If so, just email me and I will send you the most recent version.

We would love to help you communicate more clearly with your users, customers and members.

We use qualitative research-based user testing informed by plain language, behavioural science, and AI. Find out more – contact Sue.