Advantages of online focus groups 

1. Group members can participate from any Internet-connected computer at any convenient time. This means your focus group can include senior executives and decision-makers who are difficult to convene.
2. Participation requires no travel and can be conducted across time zones, from anywhere in the world. This eliminates travel costs and the need to coordinate many people’s schedules.
3. You can obtain more information from fewer groups. Up to 20 individuals can participate.
4. In general, online focus groups are less costly, even though more people can be included.
5. You can observe the exchange and modify the questions while the group is in progress, allowing you to take advantage of unexpected turns in the discussion.
6. Group members can remain anonymous to all but the moderator and client, so they tend to be more candid in their comments.
7. Using graphics, sound, and even video, participants can evaluate websites, logos, and commercials – anything that can be sent over the internet.

Online Bulletin Board Focus Groups allow respondents and moderators to share input within a relaxed time frame usually scheduled over 3-10 days.

Comparison Bulletin Board Focus Groups Vs. Online Focus Groups