In this article, we'll show you how to create a Research Project to recruit testers from your own network.
Instead, if you want to create a Research Project to recruit testers from Hotjar's participant pool, see this guide: Create a Project.
1. Create the project
Go to Projects, and select New research project.
2. Fill out the project details
Fill out the Project name - public with a brief overview of your project.
Next, you can choose whether to set a Project name - internal (optional), for example, a project code.
Then, write a Project description - public to give more details about what your project is about. The more detail here, the better.
3. Select 'Bring your own testers'
This option means you'll get a unique URL to share with the people you want to participate in your testing, and you won't be recruiting testers from Hotjar's participant pool.
Note: Testers from your network, that don't come from Hotjar's participant pool, do not need a Hotjar Engage account to participate in your testing.
4. Fill out the session information
Choose how long you want the session to last, and how many testers you'd like to speak with.
Note: Using Hotjar Engage's built-in video call platform is the only option for sessions with your own testers, and compensation is not included.
5. Set your available time slots
Choose the time slots that testers will be able to book. You can also connect your calendar at this stage to avoid scheduling issues.
6. Choose how your participants will book sessions
This step allows you to ask extra questions to filter users further. You can also choose between Automatic (more speed) if you'd like to allow testers to book their own session once they pass the screening questions or Manual (more control) where you can handpick participants based on the answers to their screener questions.
7. Create your screening questions
With custom screener questions, you have a powerful tool to further target your desired audience. This means you'll get feedback that will help you make the right decisions in developing your software, product, or other digital experiences.
After typing in your question you can choose a text field for the answer (open question) or provide multiple answers from which your participants will be able to select just one (think radio buttons) or multiple answers (checkboxes).
With multiple answers, the participant will need to tick each answer you've marked as 'Required', while an 'Incorrect' answer disqualifies the respondent. Use 'optional' if there are multiple acceptable responses but not all are required.
You'll see the responses of all invited users who've successfully submitted their answers. The participants with no disqualifying answers to any questions are asked to book a session directly but you can allow any participant to schedule a session manually regardless of their answers.
8. Review and confirm your research
You'll see an overview of the Research Project so that you can confirm the details are correct before you create it.
Confirm once you're happy with the Project.
9. Share the link with your testers
You're ready to go! Share the link inside the Project with your testers so they can take your screening questions.
