Joining
FF Focus Group is the research community powered by Focus Forward. Since 2003, Focus Forward has connected people with companies that want to learn from their opinions. Our US-based panel takes part in focus groups, surveys, interviews, and other research studies.
Yes. FF Focus Group is the research community powered by Focus Forward, which has connected people with companies that want to learn from their opinions since 2003. We are proud members of industry organizations including QRCA, Quirk’s, BlueBook, and MREF. Joining is free, and we never ask for your credit card information.
Consumers, business professionals, and medical professionals can join FF Focus Group to share their experiences with products and services. Each study looks for participants with a particular background or experience.
No. Joining is free, and you never need to buy anything or share credit card details to take part in legitimate market research.
Select “Join Now,” complete each profile section, and submit your answers. Your profile helps us match you with relevant studies. After completing your initial profile, you receive a welcome email and can begin receiving study invitations.
No. Membership is currently available only to people who live in the United States.
Focus Forward helps research teams find qualified, engaged participants. We work with clients to understand each project and recruit people who meet its research requirements.
Qualifying for studies
Focus Forward uses a five (5) part screening process. Each study has specific requirements, and screening helps us find participants whose backgrounds and experiences match the research.
Every study has specific requirements, so you will not qualify for every project. Complete the applicable profiles in your member account to help us find suitable studies. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter) to find more projects to apply for.
Invitations depend on how closely your profile matches each study’s requirements, so there is no set schedule. Keeping your profile complete and up to date helps us match you with more studies. [TODO: confirm typical invitation frequency]
In-person studies take place at a research location or, for some interviews, in your home, and payment is typically provided at the end of the study. Online studies, such as focus groups held on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet and online surveys, take place from your own device. Phone and online discussion studies typically send a digital reward, such as a Visa card, after the study. Online surveys usually earn Focus Forward Points.
Each client sets its own rules about how recently you can have taken part in another study. Some ask for a gap of three (3) or six (6) months; others ask for a year. Online-only surveys do not count toward your past participation.
Create a profile to receive relevant invitations by email, or follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to see studies we post publicly.
Check your spam, junk, or bulk email folder. Invitations can sometimes be filtered there. Add Claudia Taylor (Claudia@focusfwd.com) to your address book to help invitations reach your inbox.
We email members whose profiles may match the survey. Your invitation includes a survey link and the reward for qualifying and completing it. Follow the link to answer the screening questions and, if eligible, complete the survey.
The average is about 15 minutes, though the length varies. A status bar shows your progress through the survey.
Yes. Return to the link in your invitation email to resume where you left off. You can continue only while the survey is open; it closes once enough participants have completed it.
A screener or survey cannot be reset or retaken once you start it. Clients use this safeguard to make sure only qualified participants take part. We cannot change your answers or allow a retake.
Getting paid
In-person interviews, phone interviews, online bulletin boards, and other longer studies typically pay $100–$300. Online or mobile surveys typically award 1,000–5,000 points, equal to $1–$5 per study.
In-person studies: Cash, check, or gift card is provided at the end of participation. Phone and multi-session online studies: Virtual gift cards arrive six (6) to eight (8) weeks after completion. Single-session online surveys: Points are usually added to your member account immediately. Balances may be withdrawn once you reach 20,000 points.
Focus Forward Points are the rewards you earn for completing online surveys. Every 1,000 points equals $1, and you can check your balance in your member account. See the Rewards page for how to redeem them.
Log in to your account and select “Claim a Reward” to request a virtual gift card.
Yes. Your account must have at least 5,000 points to request a reward.
Open the “Members” section of your account and scroll to “My Points.”
Your virtual gift card is sent to the email address in your profile. Keep that address current so you can receive your reward.
Starting a survey does not always mean you qualify. The first questions check eligibility, and points are awarded only when an eligible participant completes the full survey.
No. You must qualify and complete the survey to receive its reward.
Contact Tremendous at help@tremendous.com or 1-800-443-8762 for help with a Virtual Prepaid Visa Card.
If more than eight (8) weeks have passed since the project ended, email incentivepayment@focusfwd.com. Include the study number, project dates, reward amount, and your contact details. You will hear back within two (2) business days.
No referral reward is currently offered. You are still welcome to invite family members or colleagues who may enjoy paid research.
Privacy
We use your profile information to match you with research studies and contact you about them. Read our Privacy Policy for full details on how FF Focus Group and Focus Forward collect, use, and protect your personal data.
No. We keep your profile information confidential, and only Focus Forward contacts you about research. Your information is not sold for third-party sales calls or emails.
No. We never ask for your credit card number or require you to buy anything from us. You do not pay a fee to participate in legitimate market research.
Clients receive combined survey results from participants as a group. Your individual survey answers are not linked to your personal identity in that summary.
Log in and open “My Profile.” Update the information in your enrollment profile, then submit it to save your changes.
Select the “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any study invitation email.
