# When looking for new software, where do you start?

Do you start by googling alternatives to your current solution? Doing research about the category? Calling a friend? Pop it in the thread!

##### Post Metadata
- Posted at: almost 4 years ago
- Author title: Head of Growth at CarrierSource
- Net upvotes: 12


## Comments
### Comment 1

I start with ChatGPT, actually. We're currently in the market for a new A/B testing platform since Optimize is sunsetting in September. I asked ChatGPT for recommendations and went to G2 to read what users then say.  After that, I look at our internal requirements (dev resources, technical needs, etc.) and proceed from there before presenting options to our leadership team. 

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Conversion Rate Optimization Manager at Lucky Orange
- Net upvotes: 5

#### Reply 1

Funny enough, I also started using ChatGPT to get an idea of what products are available on the market and find alternatives to existing products I know and use. I also use G2 of course. 

##### Reply Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Deputy CISO

#### Reply 2

This is a great point @Angi. If you find ChatGPT helpful, check out this post (link below) about Monty, our new AI-powered software buying assistant. We'd love to hear your feedback! https://www.g2.com/discussions/say-hello-to-monty-g2-s-ai-powered-virtual-assistant-for-software-buying

##### Reply Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Community Manager at G2


### Comment 2

<p>It depends on what I’m looking for. If I want an alternative to something I have, I’ll Google it. I’ll look at reviews and try to find blog posts from people explaining how they use the software they recommend in their workflow.</p><p><br></p><p>If I want something new that I don’t currently have a solution for, I’ll usually start by asking friends if they know of a solution. And I also tend to go to AppSumo to see what they might have in that area.</p>

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: Full-funnel marketing specialist
- Net upvotes: 3


### Comment 3

<p>First -- Google Search then based on authentic reviews available on different platforms.</p><p><br></p>

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: Digital Marketing Specialist
- Net upvotes: 3

#### Reply 1

Hi Kishan, Hope you are well. Question: How do you asses a review to be authentic? Best, Mark

##### Reply Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: Managing Partner at Huf Consultancy and full time Autist


### Comment 4

In the field of cybersecurity, the market is awash with products and software of various quality and functionality. I find it increasingly difficult to make a choice due to the proliferation of solutions, the increasing complexity of said solutions, the overlapping nature of their functionality, but also working within the constraints of the business and existing/legacy software in place. In the past I was using the "call a friend" option a lot to get advice. These days I use platforms such as G2, and try to attend as many seminars/webinars as I can to gather as much info as possible before purchase. Where applicable and when I have enough time, I also use the product's trial period to assess the capabilities vs our requirements. 

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Deputy CISO
- Net upvotes: 3

#### Reply 1

Hi Stephanie,

Cybersecurity may not be as niche as one might think.
Rapidly growing (much needed) field.

Best,

Mark

##### Reply Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Managing Partner at Huf Consultancy and full time Autist

#### Reply 2

Cybersecurity is a niche market! Check out this post on our compare tool. If you're ever in the market for software and comparing products, this is a great benefit! https://www.g2.com/discussions/tip-tuesday-compare-tool

##### Reply Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Community Manager at G2


### Comment 5

<p>Start with a Google Search and look at a number of alternatives. </p><p> I do think it's good to look at Gartner and Forrester for analysis but they shouldn't be the only places you look.</p><p>If their product feature pages are written well enough, relevant software products should appear near or at the top of your search result rankings.</p>

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: 20-year Marketer and Marketing Automation Expert
- Net upvotes: 2

#### Reply 1

Yes, Alex. This ⬆️ "I do think it's good to look at Gartner and Forrester for analysis but they shouldn't be the only places you look.  If their product feature pages are written well enough, relevant software products should appear near or at the top of your search result rankings."

##### Reply Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: Managing Partner at Huf Consultancy and full time Autist


### Comment 6

<p>I typically start with AppSumo because if I can avoid a monthly subscription, the better. Otherwise, I'll use ChatGPT as a personal assistant. Sites like G2 & Reddit come into play when searching for reviews.</p>

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: The Slide Chick
- Net upvotes: 2

#### Reply 1

Thanks for chiming in Aisha! I had never heard of AppSumo before but I'm glad you shared a new resource that I can dive into.

##### Reply Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: Community Manager at G2

#### Reply 2

AppSumo is awesome. They definitely have some excellent deals. Plus, it is fun to see what is currently being offered.

##### Reply Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: Strategy Director & "The Legal Funding Expert" at Express Legal Funding.


### Comment 7

I usually start with a Google search, and usually end up looking on Reddit as well if there is a good, niche subreddit for the topic.

Lately, I've been enjoying the results that the AI chat on Bing provides, at least as a starting point.

YouTube also comes into play a lot when it comes to audio/video/photography, etc.

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Digital Content Creator. Tech Geek. Dad.
- Net upvotes: 2

#### Reply 1

I miss the "I feel lucky" Google Search button 

##### Reply Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Managing Partner at Huf Consultancy and full time Autist


### Comment 8

When looking for a software, I look at features, pricing (Im a big fan of LTDs)...I compare to alternatives, I compare LTD pricing to regular pricing.  I also really check tech support--it is often a over looked feature and often times, if I need support, how Im treated and the end result will very often determine if I will stick with the product or service.

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Digital Media & Information Technology | FB Power Admin
- Net upvotes: 2


### Comment 9

Well, when I'm in the market for new software, I usually start by researching online and reading reviews from trusted sources such as G2 and Capterra to get a sense of what's available and what might best meet my needs.

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Digital Marketing Consultant | Data Analyst and Strategic Planning
- Net upvotes: 2


### Comment 10

I try to find user reviews on YouTube, like "Top 5 Email marketing platforms in 2023".
Then, I doublecheck on G2 to see what other features are present and how they could be used.

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Net upvotes: 2


### Comment 11

Google and G2

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Founder & Digital Marketing Strategist, Nyxt Marketing
- Net upvotes: 2


### Comment 12

I usually search G2 first. It is easy to gather all the info in one place and start the process.

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: Creative, Accomplished Marketing Professional
- Net upvotes: 1


### Comment 13

<p>I usually search for my solution by the major functionalities and then look into the online reviews (including G2).  </p><p>Then I visit the Web sites of the software providers and see what they have there as far as documentation and demonstrations.  If they have information available as to their release cycle that is important to see (it's an indicator that they have an active development team working on continuous improvement of the product.  If there's no evidence of a release cycle that is not a good sign).</p><p>I also make sure to see if they have their Support phone number/email/nformation listed.</p>

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: 20-year Marketer and Marketing Automation Expert
- Net upvotes: 1


### Comment 14

<p>I usually start with a Google search and I look for some videos in YouTube, I'm also try to test the products I'm interested in using the free plan or the trial period. I also look for reviews at G2 but I'm a big fan of testing the software by myself.</p>

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: Más de 25 años de experiencia en procesos de negocio y tecnología
- Net upvotes: 1

#### Reply 1

+1 for Self testing ✅

##### Reply Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: Managing Partner at Huf Consultancy and full time Autist

#### Reply 2

Couldn't agree more to YouTube videos! Sometimes you just need to see something being done to get it!

##### Reply Metadata
- Posted at: almost 3 years ago
- Author title: Community Manager at G2


### Comment 15

I tend to start at the beginning...
Which for me translates to: 
Working backwards from what I want to accomplish and the (possible multiple different) software required. 
As such narrowing down the/ my scope.

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: about 3 years ago
- Author title: Managing Partner at Huf Consultancy and full time Autist
- Net upvotes: 1




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