August 6, 2025

The Power of Sticky: Finding the Best People for Ongoing Online Communities

Not all online panels are the same. While many panels have millions of members, and that is needed for large surveys, when it comes to a community engagement quality, is key.

What Makes Panelists “Sticky”

Sticky panelists are those who consistently participate, provide thoughtful responses, and stay engaged over time. People genuinely interested in sharing insights that drive meaningful change. Engaged participants become invaluable assets for ongoing online communities. When you’re launching a multi-month research initiative or need consistent feedback from the same audience, having qualitative panelists in your research can make a real difference.

Panel for Online Communities

Online communities allow for deeper, ongoing dialogue that single surveys can’t achieve. Engaged respondents thrive in these environments because they’re invested in the research process. They build relationships with moderators, engage with other participants, and provide richer insights over time.

Focus Forward’s community platform enables everything from short-term pulse checks to year-long ethnographic studies. Our panelists actively participate in discussions, share photos and videos, and provide the kind of authentic feedback that drives real business decisions.

Quality Over Quantity

While a large panel size is what is needed for certain types of research, when rich and continuous quality is the goal, starting with people who want to be in qualitative research is a good place to begin. These dedicated participants bring authenticity and depth, fueling insights that static surveys simply can’t capture. By cultivating a community of engaged individuals, we ensure ongoing dialogue, deeper empathy, and research that truly resonates with real-world experiences.

Focus Forward’s online panel isn’t just a database—it’s a community of engaged research advocates. Our proprietary platform and carefully cultivated panel deliver the consistent, high-quality insights your business needs. Ready to experience the difference engaged panelists make? Contact us to discuss your next research project.