How to run an alpha test
Get ready to launch your AI with confidence! Running an alpha test with a small group from your target audience is a key step to creating an AI that truly delivers value.
Your testers will share valuable feedback, ask unexpected questions, and help you spot knowledge gaps before you launch your AI widely. Plus, the feedback you collect is social proof. It becomes powerful promotional content that proves your AI's value to future users.
Follow these steps to run an effective alpha test that transforms your AI from good to exceptional.
Step 1: Choose your testers
Look for 5 to 20 testers among your current clients, professional network, email list or top followers.
You can personally invite specific people or create an open invitation allowing interested members of your audience to volunteer.
Top tip: Choose people who match your ideal customer profile - their feedback will be most valuable for improving your AI.
Step 2: Invite your testers
Share an invitation that creates excitement and explains:
- What your AI offers them
- The length of the test period
- Required time commitment
- How to provide feedback
Top tip: Make the benefits they will gain from testing your AI clear. For example, early access to your AI and free AI coaching sessions.
Step 3: Set up feedback methods
Choose how you'll communicate with testers based on what works for your audience and plan your feedback questions.
For gathering structured feedback, we recommend sharing online forms at key points:
- Starting survey: Ask about expectations, challenges and goals
- Midpoint check-in: Gather initial impressions and identify quick improvements
- End survey: Measure results, satisfaction and how authentic your AI feels
We like Typeform at Coachvox, but there are free survey tools you could use such as Google Forms. It's also worth checking your existing apps for built-in options.
Top tip: Surveys don't need to be complex - even a few questions help you collect consistent feedback that's easy to review and use for both improvements and future promotion.
Step 4: Run your test
Carry out your alpha test over a few weeks, and during this period:
- Check in regularly with testers
- Track who's chatting with your AI
- Read conversation transcripts
- Send out your feedback surveys
- Address any issues as you go
- Save all feedback and useful examples
Top tip: Save or screenshot interesting conversations using Coachvox's transcript download feature - they'll be valuable references when improving and promoting your AI later.
Step 5: Make improvements
Identify any improvements that will help your AI offer the most value to your clients.
- Edit responses that need adjustments
- Add new training data to fill any gaps
- Refine your AI's communication style
Top tip: Look for patterns in questions - they show what your audience really wants help with.
Step 6: Collate results
Gather together the results you can use to promote your AI. These include:
- Positive testimonials
- Before and after metrics
- Surprising insights
Top tip: Look for "wow moments" where your AI impressed users to make compelling stories when promoting your AI.
Step 7: Say thank you
When you thank your alpha testers, it's a good idea to:
- Let them know how their feedback helped
- Share any interesting or surprising results
- Share improvements you've made to your AI
- Explain how continued use supports their progress
- Tell them when your AI will officially be launched
Top tip: If you'll be charging for your AI in future, consider offering alpha testers an early-adopter rate or free access period as a thank you for their feedback.
A well-executed alpha test gives you valuable insights to enhance your AI, collects testimonials that prove its value, and positions your AI to deliver exceptional results from the moment you launch.