Market research could give you an idea of the kind of services and products that would work in a specific market. For already available products and services, marketing research could tell firms whether the needs and expectations of their consumers have been met. Courses in market research would provide answers to these questions. With research, businesses would learn whether they must alter their packaging, work on delivery methods, or provide additional services.

When you research the market, you may use the research outcome to create a marketing plan and business or measure your current plan’s success. Poor research could put a business on the wrong track. The following basics shall help you get started with the research and ensure you do it right.

The following are two major market research types:

• Primary Research

Primary research objective is to gather information from analysis of existing sales and current practices’ effectiveness. The research also accounts competitors’ plans, providing you valuable data about your competition. Primary research methods include interviews, surveys, questionnaires, and focus group research.

• Secondary Research

Secondary research helps analyse already published data. With secondary information, you could identify competitors, set benchmarks, and locate target segments. The segments comprise of people who belong to your targeted demographic. These are individuals who live a particular lifestyle, fall into a specific age group, and/or exhibit certain behavioural patterns.

Collecting Data

A small business is unlikely to succeed without learning about its buyers, its services and products, and the general market. Often, competition is fierce, and operations without any proper research could put your competition in the driver’s seat.

Data collection can be categorized as qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative research methods incorporate mathematical analysis and need a big sample size. The results throw light on differences statistically. Web analytics is the place most people with websites look for quantitative results.

Qualitative methods help with developing and fine-tuning your quantitative research approach. These methods help businesses define issues. Business owners often resort to interview methods to learn more about customer values, beliefs, and opinions. The sample size is typically small with qualitative research.

Common Marketing Errors

• Using secondary research only

Depending only on work published by others doesn’t offer you the entire picture. It could be a nice place to start, but secondary research information is not always fresh or relevant.

• Using just web resources

Search engines offer information that’s available to all and which may not be completely accurate.

• Surveying only familiar people

Sometimes, small-business owners interview only friends, colleagues and family members for research. To collect the most accurate and useful information, you must interact with the general public that would most likely buy your offerings.