How to Plan the Right Time to Conduct Market Research

Without market research, it would be nearly impossible to successfully grow a business. Market research survey(s) obtain key insights about the target population, such as what products will be popular, what services matter most, what demographics make up the population, and much more. This information can then be used to build advertising and marketing campaigns, improve customer service and product selection, and even help the business prepare for particular seasons. Anyone interested in opening a business should understand the importance of conducting and analyzing market research long before they open their doors to the public.

In addition, and as many business owners quickly learn, business is never stagnant. There are seasons when business picks up and slows down. A flower shop, for example, may find that its business really picks up during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day and the week leading up to Mother’s Day. An auto body shop might find it gets an uptick in customers as Winter sets in. The same way some seasons are more successful than others, certain times can be more successful to conduct market research than others. Sometimes, knowing when to conduct the research can be as critical as the research itself.

Research before renting building space

Market research should be one of the first tasks that businesses do when beginning to form a business plan. The research will define who the customer is, and how the customer wants to interact with the business, whether brick and mortar or virtual. The research will confirm – or deny – the market need for the product(s) or service(s), and may even indicate that the product or service will not sell, in which case, modifications and new market research needs to be done. It could be fatal to sign a long-term lease for expensive building space, only to find out that your customers prefer to order online. The research can tell you how the company should attract its customers and how many customers exist, which defines the very potential of the business. Clearly, businesses should not make plans until they obtain this vital information. And once the business is launched, market research should be done at regular intervals to keep a finger on the pulse of changing customer needs and demographics to inform advertising and marketing.

Avoid conducting market research only during peak business periods

It can be tempting to only conduct market research when the picture is rosy and business is good. If for no other reason than this is when the revenue is there and the cost is easier to incur. However, conducting market research only when business levels are high, can provide misleading information instead of providing management with the crucial information needed regarding market conditions when business is poor as well as good.

Conducting research during low periods is similar to conducting research before the company existed and before the company had revenues at all, providing us with the critical information needed to increase sales. Over time, by conducting longitudinal studies when times are good and bad, companies can get a balanced look at their business throughout the year and begin to predict peak seasons, having identified the variables that cause the peaks and valleys, and having learned to manage their business to maximize the timing of the market.

Market research helps prepare for peaks and valleys

Using well timed market research can help businesses manage their inventory, marketing, payroll, and other expenses; help businesses maximize the customer service experience; and help businesses attract new customers through targeted, well-timed marketing and promotions.

No one would deny the critical role market research surveys play in the success of businesses of all sizes. Understanding how timing relates to the success of the research makes a big difference in how helpful the information will be.

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