Market research

Get the basics right - our quick guide to the main types of market research and how to get the information you need no matter what your budget.

Product research is a vital part of developing new products, helping you avoid expensive mistakes. Our overview of what you need to know.

If you can't find the information you need from your own records or external reports, here's our overview of how to carry out your own research.

Start here for our quick guide to how to analyse and understand data on your market, customers, competitors, trends and opportunities.

Benchmarking can help you assess the success of your business strategy and methods. What you need to know to get started.

If you don't have the time or expertise to do your own market research, an agency can help. Our guide to getting the results you need.

What particular trends are affecting specific types of business (such as a hotel, or a printer, or a taxi firm)? This overview gives five examples of how seemingly small changes can have a major impact on a sector for years to come.

Even small businesses can benefit from benchmarking - to check how you're doing against your competitors and identify ways to improve. Our guide.

How to position and market an innovative new product or service by conducting market research and highlighting the benefits to potential customers.

Understanding how to use the internet effectively can help you find the information you want more easily, and be sure it's reliable.

The essential guide to market research for small businesses, covering desk research, field research, qualitative research and quantitative research

Use these handy FAQs to plan your market research, from research methods and costs to finding an agency who understands your needs.

Knowing your market is vital if you want to maximise sales and stand out from the competition. We explain how to find and use market information.

Use published market research and your own research to get data you need to target new opportunities, and understand your customer's wants and needs.

Market research can help you to identify your target consumer, find out what they think about your ideas and help you target the right market.

Qualitative research is about finding out not just what people think but why they think it, as well as their motivations and feelings.

Are you confused or sceptical about what market research can offer? We reveal how to use market research successfully for your small business.

Bristol-based Kabuto Foods aims to take instant noodles to a whole new level. But what what inspired Crispin Busk to launch the business?

For anyone carrying out their own market research online there are a number of pitfalls to watch out for. This article offers some in-depth guidance.

Writing a marketing plan may seem unnecessary for a start-up, but in fact it's a vital tool that can help you focus your marketing activities.

Businesses need to spend more time watching their backs and looking at what their competitors are up to, according to our market research expert.

Apart from a good idea, what do you need for successful development of a new product? These FAQs talk through the process from strategy to prototype.

Market research expert Rob Sheldon explains the differences between qualitative and quantitative research and the role they play in market research.

New product research is absolutely vital before you go to market, to make sure you’re not about to launch a costly disaster.

When it comes to product development, you cannot afford to get too personal. To give it the best chance in the market, you need an objective view.

Price comparison websites do a great job helping consumers find good deals, but they can also be useful to small business owners if used properly.