It is easy to decide that market research is an additional expense you can’t afford, however it might be more helpful to think of it as advertising insurance. Most of us think very little about insuring the large investment we make in our homes. Spending a few thousand dollars on market research can provide invaluable market intelligence that helps ensure hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more) are spent on campaign creative and ad placements in the most effective ways.
Recently, one of our clients wanted us to help update the company logo and tagline they had been using for decades. Obviously this is a decision that would not be taken lightly by management, as these new brand elements would be put on everything from stationary and business cards, to signage and company trucks. An expensive proposition, but this brand evolution would help them to represent positive changes in how they service customers and new product lines that would greatly enhance the solutions they provide. We knew however that it would be critical to build on the brand equity the company already had in the market.
Our clients agreed the best way to determine what their customers truly felt about them was to go out and ask. Members of our team rode along with company sales representatives to perform field research interviews with several of their customers. The result was a much clearer picture of how customers currently viewed our client — in many cases the results of our interviews were unexpected by company management — and clear direction on how to direct the creative process.
Market research can provide a great deal of extremely valuable information, for example:
Market research doesn’t need to be expensive, and it can be immensely valuable to your business. Knowing what your customers think or what your competitor’s weaknesses are can provide key opportunities for new success. When it comes to selling more than your competitors, knowledge is truly the most powerful thing you can have.
Courtesy :
Athesh Ravi.R.
Founder & Principal Consultant : Arrow Point Market Research and Insights Solutions.
