An extensive spectrum of methods and approaches assist businesses in conducting consumer research to collect data about the preferences, behaviors, and attitudes of their prospective customers.
Business goals, resources, and all types of data and information gathered directly influence their decision to choose the right method for consumer research.
In this detail-oriented blog, we’re going to shed light on the ten common methods to conduct consumer research, so keep reading to find out more about them.
1. Surveys
Well-structured questionnaires are shared with a representative group of partakers in surveys. They can be done online, over the mobile phone, by email, or in person. Surveys are versatile tools that can help you collect numerical data related to an extensive variety of subjects/topics.
2. Focus Groups
By a representative of the best Consumer Panelist Engagement platform, a small group of people (usually between 6–12) take part in a discussion on a specific type of product, service, or subject. These discussions shed light on consumer ideas and their perceptions through qualitative research.
3. Detailed Interviews
Detail-oriented interviews are scheduled, one-on-one discussions between a person and a researcher. These interviews provide businesses with an in-depth going-over of customer standpoints and can be either highly structured or more free-form.
4. Observational Research
In this consumer research method, researchers observe consumers and their actions in an authentic way. They keep a close eye on customers while they are purchasing, monitor their internet behavior, or film how they utilize a product. Consumer research, depending on observation, is a go-to solution to comprehend real-time customers’ behavior.
5. On-the-Web Analytics
Metrics and analytics from social media platforms and websites are the best resources to get insights about customer behavior in many ways. By monitoring their social media activities, CTRs, conversion rates, and also website traffic, businesses can gather valuable information and data about their prospective customers.
6. On-the-Web Surveys
In order to reach out to an extensive audience while staying on a budget, on-the-web surveys are an excellent option. By being online, survey designs, distribution, and analysis can be easier and hassle-free for gathering large amounts of data and information related to customers. So, businesses can target their specific demographic groups within a minimum timeframe.
7. Mystery Shopping
Mystery shopping defines the practice of getting assistance from trained individuals who pose as normal consumers to visit brands or get services, then report back on their experiences. This practical method helps in determining the status of brand compliance and its customer service excellence.
8. Social Media Hang-Ons
In this consumer research method, engaging in social media sites can give businesses the most out of their endeavors. On these sites, mentions, comments, poll votes, and other activities around a specific brand can offer trendy information and customers’ needs, desires, likings, and dislikings.
9. Ethnographic Research
In order to get all-encompassing insights about consumers’ behaviors, culture, and background, professional ethnographers immerse themselves in the consumers’ surroundings. Often, this method is practical to look into intricate consumer behavior.
10. Experiments
In meticulous experiments, more than one factor contributes to determining how they directly influence the behavior of their potential customers. Pricing research and product testing are the two major components of this approach to get authentic details.