Research

To stay ahead of competitors, you need to be prepared for future opportunities and setbacks. However, being able to accurately predict future market trends is not a simple task, as the process requires a vast amount of time and resources. Fortunately, there are numerous research companies providing data on the digital industry, on both a macro and micro level. Research companies produce sector reports for you to buy, or you can opt to commission an independent research firm to provide specific data for you. As exit polls of elections often show, research is rarely 100% accurate, so it is worth checking what types of methodology each firm uses and assumptions they make before choosing the most suitable one for your project. Research companies can collect data in a variety of ways, such as qualitative data from a panel group of interviewees, or quantitative data based on Web users IPaddresses or anonymous user data from ISPs or panels. Research subjects can include market share analysis, consumer behaviour or extrapolating future market trends as well as more specific topics to your own needs. Being able to benchmark your performance against competitors is an invaluable tool, and there are numerous companies that can provide you with an overview of a sector to put your company into context with the rest of the market. This type of research can also help identify the best partners for marketing campaigns and sponsorships. Other research firms specialise in monitoring customer behaviour, using both empirical and qualitative methods, which can help you know your audience better, as well as identify untapped markets. There are a variety of firms listed here that specialise in a number of different areas and research methods, to cater for a variety of data gathering projects.