Market research is important to every company's business strategy. That's why, before moving forward with the manufacture or sale of a new product or offering a new service in the public marketplace, you should always carry out either general or region-specific research based on the size and scope of your intended market. In fact, your Kentucky market research itself can actually guide you in determining the size and scope of the market you can realistically expect for your product or service—a factor that's critical to the development of any new or ongoing business plan.

In the area of marketing research firms, Kentucky-based companies can help you better understand your local market. You'll find any number of market research firms in Kentucky, spread throughout the state, which can help your local business quickly and easily find the crucial data you need to effectively market whatever your company is selling. Kentucky marketing research companies can help you determine your company's potential share of the action, in that state or elsewhere, through your choice of either online or in-person versions of the following vehicles:

1. Focus Groups;

2. Surveys;

3. Panels;

4. Studies;

5. Interviews; and

6. Data collection.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out a few individual Kentucky market research firms to get an idea of what they have to offer

By investigating several market research firms in your own region, you'll get a better idea of not only the services that market research companies in general provide, but also the specific focus of each of the local companies you'd likely deal with. Each of these firms has valuable experience with market research in KY.

I recommend: Individual market research firms in Kentucky include AC Nielsen BASES, Guthrie/Mayes Public Relations and SIRS. Each of these firms provides various strategies for addressing your KY market research needs.

Browse websites that do your homework for you, providing info for various KY market research firms

Quite a few websites provide a valuable service to those seeking market research firms. By presenting often-lengthy groupings of companies located in various states, they make your job of tracking down the right local firm that much easier.

I recommend: GreenBook, SalesVantage.com, Inc., MarketsDirectory.com and Respond all make KY marketing research comparison shopping a breeze, providing information on numerous Kentucky market research firms.

Look for market research providers that do your research online for greater speed and convenience

Web-based services can prove a convenient alternative to in-person research methods, which are more time-consuming and often more costly. Some local and remote firms also provide online options along with their face-to-face services.

I recommend: Two Kentucky market research providers that offer online market research services are IntelliSurvey (web-based surveys) and Abt SRBI (online data collection).

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you seek the KY market research firm that will best match the needs of your business, look for a service that understands and agrees with your company's philosophy and mission statement. When you discuss your options with the firm's representative, you should soon begin to sense whether or not you'll be able to relate to and develop a rapport with this firm and therefore whether or not it will be able to adequately represent your best interests through its market research activities. If you have any doubts at all, keep looking.