Market research should be an important part of every company's business strategy. That's why, before moving forward with the manufacture or sale of a new product or service, it's best to consistently carry out either general or area-specific research based on the size and scope of your intended market. In fact, the market research itself can guide you in determining the size and scope of the market you can realistically expect for your product or service—a factor critical to the development of any new or ongoing business plan.

As far as market research in Michigan goes, MI holds its share of firms. By outsourcing to market research firms in Michigan, you'll help your MI business find the crucial data you need to effectively market your product or service. Market research companies in Michigan can help you determine your company's potential market share in that state or elsewhere, through your choice of either online or in-person research methods. Here are some advantages you'll enjoy when you choose one of the marketing firms in Michigan to handle your research for you:

1. Experts who understand local markets;

2. Close, convenient office locations;

3. Optional firsthand viewing of market research;

4. More personalized service; and

5. Greater control over your research.

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

Check out a few market research firms in Michigan 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 with which you'd likely deal.

I recommend: A few individual market research firms in MI are Avero Research, Smith-Dahmer Associates, Morpace Market Research and Consulting, Market Strategies International and Ingenex Digital Marketing.

Go to sites that provide info for numerous market research firms in Michigan

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

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

Look for market research firms in Michigan that do your research online for greater speed

Some websites provide info on numerous market research firms that offer online research services. Such 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: GreenBook offers groups that include both market research MI provider agencies and non MI market research agency providers. These firms offer online focus groups, data collection and more. Eiler Communications is a Michigan firm which offers online surveys, along with locally held focus groups and other market research services. Sigma (an OH firm) provides online focus groups and other marketing research services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you don't require face-to-face research methods for your market research, Michigan locations won't be a limiting factor. You'll be free to choose any company from any location to provide your online market research services. However, if it's important to you to be near the firm with which you work so you'll be able to drop in when you have a problem or question, you might want to look at MI firms that also provide web-based research.