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, the 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.

As for market research companies, Texas holds its share of firms. By outsourcing to market research firms in Texas, you'll help your business find the crucial data you need to effectively market your product or service. Marketing research firms in Texas 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 a TX market research agency 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 Texas 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 Texas.

I recommend: For market research, Texas firms include Arbitron, C&C Market Research, Rincon & Associates and Compass Intelligence.

Find sites that provide info for numerous market research firms in Texas

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 Texas marketing research comparison shopping a breeze, providing information on numerous TX market research firms.

Look for market research firms in Texas that do your research online

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: Decision Analyst and DIR (Decision Information Resources, Inc.) are Texas market research firms that offer various online market research services. The GreenBook website provides info on numerous other marketing firms in Texas and elsewhere in the U.S. These firms offer online focus groups, surveys and other market 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, TX 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 about your marketing research, Texas firms that also provide web-based research might be best.