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.

In the area of market research companies, Virginia is a state which enjoys its fair share of firms. You'll find any number of market research firms in Virginia, 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. Market research companies in Virginia 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 market research firms in Virginia 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 Virginia.

I recommend: Individual market research firms in VA include Edge Research, Inc., Responsive Management, Rockbridge and Public Opinion Strategies. These Virginia market research firms each offer a number of different strategies for addressing your company's market research needs.

Browse websites that do your homework for you, providing info for numerous firms in Virginia

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 Virginia market research comparison shopping a breeze, providing information on numerous VA market research firms.

Look for Virginia market research providers that do your research online for greater speed

Some websites provide info on numerous market research firms that offer online research services, while others only advertise their own 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: SIR (Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc.) and American Viewpoint are each a Virginia market research firm that offers online focus groups and other market research services. The GreenBook website also provides info on numerous other marketing firms in VA and elsewhere in the U.S. These firms offer online focus groups, research panels, surveys and other market research services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you seek the 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.