Have you just started a business? Or is your business idea ready for a start-up? You need to research the validity of your business plan. The following will show you how to do adequate product development research before starting a business. It may be difficult to actually gauge what “adequate” really means but here’s a checklist of some elements that any sufficient business research will contain:
Market Research
It may be surprising, but many entrepreneurs start a business without really understanding the market they plan to serve. You need market research to find your customers which includes knowing the potential size of your market and, in turn, what sort of response your service or product will attract.
Demographic Data
Don’t try and sell something unless you know the buyers have money to spend. Know the numbers behind your market, including income levels, age breakdowns and if your target market is growing or shrinking. Sources of demographic information may include various governmental or taxing authorities and, on a more local level, voter rolls (invaluable if you want information on the ages of your market target).
Customer feedback
An equally important element of market research is getting a personal sense of your customers. Ask what they genuinely value, no matter if it’s a low price, customer support or a particular element of your product or service. If you’re gearing up a new business or modifying an existing product, ask if your business can solve some sort of ongoing problem. It’s really effective research to identify problems that aren’t being solved. Do interviews on a regular basis and, if someone isn’t a customer, ask them why not. What product could you offer to make them a customer or what problem could you solve to achieve the same goal?
Related Articled: Know Your Customers, Know Your Business
Competition
A third element of market research is knowing who you’re up against. Rest assured you will be competing with someone, so never assume that you’re the only company to have spotted an opportunity.. On-site research is particularly helpful. Observe customer traffic patterns, noting ebbs and flows in both the number of customers and what they are buying. If it’s a retail outlet, try shopping there yourself.
Other research options include visiting a competitor’s website. If a competitor happens to be a public company, you can obtain every piece of literature that a publicly held firm must provide. Finally, while it’s tempting to focus on a competitor’s weak spots, pay close attention to what they do well. Understand how they make their money. Don’t just look at what they screw up; find out how they’re able to stay in business.
Pricing
An ancillary element to market research is doing work to decide what you’re going to charge customers. It’s important to gain a feel for going rates to remain competitive. Pricing competitors’ services and data from trade and professional associations is exceedingly helpful. Pay attention to every element that contributes to your eventual prices or fees. Price really is more of a marketing tool than it is a vehicle for cost recovery. People will pay more for a high value product or solution, so be sure to research your total value.
Research Your Costs
Knowing your expenses is essential in estimating how much you’ll need to bring in to stay in business. Research prospective costs thoroughly. Include everything from salaries to rent. For at least the first year or two, break down those costs in three-month increments. And it actually helps to be a bit macabre when forecasting expenses. Things are probably going to cost more than you expect, just like it’s probably going to take longer to land your first client than you anticipate.
We have been around the product development world for a long time. Product development research is integral to any successful product development process. If you put your customers at the center of the product you’re designing, you give yourself the best chance possible at finding success. Don’t let your product development efforts fall apart. Partner with us to assist you in creating the products that become people’s favorites.