Research can drive innovation, inform high-impact decisions and help businesses better understand their customers, when it’s done right, that is.
If you have tried to implement your own findings into your business processes, you will likely know that it is much easier said than done.
Thankfully, there are some effective methods you can utilize in order to ensure that your research is of the highest possible standard, and that your company ultimately benefits greatly from it.
For those of you looking to make the most out of your research, here are some top tips to check out.
Take a Personalized Approach
Conducting research without first establishing sufficient and concise parameters is tough. Opting for a personalized approach can help you obtain a higher quality of data, since it will be bespoke to fit not only your needs, but the needs of your target audience.
This can take up a great deal of time, however, so it may be worth turning to the online world for some expert support.
You might wish to take a look at the superb survey tools at www.onepulse.com for a prime example of an easy-to-use and highly effective research solution.
Understand the Reason Behind Your Questioning
Why are you asking questions in the first place? This is perhaps one of the most critical time and money savers in market research.
If you know exactly what you need to be answered, why you are asking the question and which area of your research you need to prioritize, you are already on to a winner.
Failing to think about this beforehand could lead to an unoptimized budget and a wealth of near-useless information. Suffice to say, making a plan of action is likely one of your best bets.
Test Your Findings
Say you managed to conduct 100 interviews regarding a product you sell, you will undoubtedly have a great deal of information to wade through at the end of it.
Testing these findings in practice is a good way to make the most out of your research, as opposed to simply just sitting on the results and taking them at face value.
Thorough testing can lead to a thoroughly decent product, and it is an important part of the development process in general.
Move Quickly
While data can be immensely insightful, its validity will likely not ring true forever, or for very long at all, for that matter.
Markets change, as do societies’ sensibilities, people’s individual opinions and competitor products.
Making the most out of your data means moving quickly. The younger it is, the more relevant and impactful it tends to be. Plus, if you need to pitch an idea to anyone, be it external investors or internal board members, highly relevant, fresh data looks great on paper.
Store Your Findings
For research to truly be impactful, it needs to be an ongoing process. Storing your data safely and building a timeline is a good way to build solid foundations for your company to thrive into the future.
