market research answers questions

68 market research questions to ask (and how to ask them)

Example market research questions, market research questions to ask customers, market research questions for product development, market research questions for brand tracking, pricing survey questions for market research, how to write your own market research questions.

No two market research projects are alike, but happily there are some tried-and-tested questions you can use for inspiration to get the consumer insights you’re looking for.

It’s all about asking questions that are most relevant to the goals of your research. Every so often the best questions are actually quite straightforward, like asking consumers where they do their grocery shopping.

If you’re creating a customer profile, you’ll ask different questions than when you’re running creative testing with your target audience, or getting insights on key consumer trends in your market.

The right market research questions are the ones that will lead you to actionable insights, and give you a competitive advantage in your target market.

Let’s kick this off and get straight into some questions, shall we?

Where do we even begin with this?! There are so many types of research and we’ll get into which questions work for each below, but here are some classic example market research questions to get you started.

These particular questions are good for surveys that you might run when you’re running some essential consumer profiling research.

• Which of these products have you purchased in the last 3 months?
• Which of the following types of >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY< do you buy at least once a month?
• Approximately, how much would you say you spend on >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY< per month?
• What is stopping you from buying more of >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY<?
• When was the last time you tried a new >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY<?
• Please rank the following on how important or unimportant they are when deciding which >INSERT PRODUCT CATEGORY< to buy?
• Which of these brands are you aware of?
• Which of these brands have you purchased from in the last 3 months?
• How do you prefer to shop for >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY<?
• Why do you prefer to shop online?
• Why do you prefer to shop in-store?
• Thinking about the following, how often do you use/listen/watch each of these media?
• Where do you go to keep up to date with the news?
• Which social media platforms do you use daily?
• What mobile phone do you currently own?

Surely you want to talk to your current customers to understand why they buy from you and what they think about your products?

Correct! But your consumer research should definitely not end with current customers!

Here’s why you should think about broadening your research to include other groups and different market research methods :

• Current customers: This is a must! Running research to your current customers will help you understand how you can make your product or service better. These are the people who’ve spent their hard-earned cash on your products so they have a unique perspective on what kind of value you offer. In addition, understanding why your existing customer base chose your brand over others can help you create messaging that resonates with people who are still on the fence.
• Previous customers: People who used to buy your products but don’t anymore can give you valuable insight into areas you might need to improve. Perhaps your brand perception has shifted making some customers buy elsewhere, or maybe your competitors offer customers better value for money than you currently do. These are the kinds of areas you can learn about by running research to previous customers.
• Non-customers: You should also ask people who haven’t bought your products why they haven’t. That way you’ll learn what you need to improve to bring new customers in. You should ideally ask the same kinds of questions, so that you can learn about what product features you need to work on but also things like the messaging you should be putting out there to win people over.

Here are some questions that are perfect for competitive market analysis research. Some of these questions might sound similar to some from our previous section on consumer profiling—that’s because there’s often some crossover between these types of research. Consumer profiling often refers to a more general type of research that covers similar ground to market analysis. If you’re wondering how to calculate market size , questions like these would be a great starting point.

• How often do you usually purchase >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY<?
• Why do you buy >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY<?
• What types of >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY< do you buy?
• How often do you buy the following types of >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY<?
• Where do you buy your >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY<?
• Where do you find out about >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY<?
• Which of these brands have your purchased in the last 12 months?
• How would you feel if you could no longer buy >INSERT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE CATEGORY<?
• How important or unimportant do you find the following topics? (e.g. sustainability, diversity and inclusion, ethical supply chain)
• What could be improved about the products you currently use?

By involving consumers in the product development process, you can make sure that your products are designed to meet—and ideally exceed—their needs.

Product market research can be done at several points in the product development process, by asking potential customers in your target market questions about existing products (yours or competitors’), prototypes, or just your own early-stage product ideas.

You can dive into the customer experience, specific product features or simply find out if the product quality matches the value proposition you’re putting out there.

Sometimes you even get a surprising answer to the question: how does our product or service help people?

You might learn from the survey responses that customers are using your product in a different way than you intended, opening you up to new target markets and different product types in the future.

Asking these questions also allows you to get feedback on your designs, so that you can make necessary changes before the product is released. Here’s some inspiration for when you’re conducting product market research.

There are different types of new product development research. A key type is Jobs to be done research. This research digs into the practical reasons people buy products—the jobs they need to get done with a specific product. You use these insights to help you create products that will genuinely help consumers, and that they’ll ultimately want to buy.

• How many times have you carried out [INSERT ACTIVITY] in the last 12 months?
• How much time would you typically spend on this [INSERT ACTIVITY]?
• How important or unimportant is carrying out this [INSERT ACTIVITY]?
• How satisfied or unsatisfied do you feel when carrying out this [INSERT ACTIVITY]?
• What is the best thing about carrying out [INSERT ACTIVITY]?
• How does carrying out [INSERT ACTIVITY] make you feel? Please select all that apply
• What particular problems or challenges do you run into while carrying out [INSERT ACTIVITY]?

When you’re cooking up your brand’s next product, you’ll want to go through a concept testing phase. This is where you ask consumers what they think about your idea and find out whether it’s likely to be a success. Here are some of the questions you could ask in your concept testing research.

• To what extent do you like or dislike this idea/product? [ATTACH IMAGE]
• What do you like about this idea/product?
• What do you dislike about this idea/product?
• Is easy to use
• Sounds tasty
• Is good quality
• Is Innovative
• Is different from others
• Purchase this product
• Replace the product I currently own with this
• What other products this idea/product reminds you of? Please provide as much detail as possible including the product name.
• What feature(s), if any, do you feel are missing from this product?
• How would you improve this idea/product? Be as descriptive as possible!
• What issues do you solve through the use of this product?
• When can you see yourself using this product? Please select all that apply.
• The price for this product is $25.00 per item. How likely or unlikely would you be to buy this product at this price?

Get inspired with NPD survey templates

Our in-house research experts have created New Product Development (NPD) survey templates to give you the perfect starting point for your product research!

Does the perspective of new customers change over time? How do you compare to other brands, and how do you become the preferred brand in your market and increase that market share?

Brand perception and brand awareness are super important metrics to track. These insights can be used to improve customer experience and satisfaction on a higher level than just product: the relationship you have with your customers.

This research can also help you understand how to reach the holy grail of branding: turning loyal customers into brand ambassadors.

You should also remember to ask marketing research questions about your brand to existing and potential customers.

Existing customers might have a different view after having interacted with your team and products, and you can use that to manage the expectations of your target customers down the line. And potential customers can help you understand what’s holding them back from joining your customer base.

Top tip: it’s completely fine (and super beneficial!) to run brand tracking into your competitors’ brands as well as your own. Replicating research for different brands will give you a tailored benchmark for your category and position.

Here are some key questions to ask in your brand tracking research.

• Which of the following, if any, have you purchased in the past 12 months?
• Thinking about >INSERT YOUR CATEGORY<, what brands, if any, are you aware of? Please type in all that you can think of.
• Which of these brands of facial wipes, if any, are you aware of?
• Which of these facial wipe brands, if any, have you ever purchased?
• Which of these facial wipe brands, if any, would you consider purchasing in the next 6 months?
• e.g. Innovative
• Easy to use
• Traditional
• We’d now like to ask you some specific questions about >INSERT YOUR BRAND<.
• When did you last use >INSERT YOUR BRAND<?
• What do you like most about >INSERT YOUR BRAND<?
• What do you like least about >INSERT YOUR BRAND<?
• How likely would you be to recommend >INSERT YOUR BRAND< to a friend, family or colleague?
• Why did you give that score? Include as much detail as possible
• In newspapers/magazines
• On Instagram
• On Facebook
• On the radio
• Through friends/family/colleagues
• When did you last use >INSERT MAIN COMPETITOR BRAND<?
• How likely would you be to recommend >INSERT MAIN COMPETITOR BRAND< to a friend, family or colleague?

Kick off your brand tracking with templates

Track your brand to spot—and act on!—how your brand’s perception and awareness affects how people buy. Our survey templates give you the ideal starting point!

When it comes to pricing your product, there’s no need to wing it—a pricing survey can give you the insights you need to arrive at the perfect price point.

By asking customers questions about their willingness to pay for your product, you can get a realistic sense of what price point will be most attractive to them and, not unimportant, why.

Top tip: good pricing research can be tough to get right. Asking how much people would theoretically be willing to pay for a product is very different from them actually choosing it in a shop, on a shelf next to competitors’ products, and with a whole load of other economic context that you can’t possibly test for. Price testing is useful, but should sometimes be taken with a pinch of salt.

Here are some questions you could use in your pricing research.

• Which of the following product categories have you bought in the last 12 months?
• How often do you currently purchase >INSERT YOUR CATEGORY<?
• At what price would you consider this >INSERT PRODUCT CATEGORY< to be so expensive that you would not consider buying it? (Too expensive)
• At what price would you consider this >INSERT PRODUCT CATEGORY< to be starting to get expensive, so that it is not out of the question, but you have to give some thought to buying it? (e.g. Expensive)
• At what price would you consider this >INSERT PRODUCT CATEGORY< to be a bargain—a great buy for the money? (e.g. cheap)
• At what price would you consider this >INSERT PRODUCT CATEGORY< to be priced so low that you would feel the quality couldn’t be very good? (Too cheap)
• How much do you currently pay for >INSERT PRODUCT CATEGORY<? Please type in below
• Thinking about this product, please rank the following aspects based on how much value they add, where 1 = adds the most value 10 = adds the least value.
• Thinking about the product category as a whole, please rank the following brands in order of value, where 1 is the most expensive and 10 is the least.

Formulating market research questions can be tricky. On the one hand, you want to be specific enough that you can get tangible, useful answers. But on the other hand, you don’t want to ask questions that are so difficult or unclear that respondents will get frustrated and give up halfway through.

Think about what answers you need and what actions you are hoping to take based on those answers.

We’ll help you get started with a list of steps to take when formulating your own market research questions, and putting them together in a survey that makes sense.

1. Define your research goals and link them to actions you can take

Before you can write great market research questions, you need to know what you want to learn from your research.

What are your goals? What do you want to find out? Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, you can start brainstorming questions that will help you achieve them.

2. Know your target market and the language they use

Who are you conducting market research for? It’s important to know your audience before you start writing questions, as this will help you determine the best way to phrase them.

For example, if you’re conducting market research for a new product aimed at teenagers, you’ll want to use different language than if you were conducting research for a new financial planning service aimed at retirees.

3. Keep it simple, and break things into smaller pieces

Don’t make your questions too complicated. Stick to simple, straightforward questions that can be easily understood by your target audience.

The more complex your questions are, the more likely it is that respondents will get confused and provide inaccurate answers.

If you feel a question is too difficult, see if you can break it up into smaller pieces and add follow-up questions on top.

And don’t ever load two questions into one! This falls into Consumer Research 101, but it’s amazing how often it happens. Instead of ‘What’s your favorite chocolate bar, and why?’ ask two questions: ‘What’s your favorite chocolate bar?’ and ‘Why is this your favorite chocolate bar?’

4. Be super specific

Make sure your questions are specific enough to get the information you need. Vague questions will only lead to vague answers.

For example, instead of asking ‘What do you think of this product?’, ask ‘What did you think of the taste of this product?’ or ‘What did you think of the packaging of this product?’.

5. Avoid leading questions

Leading questions are those that suggest a particular answer or course of action. For example, instead of asking ‘Do you like our new product?’, which suggests that the respondent should like the product, try asking ‘What are your thoughts on this product?

This question is neutral and allows the respondent to answer freely without feeling pressured in any particular direction. It’s also brand-neutral: people answering this question will have no idea who’s asking, and their opinion won’t be biased as a result.

6. Make sure your question is clear

It’s important that your question is clear and concise so that respondents understand exactly what they’re being asked. If there is any ambiguity in your question, respondents may interpret it in different ways and provide inaccurate answers.

Always test your questions on a few people before sending them to a larger group to make sure they understand what they’re being asked.

7. Avoid loaded words

Loaded words are those with positive or negative connotations that could influence the way respondents answer the question. For example, instead of asking ‘Do you love this product?’, which has a positive connotation, try asking ‘What are your thoughts on this product?’

This question is neutral and allows the respondent to answer freely without feeling pressured in any particular direction

8. Make sure the question is answerable

Before you include a question in your market research survey, make sure it’s actually answerable. There’s no point in asking a question if there’s no way for respondents to answer it properly. If a question isn’t answerable, either revise the question or remove it from your survey altogether.

9. Use an appropriate question type

When designing your market research survey, be sure to use an appropriate question type for each question you include. Using the wrong question type can lead to inaccurate or unusable results, so it’s important to choose wisely. Some common question types used in market research surveys include multiple choice, rating scale, and open-ended questions.

10. Pay attention to question order

The order of the questions in your survey can also impact the results you get from your research. In general, it’s best to start with more general questions and then move on to more specific ones later on in the survey. This will help ensure that respondents are properly warmed up and able to provide detailed answers by the time they reach the end of the survey.

Make smart decisions with the reliable insights

To make sure you make smart decisions that have real impact on your business, get consumer insights you can rely on. Here’s our rundown of the top market research tools.

Survey questions for market research are designed to collect information about a target market or audience. They can be used to gather data about consumer preferences, opinions, and behavior. Some common types of market research survey questions include demographic questions, behavioral questions and attitudinal questions.

There are many different types of market research questions that companies can use to gather information about consumer preferences and buying habits. They can be divided into different categories, like a competitive analysis, customer satisfaction or market trends, after which you can make them more specific and turn them into survey questions. These are some of the things your research questions can help you answer: – What is the target market for our product? – Who is our competition? – What do consumers think of our product? – How often do consumers purchase our product? – What is the typical customer profile for our product? – What motivates consumers to purchase our product?

When conducting market research, surveys are an invaluable tool for gathering insights about your target audience. But how do you write a market research questionnaire that will get you the information you need? First, determine the purpose of your survey and who your target respondents are. This will help you to write questions that are relevant and targeted. Next, craft clear and concise questions that can be easily understood. Be sure to avoid ambiguity, leading questions and loaded language. Finally, pilot your survey with a small group of people to make sure that it is effective. With these tips in mind, you can write a market research survey that will help you to gather the crucial insights you need.

Elliot Barnard

Customer Research Lead 

Elliot joined Attest in 2019 and has dedicated his career to working with brands carrying out market research. At Attest Elliot takes a leading role in the Customer Research Team, to support customers as they uncover insights and new areas for growth.

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Home | Blog | 79 Market Research Questions For Better Results

79 Market Research Questions For Better Results

By Magellan Solutions

Updated on August 4, 2023

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Valuable answers come from practical questions.

In this article, you’ll learn about the top market research questions you can ask to obtain valuable insights from your potential and existing market.

What you’ll learn:

What is market research, how to write market research questions, examples of market research questions.

• For new businesses
• For a new product
• For existing customers
• For potential customers
• For competitive analysis
• For customer service improvement

Market research is the systematic process of getting and analyzing feedback from different market segments. Using this approach, you can identify the potential of your product or service when offered to a specific consumer demographic.

In other words, it helps you find the right customers to patronize your business. It also enables you to determine the pain points of your target market. Through this, you can develop or improve products or services that can resolve the struggles of your existing customers or target audience. 

It has three main methods:

• Online survey – This tool can gather information from a sample population online. To help you get started, check out some of the methods for conducting surveys: – If you are starting a business, you can begin by utilizing email and social media to send survey questions or polls to your target market.- You can also embed it into your website or app, but since it is a reactive method, the chances of getting feedback are lower.- If you think you have the budget for it, you can send it to paid survey sites to get higher response rates.
• Phone interview – Have you experienced receiving cold calls from certain companies asking about your opinion on a particular product or service? If yes, then you’re probably familiar with market research. A phone interview is a proactive way of conducting market research surveys. It guarantees you a faster and more accurate response from your target demographics. Some companies outsource to a survey call center to expand their reach while saving time and money.
• Face-to-face interviews – This is the traditional way of conducting customer surveys. It is one of the best ways to get actual, first-hand opinions. Unlike the first two methods, it requires you to go out to the street and into the houses of your sample respondents. Here, you can encourage consumers to participate by giving freebies or samplers. While this is an excellent way to build personal relationships with your ideal customers, it is not as efficient as phone interviews and online surveys.

Aside from gathering first-hand consumer data, you can also keep track of economic trends .

Secondary information provided by existing sources enables you to kick-start your market research. It gives general and quantifiable data on industry trends, demographics, and potential competitors.

Some of the best secondary information sources include government census data, statistics and research reports published by independent market research firms, and business news.

It’s easy to think of and write questions right off the bat. But first, make sure you’re square on the following details:

• What is the problem you want to solve?
• What are your goals/objectives?
• Who is your target audience?

From there, you can start brainstorming questions that would provide insightful information for your marketing, sales, and research and development departments.

Here are some things you can consider that will add depth and dimension to your market research process:

• Demand is the number of products consumers are willing to purchase at any given time.
• Market size – the number of potential consumers within a specific market.
• Customer demographics – any given sector of a population segmented using different factors such as age, gender, occupation, income, location, etc.
• Location – the place where the target market resides.
• Market saturation – the number of similar products available to target customers.
• Economic indicators – any economic activity in the location of your business that is presented in metric format.
• Pricing – the cost of products or services based on target consumers’ economic status and competitors’ current pricing.

Once you’ve listed enough questions based on some of these elements, the next step is to select questions that bring you closer to your objectives. Make sure to remove those that won’t give enough value.

While answering those questions, create a clear picture or a registry of the possible target audience response. Ask only what is necessary to prevent your respondents from getting bored. Remember that if it takes too long, they might get triggered to answer questions hastily.

Also, keep your market research process simple. Through this, you will not only keep the attention of your respondents, but it will also enable you to obtain valuable answers.

Do you still find yourself struggling to come up with appropriate market research questions? If yes, check out these examples and carefully select what you need.

Market research questions for new businesses

If you’re opening a new business, it pays to gather extensive information about the industry, market size, target audience’s buying behaviors, competitors, and competitive advantage. 

• Who are your target customers?
• What are the core problems of your customers?
• What is your product or service?
• How can your product or service solve the problems of your customers?
• Does your product fit into the current market? 
• Is it possible to create a new market for your product?
• What is the current market size? What is the potential size of the market?
• Will the market size grow or contract? Why?
• What are the buying habits in the market? How can we exploit them?
• What are the existing segments of the market?
• In which segments do you plan to compete?
• Which of the segments are growing, and which are contracting?
• Who are your direct competitors? What are their strategies for attracting customers?
• What is your competitive advantage?
• Where do you plan to establish your business?
• What is the current economic status of your target customers from that location?
• How much do you plan to charge your customers for availing of your products or services?
• How much are you going to spend on customer acquisition?

When starting a new business, position yourself as an expert. This means having in-depth knowledge about your customers, the industry, the market trends, and competitors.

It is essential to curate questions that can show you opportunities to succeed. Assess your edge over your competitors. For example, you can ask your target market how your competitors can improve their products or services. Once you’ve analyzed their answers, it will be easier to figure out what you can add or enhance to meet customer expectations.

Market research questions for new product launch

Expanding your product line also requires lots of research and market testing. Here are some of the questions you can ask.

• How do you plan to test your new product?
• What will you test? (Product, marketing collaterals, marketing message, etc.)
• Where will you find users who will test the product?
• How high is the current demand for your new product?
•  How are you going to promote it?
• What channels are you going to use?
• Where do you plan to promote it?
• Who will be your market?
• How much do your competitors charge for a similar product?

Before launching a new product, you must know your target customers, the demand for the product, your marketing or advertising strategy, and your possible competitors.

Questions to ask existing customers

When researching existing customers, the main goal is to find out how they feel about your brand. Since they have first-hand experience using your products, they are the ones who can show you their strengths and weaknesses.

You can use a rating scale or a checklist for these questions. This way, it will be easier for your customers to answer your survey.

Checklist with ‘other’ option in case the answer isn’t indicated on your survey form:

• How did you hear about us?
• How long have you been our customer?
• What problem does our product solve for you?
• What features do you like most about our product?
• What do you like the least about our product?
• What made you choose us over the other products in the market?
• How often do you purchase our product?
• Would you avail of our product/service again?
• What else can we do to improve your experience with our brand?

Rating scale

• How well does our product meet your needs?
• How would you rate your last experience with us?
• How likely are you to recommend our product to a friend?
• How will you rate the speed and promptness of our customer service team?

The goal of conducting market research among your existing customers is to know their satisfaction with your brand. This will let you see what you need to continue doing and the areas you need to improve.

Market research questions to ask potential customers

When interviewing your potential customers, get enough information about their demographics, socioeconomic status, and unique interests.

These are the essential information you need to acquire:

• Address (doesn’t need to be specific, especially if confidentiality is required)
• Education level
• Profession/Job
• Household income
• Household size

On the other hand, these are some questions you can ask to help you better segment your target audience:

• What are your hobbies and interests?
• What are the common challenges you encounter regularly?
• What are your main goals?
• What products do you consider the most important for your everyday life?
• Where do you usually discover new products?
• How much do you spend when purchasing (specify here the type of product you’re offering)?
• How often do you buy (again, specify here the type of product you’re offering)?
• How likely are you going to buy our product?

You can also add more questions about your brand to get the necessary information when improving your marketing message.

These questions will help your marketing team create value-added promotional materials that appeal to your target audience. 

Questions for competitive analysis

Competitive benchmarking lets you compare your performance against your direct competitors. Here are some questions to help you get started:

• How’s your brand’s performance compared to your competitors?
• How do your competitors advertise or market their products?
• What are the other brands’ customer acquisition strategies?
• How much web traffic does your competitor receive?
• What keywords are your competitors using?
• What type of content are they producing?
• Are you using the same keyword on your website?
• What other channels do your competitors use aside from their websites?
• How many inbound links do your competitors have?
• How active are the other brands in producing backlinks with authority websites?

Measure your success by knowing the performance of your competitors. Analyzing their products, services, marketing strategies, sales, authority in the industry, customer acquisition strategies, and branding will let you see where you can thrive better than your competitors.

To improve customer service

Customer service is a crucial element in customer retention. It serves as the fine line between repeat business and an abandoned transaction. Do it right , and your customers will come back for more. Neglect it, and your customers are likely to move to your competitors.

Always check the quality of customer service you provide to keep your loyal customers.

• How fast do you respond to inquiries?
• How well and quickly do you resolve customer complaints?
• What are your customer satisfaction ratings?
• What problems do your customers often experience concerning your customer service?
• How can you improve your customer service?
• How can you measure your customer experience?
• Do your customers know all of the features, products, and services your business offers?
• Do you provide a personalized experience?
• How convenient is it to reach your business?
• What customer service channels are you using?
• Is your website or mobile app user-friendly?
• Is the experience consistent across all channels?
• Does your brand appear trustworthy based on online reviews?
• If you have international clients, do you provide multilingual options ?

As high as 49% of US customers leave a brand due to poor customer service. Don’t let this happen to your brand! Regularly assess the quality of your customer service to provide positive customer experiences. 

In conclusion

Market research can save a lot of trouble and financial heartbreaks when done right. Whether starting a business, chasing growth, creating better marketing messages, or improving your processes, market research can bring you the answers you need to develop dynamic strategies. Ask the right questions, and you’ll surely get valuable results.

Do you need the help of a market research call center to reach a wider audience within a shorter time? Magellan Solutions is here to help! We offer tailor-fit solutions to meet the needs and budget of your business. If you want to know more, contact us using the form below.

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100+ Market Research Questions to Ask Your Customers

Babu Jayaram

Head of Customer Success - ProProfs

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Babu Jayaram brings over 20 years of experience in sales and customer service to his role on the Qualaroo Advisory Board. With a profound understanding of sales and conversion strategies, ... Read more

Babu Jayaram brings over 20 years of experience in sales and customer service to his role on the Qualaroo Advisory Board. With a profound understanding of sales and conversion strategies, Babu is committed to delivering exceptional results and fostering robust customer relationships. His expertise extends beyond mere management, including adept handling of support tickets, overseeing internal and customer-facing knowledge bases, and training support teams across diverse industries to ensure exceptional service delivery. Read less

UX & User Research Expert

Dwayne Charrington is a UX design and user research expert who explores a wide range of topics, including lead generation, feedback management, A/B testing, survey accessibility, and emerging technologies like AI and VR.

Asking the right market research questions can help you understand your target customers and map their behavior and preferences. 

But what does it actually mean?

Let’s look at a sample from a market research survey report for mapping brand awareness:

From this simple Q&A report, you can:

• Visualize the proportions of demographic segments among your audience.
• Measure how your brand is performing in comparison to others.
• Pick the top preferred brand among the customers, explore what makes it stand out, and apply the same techniques to your brand.
• See how your target market perceives brand advertisements and promotional efforts.

Now imagine if this type of data set is available for different aspects of your business – product development, marketing campaigns, optimization plans, and more.

That’s what market research does for you.

With the evolution of customer interaction points and constantly changing market trends, more and more businesses are fueling efforts to do in-depth market research, as evidenced by the steady increase in the revenue of the market research industry worldwide.

Market research can help you develop essential business strategies and maintain a competitive advantage over other brands to increase conversions and customer base.

And it all starts with asking the right questions to the right audience.

That’s why we have created this collection of 100+ market research questions to ask your target market. Each question aims to uncover a specific attribute about your customers. You can use a combination of these customer research survey questions, interviews, and othe marketing questionnaires for customers.

We have also added key tips to help you write your own effective market analysis questions if the needed.

100+ Great Market Research Questions to Ask Your Customers

The main challenge while designing and conducting research is – “What questions should I ask in my customer research survey?

That’s why we have a carefully curated list of market research questions to help you get started.

To Explore New Product Opportunities

• What was your first reaction to the product?
• Would you purchase this product if it were available today?
• What feature would you like to see on the website/product?
• Which feature do you think will help improve the product experience for you?
• Of these four options, what’s the next thing you think we should build?
• What’s the one feature we can add that would make our product indispensable for you?
• Would implementing [this feature] increase the usability of the [product name]?
• Please let us know how we can further  improve this feature.
• What problem would you like to solve with our product?

To Collect Feedback on Existing Products

• Have you heard of [product name or category] before?
• How would you feel if [product name] was no longer available?
• How disappointed would you be if you could no longer use [Product/feature name?]
• How often do you use [product name]?
• How long have you been using [product name] for?
• When was the last time you used [product name]?
• Please rate the following product features according to their importance to you.
• According to you, In which area is this product/service lacking the most? Specify below.
• How does the product run after the update?
• Rate our product based on the following aspects:
• Have you faced any problems with the product? Specify below.
• What feature did you expect but not find?
• How are you planning to use [product or service]?
• How satisfied are you with the product?

To Segment the Target Market

Please specify your age.

• Please specify your gender.
• Select your highest level of education.
• What is your current occupation?
• What is your monthly household income?
• What is your current marital status?

• What is the name of your company?
• Where is your company’s headquarters located?
• Please specify the number of employees that work in your company.
• What is your job title?
• In which location do you work?
• Which activity do you prefer in your free time?
• Which other physical activities do you take part in?
• Where is your dream holiday destination?
• Please rate the following as per their priority in your life – Family, work, and social life?
• Are you happy with your current work-life balance?
• Do you describe yourself as an optimist or a pessimist?
• How often do you give to charity?
• How do you travel to work?
• How do you do your Holiday shopping?

To Conduct a Competition Analysis

• Which product/service would you consider as an alternative to ours?
• Rate our competitor based on the following:
• Have you seen any website/product/app with a similar feature?
• How would you compare our products to our competitors? 
• Why did you choose to use our [product] over other options?
• Compared to our competitors, is our product quality better, worse, or about the same?
• Which other options did you consider before choosing [product name]?
• Please list the top three things that persuaded you to use us rather than a competitor.
• According to you, which brand best fits each of the following traits.

To Gauge Brand Awareness

• [Your brand name] Have you heard of the brand before?
• How do you feel about this brand?
• How did you hear about us?
• Describe [brand name] in one sentence.
• If yes, please tell us what you like the most about [your brand name]?
• If no, please specify the reason.
• How likely are you to purchase a product from this company again?
• If yes, where have you seen or heard about our brand recently? (Select all that apply)
• Do you currently use the product of this brand?
• Have you purchased from this brand before?
• Of all the brands offering similar products, which do you feel is the best brand?
• Please specify what makes it the best brand for you in the category.
• Which of the following products have you tried? (Select all that apply)
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely would you recommend this brand to a friend or colleague?

To Map Customers’ Preferences

• Have you ever boycotted a brand? If so, which brand and why?
• What influences your purchase decision more – price or quality of the item?
• How many hours do you spend on social media like Facebook, Instagram, etc.?
• How do you do your monthly grocery shopping – online or through outlets?
• How do you search for the products you want to buy?
• Rate the factors that affect your buying decision for [product].
• What persuaded you to purchase from us?
• How likely are you to purchase a product from us again?
• Please rate the following aspects of our product based on their importance to you.
• What is the most important value our product offers to you?
• Which of the following features do you use least?
• How well does the product meet your needs?

To Map Customers’ Reservations

• Is there anything preventing you from purchasing at this point?
• What’s preventing you from starting a trial?
• Do you have any questions before you complete your purchase?
• What is the main reason you’re canceling your account?
• What are your main reasons for leaving?
• What was your biggest fear or concern about purchasing from us?
• What is the problem that the product/service helped to solve for you?
• What problems did you encounter while using our [product]?
• How easy did we make it to solve your problem?
• What is your greatest concern about [product]?
• Have you started using other similar products? If yes, what made you choose that product?

To Perform Pricing Analysis

• Would you purchase the product at [price]
• According to you, what should be the ideal price of the [product name]?
• Is our product pricing clear?
• According to you, what is the ideal price range for the product?

To Collect Feedback on Website Copy

• Please rate the website based on the following aspects:
• How well does the website meet your needs?
• Was the information easy to find?
• Was the information clearly presented?
• What other information should we provide on our website?
• How can we make the site easier to use?
• What could we do to make this site more useful?
• Is there anything on this site that doesn’t work the way you expected it to?
• How easy was it to find the information you were looking for?
• Have feedback or an idea? Leave it here!
• Help us make the product better. Please leave your feedback.

To Assess Website/Product Usability

• Are you satisfied with the website layout?
• What features do you think are missing on our website?
• What features do you not like on our website?
• Was our website navigation simple and user-friendly?
• How much time did it take to find what you were looking for on our website?
• Was it easy to find the products you are looking for?
• Was the payment process convenient?

To Uncover Market Trends and Industry Insights

• Did you purchase our product out of peer influence or individual preference?
• How do you form your opinion about our product?
• Do you follow trends of the product, or do you prefer to go with what you know?
• Do discounts or incentives impact your decision-making process?

Market Research Survey Templates

One of the easiest ways to conduct market research is to use survey templates. They can help you save time and effort in creating your own market research surveys.

There are many types of market research survey templates available, depending on your objectives and target audience. Some of the most popular ones are:

• Demographic Templates: These templates help you segment your customers based on their location. It can help you tailor your marketing strategies and offers to different customer groups.

• Consumer Behavior Templates: These templates help you keep your pulse on your target market.

Industry Insights Templates: These templates help you get detailed information about your target industry and business.

Breakdown of Different Market Research Questions

The answer choices in a market research survey question can significantly impact the quality and reliability of the response data you collect from the audience.

Some answer types help categorize the audience, while others measure their satisfaction or agreement. 

So, before listing the customer research survey questions to ask your target audience, let’s understand their types:

Multiple Choice

A multiple-choice question type lets users select more than one answer from the given options. These questions are great for collecting multiple data sets using the same question and gauging people’s preferences, opinions, and suggestions .

Single Choice

In a single-choice question, the respondent can select only one answer from the given options. This question type is great for:

• Segregating the users.
• Prioritizing product updates based on user consensus.
• Disqualifying irrelevant respondents by placing the question at the start of your customer research survey.

Matrix Match

A matrix matching grid can combine multiple market research questions into one to make the survey shorter . There is only one condition – the individual questions should have the same response anchors as shown in the image below:

The questions are arranged in rows while the answer options occupy the grid columns.

Ranking Question

A ranking question can help map customers’ preferences and set priorities for product development . This question type asks the respondent to arrange the given options in their decreasing/increasing preference.

Dichotomous

A dichotomous question poses a simple yes or no scenario to the respondent. These question types can help disqualify irrelevant people from the survey and categorize the users into two groups .

Likert Scale

Likert scale market research questions can help you measure the extent of respondents’ agreement/disagreement with the given statement . The answer options are arranged from positive to negative sentiments or vice-versa, with the neutral option in the middle.

There are two types of Likert scales: 5-point and 7-point .

Open-ended market questions let you explore the respondents’ minds without adding any restrictions to the answer . This question type is followed by a blank space for the respondent to add a free-text response.

You can add an open-ended question as a follow-up after the first question to explore the reasons for the customer’s previous answer. It also lets you collect more in-depth information about their issues, pain points, and delights.

Tools like Qualaroo offer tons of different question types for your surveys. Just pick the question and match its answer option type from the drop-down. To make it more effective, you can add branching to the survey.

How to Write Your Marketing Research Questions

It’s imperative to have a dedicated repository of market research questions for your surveys. But nothing’s better than crafting your questions.

For this, you need to sit with your team and discuss what information you require from the customers. It lets you analyze and document how much data you already have in your system, which can help set the market research scope.

We have listed some questions you need to ask yourself before asking market research questions to your potential customers or target market:

Audience Segmentation Questions

Audience segmentation questions help to size up your target market and provide a granular view of the audience . Not all customers are equal, and audience segmentation makes it possible to focus on each group individually to address their issues, fears, and expectations.

Here’s what you need to know before you start writing customer research survey questions to understand your audience:

• Do we understand the demographics of the new market we are trying to target? (Age, location, ethnicity, education, company, annual income, etc.)
• What are the locations that drive the most customers to our business? How are these locations different from others?
• What are the interests, preferences, and fears of people from our new target market? Have we addressed these situations for our current customer base?
• What are the psychographics attributes of the current customers and potential market? Are we targeting these in our campaigns?
• What are the most popular engagement channels for our customers? Which channels drive the most traffic to our website?
• Do we have enough data to perform value segmentation to separate high-value customers from low-value customers? 
• How often do these high-value customers make a purchase?

Product-Based Market Research Questions

Product-based market research questions can produce precious insights to channel into your product development and optimization strategies . You can see how changing technology affects customers’ behavior, what new features they want to see in your product, and how they perceive your products and services over the competition.

Start by gathering information about the following:

• How does our product compare to the competition based on the features?
• What products do our competitors offer?
• What new features do customers want to see in our products? Do we have a product roadmap to deliver these updates?
• What unique solutions do our products offer? What is the value proposition that reflects this offering?
• Does our product incorporate the latest technological advancements?
• What channels do we use to collect product feedback from our users?
• What are customers’ preferences while choosing our products over competitors?

Pricing Market Research Questions

Pricing analysis can help you make your product more affordable to different customer segments while maintaining the desired gross margin. It also lets you restructure the pricing tiers to provide features depending on the customers’ requirements and company size .

Watch: (1/5) Supercharge Your Revenue With Data-Driven Pricing

Your sales and marketing team can help you hone in on the market research questions to ask your customers for running pricing analysis:

• Do the customers ever complain about the difficulty in finding the pricing information?
• What is the pricing structure of our competitors for the same products? What features do they include for a specific price?
• How do customers find our pricing when compared to the competitors?
• Do our products provide value for money to the customers? Does the sales pitch reflect this point?
• Can we restructure the pricing, and how will it affect the revenue?
• Are there any customer segments that have high-value potential but find the current pricing unaffordable? What are the plans for such customers?
• Are we in a situation to offer a basic free plan to encourage customers to try our product before upgrading?
• What promotions can we run to attract more customers?
• Should we target customers based on income, company size, or type of solution to set our product prices?

Brand Reputation Market Research Questions

A brand reputation questionnaire for marketing research gives you information on how well your target market knows about your brand. You can uncover previously unidentified channels to increase brand awareness and find potential customers to promote your brand .

Start by gauging what customers are saying about your brand:

• Which channels receive mentions of our brand? Are these posts positive or negative?
• Do we have a system in place to analyze and monitor these reviews and posts?
• What are the reviews of our brand on different sites? What is the overall impression of our brand in the market?
• How are we currently addressing the negative reviews and complaints? What do our customers think about the handling process?
• What is the impression of our brand in our target market?
• What brand awareness campaigns are our competitors running?
• Is our brand among the top choices of our target customers?

Advertisement & Campaign-Based Questions

These customer research survey questions let you assess the effectiveness of your current value propositions and campaigns . You can channel the customer insights into your advertising strategies to design targeted campaigns for different customer segments to reduce the overall acquisition cost and increase conversions.

Ask the following questions to collect information about the different marketing campaigns that are performing:

• What are the best modes to run the advertisement campaigns to reach our target audience?
• What is the estimated lifetime value of customers acquired from current campaigns? Is it higher or lower than the acquisition costs?
• Which campaigns bring the most ROI and why?
• How well do our advertisements present our value proposition to the customers? Do they address customers’ fears and expectations to attract them?
• Are we running A/B tests to improve our online campaigns? How are we gathering data to build the A/B test hypotheses – surveys, heatmaps, eye tracking, etc.?
• What advertisement campaigns do our competitors run?

7 Question Types to Use in Market Research Surveys

We mentioned earlier that market research questions provide important data for different operations like product development, marketing campaigns, sales pipeline and more.

But to what extent?

Let’s break it down to individual processes and understand how insights from customer research surveys can impact them:

To Know Your Target Market

Understanding your target audience is the fundamental aspect of market research, be it a new target market or existing customers. If you know what marketing research survey questions to ask your target market, you can identify different customer types’ unique traits and preferences.

The data can help you segment the users based on demographic, psychographic, geographic, and other attributes. These include their behavior, purchase preferences, age, location, habits, delights, frustrations, and more.

You can then create various customer personas and fuel your sales strategies to maximize ROI.

Case study – How Avis increased its revenue per customer

Avis, a leading car rental company, was looking to enhance customer experience by offering useful car add-ons like navigation systems, child seats, insurance, etc., to customers with their booking. So, it reached out to AWA Digital to find a way to promote these products and increase their sales.

AWA digital implemented customer research campaigns using targeted surveys to determine which add-ons were popular among the customers and why. 

Using these insights, the team added an interstitial pop-up just before the booking page to show relevant add-ons to the customers.

This simple update dramatically increased the sales of add-on items and helped Avis generate more revenue per customer.

Read the entire case study here .

To Plan the Product Roadmap

A product roadmap is a visual representation of the current status of your product and planned updates over time. It shows a high-level summary of planned activities and priorities for different teams to take the product to the next level.

Steve Jobs famously said – “You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work backward to the technology. You can’t start with the technology then try to figure out where to sell it.”

And market research helps to align your product strategies with the customer demand. Using targeted marketing survey questions, you can gauge what new features or functionality customers want to see in your products.

It helps to plan product development strategies based on customers’ consensus to prioritize the ideas that can have the most impact on customers and replace intuition-based approaches with data-backed decisions.

Customers’ demands change with market trends and technological advancements. That’s why your product map also needs to evolve constantly with time to reflect these changes in your product development cycle.

By designing targeted market research questions to ask the customers, you can uncover their expectations to deliver optimal product solutions. 

That’s what our next case study demonstrates.

Case study – How customer research drives Twilio’s operations  

Twilio, a cloud communications platform places customer discovery and research at the core of their product development strategies. It helps its teams to anticipate customer needs in a constantly changing market.

Lack of time and budget are the two biggest challenges that the company faces in its product development cycle. So, the team uses targeted market research questionnaires for a product to understand the challenges the customers face today and the ones they will face tomorrow. 

With an abundance of ideas and no time to test them all, the feedback data from surveys is used to prioritize the hypotheses to run the tests. It makes the process more efficient and effective in producing positive results. 

This data-backed approach is used across 18 different teams at Twilio to release new functionality every week and deliver optimal solutions to the clients.

Read the complete case study here .

To Reduce Acquisition Costs

Your customer base consists of multiple customer segments with different preferences and purchase potential. That’s why you cannot sell to everyone and need to find the right audience for your products.

If an acquired customer doesn’t bring in more revenue than it costs to acquire them, it will increase your acquisition costs over time.

We don’t want that, do we?

For example, let’s say you are targeting the entire market population using the same campaign. If your acquisition cost per customer is $300 and you acquire 20 customers from one campaign, you need to make more than $6000 to register profits.

The difficulty is you don’t know about these customers’ purchase behavior and capacity, so you cannot be sure if you will reach your goals. It adds unnecessary risks to your marketing ventures.

But, if you were targeting a specific segment with high income, regular shopping habits, or proven history of brand loyalty, You can obtain better results.

Now, the question is – 

How will you separate these potential long-term customers from one-time buyers and high-value targets from other segments?

One way to do this is by building customer personas using the data from the market research survey questions. A buyer persona defines different attributes of a particular customer segment so you can hone in on the right audience to funnel your marketing efforts.

Here’s what a typical persona includes:

• Target regions
• Target demographic (age, marital status, gender)
• Ideal psychographics (hobbies, social channels, activities they indulge in, goals)
• Preferred interaction channels
• Favorite brands and products
• Total revenue till date
• Estimated lifetime value

Once you have a clearer picture of different customers, you can find high-value prospects with the potential to be long-term customers looking for product solutions that your business offers. 

You can then design the correct pitch using the market research data to bring in these customers and control the overall acquisition costs.

For example:

• Plugin the demographic and psychographic data into CRM software like BIGContacts or Salesforce to convert high-value targets.
• Use your CRM to create segmented lists of prospects based on estimated value, location, current status, and more. Then target these groups individually with personalized value propositions to increase conversion rates.
• Identify their preferred mode of communication and technographic inclinations to find the right opportunities to pitch your product offering at the precise moment.

Even if acquiring and retaining such customers costs more, their overall revenue can balance the acquisition costs to deliver higher profits.

To Design Targeted Marketing Campaigns

By knowing how your target audience behaves and interacts with your business, you can find the exact opportunities to target them with personalized campaigns.

• You can use mail campaigns to target website users with app-exclusive offers to encourage them to download your app and improve app adoption.
• Add in-app broadcast messages about upcoming offers, exclusive membership benefits, and other incentives for new users to push them towards the end of the funnel.
• Create multiple landing pages to target different customer types.
• Design location-based ad campaigns with personalized value propositions based on audience preferences and problems at each location. 

Case Study – How Canon’s campaigns generated 700% ROI

AWA digital was tasked by Canon, one of the biggest electronics companies worldwide, to assess and increase the demand for their products in different geographies. So, the AWA team conducted customer research using target market survey questions and discovered the following attributes about customers’ purchase behavior and reservations:

• In some regions, people were reluctant to spend money on a Canon camera as they weren’t sure if Canon was an authoritative brand.
• In other regions, authority was not as important to the users.

Using these insights, AWA optimized the ads campaigns’ messaging for different locations to include what consumers deemed important purchase factors.

The results?

With in-depth customer feedback, Canon generated an overall ROI of 700% in all regions using personalized campaigns to target the audience.

To Improve Brand Awareness

Whether you are into soft drinks or not, You probably would have heard of Coca-Cola’s 2011 Share-A-Coke ad. This single campaign put the Coke brand back on the map and reversed the 10-year steady decline in sales in the US.  

Coke understood what motivates their customers and delivered a product offering that appealed to the masses to increase its brand equity- the excitement to get a Coca-Cola bottle with their name on it.

How did they do it?

In 2011, Coca-Cola rolled out its share-a-coke campaign in Australia. The company debranded the traditional Coke logo from the bottle and replaced it with the phrase “Share a Coke with” followed by a name.

The campaign used the list of the country’s most popular names (nicknames). The purpose was to make people go out and find the Coke bottle with their name on it and share it with their friends. The campaign was subsequently rolled out in 80 countries.

How did it impact Coca-Cola as a brand:

• In Australia, it’s estimated that the campaign increased Coke’s share by 4% and increased consumption among young adults by 7%.
• #ShareACoke became the top trending hashtag on Twitter globally and received over 1 billion impressions.
• In the USA, the campaign increased Coke’s market share by over 2% and brought 11% more sales compared to the previous year.

It’s not limited to big brands only.  

Understanding the customers and placing your product’s value offering along with their habits, lifestyle, and behavior can help you extend your brand’s reach.

Today, there are multiple touchpoints to connect with your customers and map their journey to uncover their issues, motivations, and fears to address in your campaigns.

• Monitor brand mentions on social media and engage with the users to cultivate an online community and promote your brand.
• Reach out to satisfied customers and turn them into your brand ambassadors.
• Use targeted ad campaigns that connect people’s emotions and general behavior to imprint your brand’s image in their minds.

Quick Tips for Writing Awesome Market Research Survey Questions

With the inter-team research complete, you are ready to write your own market research questions to ask your target audience. Keep these general dos and don’ts in mind to ensure that the market survey fulfills the purpose without affecting the data quality or response rate.

Use Mutually Exclusive Response Options

If you are using response anchors with specific ranges like age group or income, check that the options do not overlap . Otherwise, it will produce an irregular data set.

Please specify your age:

In the above example, the respondent lying on either extremity of the given age ranges may get confused on which option to choose. For example, a 28-year-old respondent can choose from both second or third options.

Plus, two different respondents of the same age may select different options, which will skew your demographic data.

You can avoid this confusion by creating mutually exclusive groups as shown below:

Always Add A “Not Applicable” Or “Rather Not Say” Option

Since market research questions extract personal information, some respondents may not want to share such details with you. These include questions about age, income, gender, hobbies, social activities, and more.

Forcing such questions on the customers without allowing them to skip can irate them and lead to survey abandonment .

That’s why you can also use Qualaroo’s skip and branching logic to create smart surveys that only ask relevant questions to your respondents based on their previous answers.

Calculate the Required Sample Size

Sample size plays a vital role in your market research questions to determine the reliability of your response data.

If the response volume is low, the results may not be conclusive to point towards customers’ consensus. On the other hand, a larger sample size than required means a waste of the company’s valuable resources and time.

That’s why it’s important to calculate the required sample size to estimate the number of responses you need for your market research survey questions.

You can use any survey sample size calculator available online to get started. Just fill in the required details to get the required sample size.

For example, to reach a statistical significance of 99%, you need at least 3145 responses to your market research questionnaire.

Consider Adding Incentives

Studies show that incentivized customer research surveys or questionnaires fetch higher response rates than general surveys.

The incentives encourage customers to invest their time in a survey and get something in return.

It means creating a gated questionnaire for market research can help you reach the required sample size quickly . The incentive can be a simple discount code, free shipping coupon, free ebook, or other freebies.

However, there is a possibility that irrelevant respondents may fill out the survey randomly just to get to the offer, which may skew the results. You can use screening questions to filter out unsuitable respondents.

Avoid Double-Barreled Market Research Questions

A double-barreled question poses two questions into one. The problem with such questions is that the respondent may have opposing views about the two statements in the questions. It makes it harder for them to choose one answer from the options .

“Please rate the [product name] on a scale of 1-10 based on overall quality and price?”

Here, the respondent may find the product quality appreciable while thinking it to be overpriced at the same time. In such a case, they may skip the question or select any option randomly.

You can easily sidestep this hurdle by breaking your double-barreled market research question into two to make it less confusing for the respondents.

Importance of Market Research

We mentioned earlier that market research questions provide important data for different operations like product development, marketing campaigns, sales pipeline, and more.

Understanding your target audience is the fundamental aspect of market research, be it a new target market or existing customers. If you know what customer research survey questions to ask your target market, you can identify different customer types’ unique traits and preferences.

AWA Digital implemented research campaigns using targeted customer research surveys to determine which add-ons were popular among the customers and why.

Steve Jobs famously said – “You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work backward to the technology. You can’t start with the technology and then try to figure out where to sell it.”

And market research helps to align your product strategies with the customer demand. Using targeted customer research survey questions, you can gauge what new features or functionality customers want to see in your products.

Image Source: Slide Team

By designing targeted market research questions to ask the customers, you can uncover their expectations to deliver optimal product solutions.

Case study – How customer research drives Twilio’s operations

Twilio, a cloud communications platform, places customer discovery and research at the core of its product development strategies. It helps its teams to anticipate customer needs in a constantly changing market.

Lack of time and budget are the two biggest challenges that the company faces in its product development cycle. So, the team uses targeted market research questionnaires for a product to understand the challenges the customers face today and the ones they will face tomorrow.

With an abundance of ideas and no time to test them all, the feedback data from customer research surveys is used to prioritize the hypotheses to run the tests. It makes the process more efficient and effective in producing positive results.

Your customer base comprises multiple customer segments with different preferences and purchase potential. That’s why you cannot sell to everyone and need to find the right audience for your products.

For example, let’s say you target the entire market using the same campaign. If your acquisition cost per customer is $300 and you acquire 20 customers from one campaign, you must make over $6000 to register profits.

But, if you were targeting a specific segment with high income, regular shopping habits, or a proven history of brand loyalty, you could obtain better results.

Now, the question is –

Image Source: brightspark

• Plug the demographic and psychographic data into CRM software like BIGContacts or Salesforce to convert high-value targets.
• Use your CRM to create segmented lists of prospects based on estimated value, location, current status, and more. Then, target these groups individually with personalized value propositions to increase conversion rates.

• Add in-app broadcast messages about upcoming offers, exclusive membership benefits, and other incentives for new users to push them toward the end of the funnel.

AWA Digital was tasked by Canon, one of the biggest electronics companies worldwide, to assess and increase the demand for their products in different geographies. So, the AWA team conducted a customer research survey using target market questions and discovered the following attributes about customers’ purchase behavior and reservations:

• In other regions, authority was not so important to the users.

Whether you are into soft drinks or not, you probably would have heard of Coca-Cola’s 2011 Share-A-Coke ad. This single campaign put the Coke brand back on the map and reversed the 10-year steady decline in sales in the US.  

Coke understood what motivates its customers and delivered a product offering that appealed to the masses to increase its brand equity- the excitement to get a Coca-Cola bottle with its name on it.

• In Australia, it’s estimated that the campaign increased Coke’s share by 4% and consumption among young adults by 7%.

It’s not limited to big brands only. 

Market Research: A Key to Your Business’ Success

Market research is a vital process for any business wanting to understand its customers and market better. By asking the right questions and using the right tools like Qualaroo, you can gain valuable insights that can help you improve your products or services, enhance your customer experiences, and grow your business.

In this blog, we have shared some of the best market research questions to ask your customers, as well as some of the best customer research survey templates to find market trends and industry insights. We hope that this blog has helped you learn more about market research and how to conduct it effectively.

About the author

Dwayne charrington.

Dwayne Charrington is an expert in UX design and user research, showing a strong grasp of how to improve user interfaces and interactions. He explores a wide range of topics, including lead generation, feedback management, the importance of survey accessibility, and how new technologies like AI and VR are changing how users interact with products. He shares insights on creating clear navigation, using A/B testing to make smarter design choices, and the power of storytelling in UX. Dwayne also focuses on optimizing mobile experiences and champions privacy-by-design, ensuring users feel satisfied, secure, and valued.

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Market research questions: what to ask and how.

9 min read Whether you’re looking for customer feedback, product suggestions or brand perception in the market, the right market research questions can help you get the best insights. Learn how you can use them correctly and where to begin.

What is market research?

Market research (also called marketing research) is the action or activity of gathering information about market needs and preferences. This helps companies understand their target market — how the audience feels and behaves.

For example, this could be an online questionnaire , shared by email, which has a set of questions that ask an audience about their views. For an audience of target customers, your questions may explore their reaction to a new product that can be used as feedback into the design.

Why do market research?

When you have tangible insights on the audience’s needs, you can then take steps to meet those needs and solve problems. This mitigates the risk of an experience gap – which is what your audience expects you deliver versus what you actually deliver.

In doing this work, you can gain:

• Improved purchase levels – Sales will improve if your product or service is ticking all the right buttons for your customers.
• Improved decision making – You can avoid the risk of losing capital or time by using what your research tells you and acting with insights.
• Real connection with your target market – If you’re investing in understanding your target audience, your product and service will more likely to make an impact.
• Understand new opportunities – it might be that your research indicates a new area for your product to play within, or you find potential for a new service that wasn’t considered before.

Get started with our free survey maker

Who do you ask your questions to?

Who to target in your market research is crucial to getting the right insights and data back. If you don’t have a firm idea on who your target audiences are, then here are some questions that you can ask before you begin writing your market research questions:

• Who is our customer currently and who do we want to attract in the future?
• How do they behave with your brand?
• What do they say, do and think?
• What are their pain points, needs and wants?
• Where do they live? What is the size of our market?
• Why do they use us? Why do they use other brands?

We’ve put together some questions below (Market research questions for your demographics) if you wanted to reach out to your market for this.

With the answers, you can help you segment your customer market, understand key consumer trends , create customer personas and discover the right way to target them.

Market research goals

Give yourself the right direction to work towards.There are different kinds of market research that can happen, but to choose the right market research questions, figure out your market research goals first.

Set a SMART goal that thinks about what you want to achieve and keeps you on track. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. For example, a good SMART business goal would be to increase website sales for a top product by 10% over a period of 6 months.

You may need to review some strategic business information, like customer personas and historical sales data, which can give you the foundation of knowledge (the ‘baseline’) to grow from. This, combined with your business objectives, will help you form the right SMART targets tailored to your teams.

Types of market research questions

Now that you have your SMART target, you can look at which type of market research questions will help you reach your goal. They can be split into these types:

• For demographics
• For customers
• For product

Market research questions for your demographics

Demographic information about your customers is data about gender, age, ethnicity, annual income, education and marital status. It also gives key information about their shopping habits.

Here are some questions you can ask in your market research survey:

• What is your age / gender / ethnicity / marital status?
• What is the highest level of education you have achieved?
• What is your monthly income range?
• What methods of shopping do you use?
• What amount do you spend on [product/brand/shopping] each month?
• How regular do you shop for [product/brand]?

Learn more about the demographic survey questions that yield valuable insights .

Market research questions for your customer

These questions are aimed at your customer to understand the voice of the customer — the customer marketing landscape is not an one-way dialogue for engaging prospects and your customer’s feedback is needed for the development of your products or services.

• How did we do / would you rate us?
• Why did you decide to use [product or service]?
• How does that fit your needs?
• Would you recommend us to your friends?
• Would you buy from us again?
• What could we do better?
• Why did you decide to shop elsewhere?
• In your opinion, why should customers choose us?
• How would you rate our customer experience?

Learn more about why the voice of the customer matters or try running a customer experience survey.

Market research questions for your product

These questions will help you understand how your customers perceive your product, their reactions to it and whether changes need to be made in the development cycle.

• What does our [product or service] do that you like or dislike?
• What do you think about [feature or benefit]?
• How does the product help you solve your problems?
• Which of these features will be the most valuable / useful for you?
• Is our product competitive with other similar products out there? How?
• How does the product score on [cost / service / ease of use, etc.]?
• What changes will customers likely want in the future that technology can provide?

There are also a set of questions you can ask to find out if your product pricing is set at the right mark:

• Does the product value justify the price it’s marketed at?
• Is the pricing set at the right mark?
• How much would you pay for this product?
• Is this similar to what competitors are charging?
• Do you believe the price is fair?
• Do you believe the pricing is right based on the amount of usage you’d get?

Have you tried a pricing and value research survey to see how much your target customers would be willing to pay?

Market research questions for your brand

How does the impact of your products, services and experiences impact your brand’s image? You can find out using these questions:

• What do you think about our brand?
• Have you seen any reviews about us online? What do they say?
• Have you heard about our brand from friends or family? What do they say?
• How likely are you to recommend our brand to a friend?
• Have you read the testimonials on our own channels? Did they have an impact on your decision to purchase? How?
• When you think of our brand, what do you think/ feel / want?
• How did you hear about us?
• Do you feel confident you know what our brand stands for?
• Are you aware of our [channel] account?

Learn more about brand perception surveys and how to carry them out successfully.

How to use market research questions in a survey

For the best research questionnaires, tailoring your market research questions to the goal you want will help you focus the direction of the data received.

You can get started now on your own market research questionnaire, using one of our free survey templates, when you sign up to a free Qualtrics account.

Drag-and-drop interface that requires no coding is easy-to-use, and supported by our award-winning support team.

With Qualtrics, you can distribute, and analyse surveys to find customer, employee, brand, product, and marketing research insights.

More than 11,000 brands and 99 of the top 100 business schools use Qualtrics solutions because of the freedom and power it gives them.

Get started with our free survey maker tool

Related resources

Market intelligence 10 min read, marketing insights 11 min read, ethnographic research 11 min read, qualitative vs quantitative research 13 min read, qualitative research questions 11 min read, qualitative research design 12 min read, primary vs secondary research 14 min read, request demo.

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99 Market Research Questions You Should Be Asking

Asking the right market research questions at the right time can pay dividends. You wouldn’t buy a house without first researching the neighborhood – and it’s unlikely you’d take a job without doing your homework on your prospective employer. So why should starting a business be any different?

Whichever way you look at it, asking the right market research questions makes sense as a first step.

Do you want to gain a foothold in the market? Get to grips with the competition? Start thinking like your target audience? Introduce a new product or mobile app?

Whatever your goal, market research will help you understand all aspects of your industry, brand, potential customers, and rivals – good market questions can make a world of difference.

Below, we’ll walk you through 99 questions to ask for market research to succeed in the digital world. We started out as a research intelligence tool , so we know our stuff when it comes to defining a market, mapping key players, marketing strategies , and understanding trends , and target audiences.

So read on for all the questions your market research strategy needs – and how Similarweb can help you answer them.

How to choose market research questions

The market research questions you pick will depend on where your business is in its lifecycle. As we’ll get to in a moment, there are a lot of market research questions – so how exactly do you choose?

Pre-start-up – If you’ve not launched a business yet, and are just cultivating an idea – you’ll want to start with some formal market research first. Then, ask more general market research questions, and some targeted at start-ups. This will help you determine if there’s a financially viable market, whether it has blockbuster prospects, or is better off left in the cutting room.

Early start-up – If you’ve just started out, you’ll want to reach out to your target market with survey questions to help you tailor your products and services to them.

Established – If you’ve been around a little longer – and already have a few current customers – you’ll want to learn more about how you can keep improving your customer experience.

Finally, you can look at questions to ask for market research that focus on competitor analysis. These aren’t limited to any particular stage of your business’s journey. After all, getting clued up on the competitive landscape is always handy – whether you’ve just entered the market or are one of its most established players.

99 market research questions: discover, define, drill down

There’s no need to limit yourself! The best types of market research should – and do – include general questions and those addressing both existing and prospective customers. Indeed, an intelligent approach to market research should cover demographic questions all the way to those that’ll help you plan a product launch , drill down into your target market , and get the jump on your competitors.

Read on to see the best examples of market research questions in action!

Generic market research questions

These questions are most useful at the planning stage. They can apply to all businesses at any stage because markets shift, along with consumer behaviors, needs, and demands.

General market research is the process of figuring out how rich the soil is and whether the conditions are optimal to allow your business’s roots to take hold.

Some general market research questions you should be asking include:

1. How large is my product’s total addressable market (TAM)? 2. Will this market hold firm, or will it grow or decrease with time? 3. Are there already similar products or services out there? 4. If so, who’s offering them? (see the competitor analysis questions below for more) 5. Who are my buyer personas ? 6. What pain points does my product address? 7. How much market share is available for my business to take? 8. What external factors might affect the health and viability of my chosen market? 9. Which website demographics will I target? 10. Will I market my product internationally or target a specific geographical location or a single location (if so, why?) 11. Do I need to consider a website alone, or should I invest in a mobile app? (use mobile app intelligence to help to figure this one out) 12. Which suppliers or manufacturers operate in the space, and are they reputable? 13. Which marketing channels will I prioritize, and which affiliates or advertisers could I look to in order to expand my reach?

Market research questions for start-ups

Regardless of your sector, there are key things you need to establish before setting up a business. Read on to discover the fifteen market research questions all start-ups need to ask.

14. What is the total addressable market (tam), serviceable available market (sam), and share of market (som)? 15. What are the latest (and predicted) trends impacting your market? 16. Do you know who your direct and indirect competitors are?

Read through questions 71-99 for examples of market research questions to help you with this.

17. What’s your USP in the market? What’s the value-add that’ll make you stand out? 18. What do your competitors charge, and will you charge the same, more, or less?

You’ll also need to consider pricing models. For instance,  pay-monthly, annual subscription, or other?

19. Do you know how much people are willing to pay for a product/service like yours? 20. Can you trial your product or service with a beta group before launch to get feedback and/or testimonials? 21. What are the most effective marketing channels for businesses like yours? 22. How active are your customers and competitors on social media? 23. How will you onboard/welcome new customers? 24. Do rivals offer new customer or loyalty discounts? 25. What kind of customer support will you offer? Look at your rival’s offerings and decide whether you want to stick with the same or do better. 26. Are potential customers driven by price, product, or service? 27. Are your competitors or market impacted by seasonal trends ? 28. What opening hours and service level agreements (SLAs) will you advertise on your site?

Market research questions for a new product

Whether established, pre-launch or newly set up, you may need to ask specific market research questions for a new product launch. Whether you simply want to test the water with an idea or concept or go a little deeper to get clearer insights, these questions will help.

29. Is there a specific pain point your product will address? (if you have already identified an ideal customer, what kinds of things do they struggle with?) 30. Is there a demand for your product in the market? 31. Are there any opportunities to partner with other companies to get referrals for your product? 32. How do you plan to market and launch your product? 33. Will you release a minimum viable product (MVP) to market first?

If you release an MVP or offer a free trial to a select group of people, you’ll need to follow this up with a survey or specific questions to get feedback around usage, benefits, and improvements. A few examples of market research questions like these could include:

34. Which feature of the product did you use the most? 35. What improvements would you like to see? 36. How much would you be willing to pay for this product? 37. Was the product easy to use? 38. Was there anything you experienced during the trial that may deter you from using our product in the future? 39. How often did you use the product? 40. Would you recommend this product to someone else? If yes, why? If no, why?

Market research questions for your target audience

Once you’re sure there’s a viable market for your business, it’s time to drill down into that market – your audience and website demographics .

To begin, you’ll want to ask your respondents a few demographic questions to understand the basics. These might include:

41. How old are you? 42. Which gender do you identify as (if any)? 43. What’s your level of education? 44. What’s your profession? 45. What’s your household size? 46. What is your household income? 47. Which ethnic/cultural group do you identify with? 48. Where do you live? 49. Do you have any dependents? 50. What are your hobbies?

These questions provide a top-level understanding of your target audience . So, you can then utilize psychographic segmentation to dig a little deeper. These inquiries are designed to draw out your customers’ attitudes, lifestyles, likes, dislikes, motivations, and beliefs – particularly if they relate to your product or service.

The goal? To match your business with its ideal customer . Examples of these types of market research questions include:

51. Do you actively seek out new experiences or prefer to stick with what you know? 52. What do you most enjoy doing in your free time? 53. What was the last big-ticket item you purchased? 54. Have you ever boycotted a brand? If so, which brand – and why? 55. Which matters more when you make a purchase – price or quality? 56. Would you rather have more time or money? 57. How do you like to make purchases – do you prefer apps or web-based services? 58. How do you prefer to seek customer support? 59. What’s your main source of information?

For a more detailed deep dive into the above, see our guide on the what and why of market segmentation – and how to become a pro at it!

Market research questions for your customers

So, you’ve established the market for your product, nailed your target audience, and now… you’ve got customers! Congrats – that’s a surefire sign that you’re on the right track.

But simply having new customers isn’t enough. To be truly successful, you’ll need to maintain engagement , foster loyalty to your product, and keep your customers coming back for more – in other words, build your brand.

Fortunately, this is where market research can help. By asking your existing customers a few questions, you can find out what you’re doing well, what you could be doing better, and – crucially – what your brand means to them. With this knowledge, you can do more of what your customers love, and identify key areas for improvement.

Here are some of the market research questions you can ask your customers to get useful feedback:

60. How did you first hear about our brand? 61. What made you choose us? 62. How long have you been a customer? 63. How would you rate your most recent experience with us? 64. Did we answer all your questions and requests for support? 65. Would you use us again? 66. How likely are you to recommend us to a friend? 67. What do you wish our product could do? 68. Do you believe our product is priced fairly? 69. What’s the maximum you’d pay for this kind of product? 70. What do you like most about our product?

Explore our complete guide to audience development for more tips, tricks, and strategies around this type of customer analysis.

Market research questions for competitor analysis

Death, taxes, and… competition .

Yep – no matter how original or innovative your idea is, pretty soon, there’ll be hordes of wannabes targeting the same space with similar products, and guess who they’ll be targetting? Your customers.

So how do you keep your friends close and your competition even closer?

Well, a SWOT analysis is a good place to start. It involves swotting up on your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It’s a heady mix of evaluating your business and the external factors that could affect it. So it’s naturally a great place to get your competitor analysis and benchmarking off the mark.

You could also begin by asking yourself the following market research questions:

71. Who are our main competitors? 72. What are they doing that we’re not? 73. What’s our unique value proposition? 74. How much web traffic do our competitors receive? 75. Do they have a mobile app? If so, is it on iOS or android? How many monthly or daily active users do they have? 76. What’s their bounce rate ? 77. Which keywords and search terms do they target? 78. Which marketing channels do they prioritize, and how frequently do they advertise? 79. How do the backlink profiles of our competitors compare to our own? 80. Are our competitors seen as more authoritative in the space? 81. What kind of content do our competitors produce? 82. How do our competitors attract customers? 83. What are the unique selling points of our competitors? 84. What do our competitors charge? 85. What social media channels do our competitors use? 86. What kind of discounts and promotions do our competitors run? 87. Which sources and affiliates drive traffic to our competitors’ sites? 88. How does our business model compare to those of our rivals?

Remember, your customers are a potential goldmine of information about your competitors . Reach out to your client base with the following market research questions:

89. Who do you seek advice from when shopping for this kind of product? 90. Are you loyal to a particular brand in the space? 91. If so, what do you love most about this brand? 92. Is there anything that this brand could do better? 93. How did you find the last product you bought in the industry? 94. Is there anything you see our competitors doing that you’d like us to do? 95. What’s most likely to make you buy a product from another brand? 98. Can you tell us the top three things that made you choose us over a competitor? 99. What one thing matters most to you when deciding between brands that offer the same product?

You may also consider including some open-ended questions so you can hear from your loyal customers in their own words. Market research surveys are a great way to uncover and collect this type of data.

If you’re unsure where to start, learn about the seven types of competitor analysis frameworks – and how to use them to get your strategy off the ground.

Similarweb Competitor Analysis Frameworks

Whether you're B2B or B2C, get started with our free and easy to use template

How to answer these questions with Similarweb

Now that you’re armed with the 99 research questions you need to succeed in your market research endeavors, how do you answer them?

Similarweb Digital Research Intelligence is a great place to start. With these tools (which you can try for free) you can effortlessly do market sizing, gauge your audience’s loyalty and engagement rate , uncover mobile app intelligence for your market, improve your site’s retention rates, and more.

In the same vein, Similarweb can also help you conduct that all-important competitor analysis . You can build a picture of which rival sites your customers frequent and form a data-driven understanding of why.

With Similarweb Digital Research Intelligence, you get an entire suite of market research and analysis tools at your fingertips. You can monitor your industry in real time via a personalized dashboard with on-demand access to industry, company, and consumer trends. With a broad view across web and mobile app intelligence, you can clearly understand the digital landscape that matters to you ( and your customers ) most.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Check out what Similarweb can do for you today, and start tackling those big questions now!

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What is market research?

Market research assesses the viability of a product or service by reaching out to its target market. It can include primary research – such as interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires – and secondary research , like articles and white papers.

What is the best way to ask market research questions to customers?

Because they’re quick to set up, relatively low-cost, and easy to use, market research surveys are a great tool to use if you want to ask a group of people market research questions.

What’s the difference between qualitative and quantitative market research?

While qualitative data is typically mined through close observation with participants – such as in focus groups or face-to-face interviews – quantitative processes tend to involve larger-scale data grabbing. This could use forms, surveys, polls, or questionnaires to collect opinions en masse, often via emails or social media.

Qualitative data captures people’s thoughts and feelings – the prevailing sentiment around a product or service. Its quantitative counterpart, however, is more concerned with the cold, hard facts. That could be traffic metrics, engagement levels, bounce rates: anything that paints a data-driven picture!

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Market Research Questions: What to Ask for Better Insights

You see the value in market research and have support from your stakeholders to get started on some projects, but when you sit down to draft your questionnaire, you don’t quite know where to start. Sound relatable? If so, read on to learn some key market research questions to ask for actionable customer feedback.

Table of Contents: 

• Why ask market research questions? 

Types of market research questions to ask

Market research questions for various research goals, question formatting options.

• Tips for getting the most out of your market research questions 

Why ask market research questions?

Market research questions help us get to the core of consumer behavior - such as why consumers act the way they do and how they go about their buyers’ journey. Market research surveys are a means of answering these questions, so brands can optimize their offerings (be it products or services) according to customer needs. Without asking your customer base what they want or need, you’re left making assumptions that may or may not hit the mark - which can lead to a waste of valuable time and budget.

Back to Table of Contents

Some of the most basic examples of market research questions are those related to demographics (who consumers are), yet these are some of the most foundational questions a survey can ask to make other insights more powerful. Beyond demographic traits, psychographics (what consumers are like - attitudes, aspirations, etc.) and behavioral questions (how consumers act) also paint a detailed picture of a target market.

Examples of market research question types:

Demographic questions : e.g. Where do you live? How old are you? What is your gender? Annual income?

Psychographic questions : e.g.   What interests you? How do you like to spend your free time?

What are your goals for the year?

Behavioral questions:  How often do you grocery shop? Do you prefer to shop in-store or online?

On which days of the week are you most likely to watch television (and subsequently see advertising)? How much money do you usually spend on X products? Which retail brands do you buy from?

The type of questions you’ll want to ask in your market research survey will depend on your research goals. Are you trying to get to know your existing customers? Are you looking to engage with potential customers? Are you hoping to conduct a competitive analysis for your brand? A survey could be crafted around any or all of these objectives to fully explore each topic.

Once you determine the goal of your research, you can begin drafting your questionnaire using some of the question types above. Beyond capturing basic demographic questions among every survey respondent, below are a few examples of psychographic and behavioral question types:

Market research questions for existing customers

For brands who already have a solid customer base and want to get to know them better to improve customer retention, ask things like:

Why did you start using our [product or service]?

Would you buy from us again?

Would you recommend us to your family and friends?

Are there similar products that you use for different reasons?

What, if anything, would you improve about or product or service?

Market research questions for potential customers

If you’re looking to gather information about new customers you don’t already reach, get to know them through in-depth market research survey questions:

What factors influence your purchasing decision when shopping for a new [product or service type]?

Which of the following products [or services] are most appealing to you?

Where do you typically shop for [product or service]?

When will you be in the market for a new [product or service]?

How much do you typically spend on a new [product or service]?

Market research questions for products

Surveys are a great tool to test reactions and perceptions of your product before you finalize it for launch. Below are some examples of what to ask as you develop your final product so it fits what customers want:

What are the most/least important elements of a [product type]?

Which scents/flavors do you find most pleasant in our existing product line? Which ones do you hope to see in the future?

What pain points are you looking for a product/service to solve?

How does this product compare to others on the market?

Market research questions for pricing

Once you have settled on a product, you’ll need to determine the pricing for it. You can’t just set any price you want and expect consumers to pay it. The best way to go about pricing decisions is to actually survey your target customers to see what they’d be willing to spend:

Do you think the product is priced fairly?

What do you think is the ideal price for our [product or service]?

Are there any conditions in which you’d pay a higher price for our [product or service]?

What price is so high that you’d not even consider buying our [product or service]? (i.e. price sensitivity ).

Market research questions for branding

Lastly, a brand might have its target audience figured out, with a solid product that’s appropriately priced, but it needs to be marketed and branded . Ask questions like: 

Are you familiar with our brand? (i.e. brand awareness)

Describe your customer experience so far with our brand.

How would you rate your customer satisfaction with our brand?

How likely are you to recommend our brand to family and friends?

For more on branding, consider a brand health tracker that can capture category entry points and the mental availability of brands: 

Once you’ve determined the question content you’d like to ask in your survey, there are multiple ways you can go about actually programming each one. Below are some common question formats, and when to use each one: 

Multi-select: Use when you want a respondent to select as many items as apply to them from a list.

Rating scale/matrix: Use when you want respondents to provide a numeric rating on a single item (scale) or a list of items (matrix); (i.e. 1-5 likeness toward each, 1-5 level of satisfaction with each, etc.)

Open-ended questions : Use when you want respondents to provide written feedback to a question (i.e. ‘tell me about your latest shopping experience in-store’, or ‘what do you love about this product/service?;)

Tips for getting the most out of your market research questions

Asking the right questions in an online survey only goes so far if you don’t base your research on a marketing strategy that strengthens your competitive advantage.

1. Start with a goal

The first step is to set a clear goal for your market research questionnaire. That goal could be to understand your buyer persona, learn how to maintain loyal customers, improve your website’s user experience, increase market share, or launch a new product.

2. Review what you already know

Conducting market research should aim to only answer questions that you don’t already have the answers to from previously-collected customer insights. Start by reviewing your own market research findings from past studies to see if you can answer any current questions. You can also look into customer reviews (if available), social media comments, and other external sources to see what people are saying about your brand.

3. Don’t make assumptions

Don’t ever assume you know something about a consumer without data to support it. For example, you may think that all customers use your product/service year-round when really, they’re only using it in the winter. You need to collect data to support any business decisions you’re making. That’s the only way to ensure you’re making good use of your time and budget, and that customer needs are met appropriately.

quantilope’s Insights Automation Platform makes a brand, product, or customer survey as simple as a drag & drop of questions. The platform is equipped with a number of automated survey tools (piping, pre-programmed survey templates , etc.) along with a suite of thirteen automated, advanced methods (i.e. market segmentation, key driver analysis, a/b testing, and many more). With results available in real-time, quantilope users begin diving into customer feedback instantly, with final results ready in a matter of days.

Ready to collect data for your own market research study? Get in touch below:

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Related posts, what are brand perceptions and how can you measure them, how can brands build, measure, and manage brand equity, how to use a brand insights tool to improve your branding strategy, quantilope's 5th consecutive year as a 'fastest growing tech company'.

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80+ Market Research Questions to Ask your Target Audiences

To remain competitive in the current business landscape, keeping up with the ever-changing market trends is not just an option but an absolute necessity. By adapting your customer interaction points and developing strategies that not only attract but also convert potential leads into loyal customers, you can solidify your standing in the industry.

But how can you achieve all of this effectively and efficiently? The answer lies in the power of market research and, more importantly, in asking the right survey questions .

Build & Send your Market Research Surveys🔥

Choose from over 30+ question types, add your own themes and create amazing surveys that people love answering.

Market research can navigate your company by helping you understand your audiences and customers better, identify shifting trends, and maintain that sought-after competitive advantage. In this blog, we'll throw light on the most compelling market research questions and best practices that can unveil valuable insights and give you a strategic edge in the ever-evolving market. 

Table of Content

What are market research questions.

• For Customers
• For Startups
• For New Product Launch
• For Existing Product
• To Segment Target Market
• For Competitive Analysis
• To Check Brand Awareness
• Pricing Analysis
• For Concept Testing
• To Understand Online Visibility
• For Reputation Management
• For Messaging & Advertising

Best Practices for Market Research Questions

Why do market research, top 10 market research questions.

Market research questions are designed to gather specific information and insights about a target market or audience. These questions play a crucial role in conducting systematic research to understand consumer preferences, behaviors, and opinions, as well as to analyze market trends and competitors.

You can use a market research survey template offered by Zonka Feedback to make informed decisions, identify opportunities, and develop effective strategies to stay competitive. If you are looking for a ready-to-use market research survey template, here is one that can gain you customer insights, consequently increasing customer satisfaction .

Market Research Questions to Gather Insights

Market research questions can help to optimize the decision-making process for businesses across various stages, from product development to marketing and sales. However, choosing the right market research questions should be based on what you want to achieve through market research. You can leverage microsurveys like the Net Promoter Score or Customer Satisfaction Surveys to conduct market research or create a comprehensive survey to gauge various aspects. Let us look at market research questions aimed at different user personas and business goals. 

1. For Customers

Understanding customers' preferences, concerns, and buying behavior are vital for your business to provide exceptional customer experiences . With this knowledge, you can focus on enhancing the aspects your customers love while working on areas that need improvement. 

What factors influence your purchasing decisions the most? What improvements would you like to see in our offerings?  How satisfied are you with our customer service?  Would you recommend our product to others? Which specific features of our product/service do you find most valuable?

2. For Startups

For startups, market research is crucial to validate business ideas , identify target markets, and uncover potential opportunities and challenges. Seeking product feedback for your startup in the early stages of brand development can be especially valuable in refining your beta version of the product and can help to create a product that truly resonates with your target audience.

What challenges do you currently face in [relevant industry/problem area]? What features are most important to you when considering a [product/service]? Would you be willing to try a new [product/service] if it addresses your needs more effectively? What would be your primary reason for choosing a product over competitors? How much would you be willing to pay for a product/service that meets your requirements? What are your preferred communication channels to learn about new products/services? How do you prefer to purchase product/service - online, in-store, or through a mobile app?

There are certain questions that you should be establishing as a startup before entering the market. Consider these market research questions to refine your startup's value proposition and make well-informed decisions to position your venture for success.

What are the total addressable market (tam), serviceable available market (sam), and share of the market (som)? What is your USP? Are you planning to refine your beta version of the product with beta testing survey ?  How would you onboard new customers? What are the potential barriers or challenges you may face in acquiring customers? How does the pricing of your product/service compare to the perceived value among customers?

3. For New Product Launch

Market research for new products helps locate potential demand, get product feature requests , and identify target markets, reducing the risk of launching a product with limited appeal. Consider these market research questions for new products that you can ask your customers.

How did you first hear about our new product? What is your initial impression of the new product based on the information provided? How interested are you in trying out this new product? What features or benefits of the new product appeal to you the most? How does the pricing of the new product align with your expectations and perceived value? Are there any specific concerns you have about the new product? Would you be open to participating in a trial or beta testing for the new product?

4. For Existing Product

For companies that thrive on product-led growth , customer feedback on the existing product is the key to success. Market research for existing products helps in understanding changing customer needs and market trends, ensuring that the product remains relevant and competitive. 

On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with our current product? What challenges are you facing in using our product? What additional features or improvements would you like to see in our product? How does our product compare to competitors in terms of performance and pricing?

5. To Segment Target Market

By asking market research questions, you can segment your target market based on various demographics, interests, behaviors, and preferences. Through user segmentation , you can create more targeted marketing campaigns, tailor products/services to specific needs, and effectively reach and engage your diverse user base. Here are some of the demographic survey questions that you can ask to segment your target market. 

What is your age group?  What is your gender? Where do you reside? What is your education level? Are you employed, self-employed, a student, or retired? What are your hobbies or interests?  What are your preferred modes of communication? How do you prefer to make purchase decisions? What are your primary reasons for purchasing a specific product/service? Which media channels do you use most frequently for information and entertainment? 

6. For Competitive Analysis

Understanding competitors' strengths, weaknesses, and strategies can help you dig deeper into market share and identify opportunities to stay ahead in the market. You can leverage survey collection software to perform competitive analysis and gather valuable analytics for marketing and conversion rate optimization. Consider these market research questions to ask your customers about competitors. Consider these market research questions to ask your customers about competitors.

Have you ever used products/services from our competitors? How would you rate the products/services of our competitors in terms of quality? What do you perceive as the main strengths of our competitors' offerings? What factors influence your decision to choose our products/services over those of our competitors? Are there any specific features or benefits offered by our competitors that you find appealing? How do you think our products/services compare to those of our competitors in terms of overall value? How likely are you to recommend our products/services over those of our competitors to others?

7. To Check Brand Awareness

Assessing brand awareness helps businesses measure the effectiveness of their marketing efforts and brand visibility in the market. Market research questions for checking brand awareness can include:

Have you heard of our brand before? How did you first learn about our brand? Which of the following products do you associate with our company?  Have you ever used or purchased any products from our company? What feature do you like the most about our product? On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely would you recommend our brand to a friend or colleague?

8. Pricing Analysis

Determining the right pricing strategy is crucial to attracting customers while ensuring profitability. Market research questions for pricing analysis can include:

What price range do you consider reasonable for our product? How does our current pricing compare to competitors in the market? What factors do you consider when evaluating the pricing of a product? Would you be willing to pay more for additional features or benefits?

9. For Concept Testing

Before launching the final product, performing concept testing allows businesses to evaluate the viability of new ideas before investing resources in full-scale development. By doing so, you can tailor your product according to customer needs and assess the overall feasibility of your new product idea.

Please read the description of the new product/service concept carefully. How appealing does this concept sound to you? What specific aspects of the concept do you find most appealing or interesting? How likely are you to consider using or purchasing this new product/service based on the concept description? What would be your primary reason for choosing this new product/service over similar offerings in the market? Is there anything missing in the concept that you believe would make it more appealing or valuable? Is there anything you would change or improve in the concept to make it more appealing to you? How much would you be willing to pay for this new product/service, based on the concept description?

10. To Understand Online Visibility

In the digital age, online visibility is crucial to reach their target audience effectively. Whether you want to drive in-store customers or online, the route is by following online visibility. Conducting an online survey is the easiest way to understand this. Consider these market research questions to understand online visibility.

How did you discover our brand/company online? How frequently do you come across our brand/company while browsing the internet? Have you visited our website? If yes, what was your purpose for visiting? Are you following our brand/company on social media? If yes, which platforms? How do you perceive our brand/company's presence on social media? (e.g., active, engaging, informative) Do you find our website and online content (blogs, articles, etc.) easy to navigate and informative? What do you think about the overall user experience on our website? (e.g., website speed, design, functionality) How does our online presence compare to that of our competitors? Are there any specific online platforms or websites where you would like to see our brand/company more active?

11. For Reputation Management

Monitoring and managing your brand's reputation is essential for improving customer loyalty and business revenue. A major part of market research includes knowing what customers think and speak about your business. Here are some market research questions for reputation management.

How would you describe your overall perception of our company? What do you think is our company's strengths? How likely are you to recommend our company to others based on your perception? Are there any specific aspects of our company's reputation that stand out to you? How do you feel about our company's responsiveness to customer feedback and concerns? Are there any specific incidents or experiences that have influenced your perception of our company?

12. For Messaging & Advertising

Crafting compelling messaging and advertising campaigns that resonate with the target audience is crucial for driving engagement and conversions. Your advertising should be in sync with your business goals and brand identity to communicate your unique value proposition. 

Have you come across any of our recent advertising or marketing campaigns? If yes, please specify where you saw or heard them. How well do you think our advertising aligns with your needs and preferences as a customer? Are there any specific advertising channels or platforms where you believe our brand should have a stronger presence? How likely are you to take action (e.g., visit our website, make a purchase) after seeing our advertising? Which specific elements of our advertising (e.g., visuals, slogans, offers) do you find most memorable? Have you ever shared or engaged with our advertising content on social media? Do you find our advertising to be informative and educational about our products/services?

Before you start framing your market research, it is essential to follow these best practices to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of your data:

Things to Do

• Decide your Goals : Clearly define the objectives of your market research. Determine what specific insights you aim to gather and how they will support your business decisions.
• Segment your Audience : Understand that different customer segments may have distinct needs and preferences. Tailor your survey questions to target specific groups, allowing for a more focused analysis.
• Choose the Right Survey Question Type : Select appropriate question formats based on your goals. Use a mix of multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions , Likert scales , and rating scales to capture both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Incentivize your Survey : Offer incentives to encourage participation and increase the response rate. It could be in the form of discounts, gift cards, or entry into a prize draw.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid Double-Barreled Questions : Double-barreled questions combine two or more issues into one question, making it challenging for respondents to provide clear and accurate answers. Keep your questions focused on one topic at a time.
• Avoid Leading Questions : Leading questions are worded in a way that influences or biases respondents' answers. Aim for neutrality and objectivity in your questions to obtain unbiased data.
• Avoid Too Many Questions : Lengthy surveys can lead to respondent fatigue, resulting in incomplete or rushed answers. Keep your survey concise and relevant, ensuring it can be completed within a reasonable timeframe.

All the popular companies in the market currently, whether it is Apple, Zappos, or Spotify, rely heavily on market research. Let us look at the reasons why you must consider market research to drive growth.

• Identifying Market Opportunities : Market research helps identify emerging trends, unmet needs, and untapped market segments, providing valuable opportunities for businesses to expand and innovate.
• Testing Product Concepts : Before launching a new product or service, market research can be used to gauge customer interest and receive feedback on potential concepts, get product idea validation , and reduce the risk of product failure.
• Evaluating Marketing Campaigns : Market research allows businesses to assess the effectiveness of their marketing efforts, whether it is driving NPS campaigns or launching new advertising initiatives. It helps to refine messaging, targeting, and channels for better results.
• Measuring Customer Satisfaction : Understanding customer satisfaction levels and identifying areas for improvement is crucial for retaining customers and building brand loyalty.

Now that you know the power of market research and how it can improve your offering and enhance customer experience, let us quickly recall the top 10 market research questions that can drive your business forward.

• What are the primary factors influencing your purchasing decisions?
• How satisfied are you with our product?
• What are the most desirable features you look for in a product?
• How did you first hear about our brand/product/service?
• What do you consider a fair price for our product?
• What improvements or additions would you like to see in our offerings?
• On a scale of 1-5, how likely are you to recommend our brand to others?
• What are the main challenges you face when using our product?
• How well do you think our product compares to competitors in the market?
• Which aspects of our advertising or marketing message do you find most compelling?

From identifying market opportunities and testing product concepts to measuring customer satisfaction and tracking brand awareness, market research questions play a vital role in allowing you to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing marketplace. By listening to your customers and gaining valuable feedback through market research, you can refine your products and marketing efforts to better meet customer expectations .

For creating a market research survey, it is important that you leverage an omnichannel survey software that enables you to create impactful surveys, share them across multiple channels with your target customers, and gather and analyze valuable feedback using reporting features.

Zonka Feedback is one such powerful market research software that can help you do all of that, along with offering survey logic & branching , segmenting your customers, measuring trends, and closing the feedback loop .

You can sign up for a 14 -day free trial to create effective market research surveys and see how it works for you. 

Published on Jul 25, 2023. Updated on Apr 09, 2024.

Written by Kanika

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Small Business Trends

132 market research questions to ask.

Market research sounds so formal. Yet it doesn’t have to be. It can be part of your daily marketing activity if you adopt one of the best and easiest techniques: simply ask questions.

Asking market research questions can yield new insights to boost your marketing to the next level. One example of market research involves gathering competitive information to inform your new product and service development.

Another market research example involves creating clear pictures of your ideal customers — called customer personas –for precise targeting. Other market research examples involve gathering feedback from existing customers to measure customer satisfaction.

The key to success, however, is knowing which questions to ask. Below is a list of 132 market research questions to use as templates for your own questions. Use them to ask questions internally to your team, or ask prospects and clients directly.

Types of Market Research Questions

Market research questions.

A good way to start your market research is to size up and describe your target audience. Gather primary and secondary research to assess the following marketing parameters:

• What is the size of our target market? How many potential customers are there?
• Do we have a good set of customer personas developed, to understand ideal target customers?
• Demographic questions: gender, age, ethnicity. Include annual income, education and marital status.
• Firmographic questions: size, industry. Include annual revenues and other relevant factors.
• Psychographic questions: habits, preferences, interests.
• What key consumer trends do we see?
• How do we identify new target segments? How do these new segments differ from those we already have?
• Which neighborhoods and zip codes do we get most of our customers from today?
• Which geographic locations are growing? Are the demographics of growth markets similar to those in which we already operate? If not, what should we change?
• Is online commerce or online service delivery a growth opportunity? Are our competitors doing business online?
• Can we find marketing partners to expand our reach?

Related: How to Conduct Market Research

Questions to Ask Customers

Use the following as survey questions, either post sale or as post-support surveys. Or use these market research questions to conduct a focus group, interview individual customers, or engage potential customers during the sales process.

Make it a point to include respondents who are less than thrilled with your customer service. You learn more than if you only talk with happy customers. Ask:

• How did you hear about us?
• What made you choose us?
• What features do you like most about our product or service?
• Is our product or service easy, fast, convenient to use?
• What do you wish our product or service did that it does not today?
• Are you aware that we offer _________?
• Were our personnel courteous in all dealings?
• Did we answer all your questions or solve your support problem?
• Can we help you get started using our product or service?
• Were you satisfied with our promptness and speed?
• Would you be willing to tell friends, family or colleagues about us?
• How do you rate your experience with us?
• Would you buy from us again?
• Why have you decided to leave us / not renew?
• How likely are you to recommend our product/service to others on a scale of 1-10?
• What is the primary reason for your score?
• Can you describe a situation where our product/service exceeded your expectations?
• What changes would most improve our product/service?
• If you could change one thing about our product/service, what would it be?
• How do our products/services fit into your daily life or routine?
• What other products/services do you wish we offered?

Related: Tailoring Survey Questions for Your Industry and Best Practices for Surveys

Pricing and Value

The following are pricing research questions to ask. Small business owners and marketers may want to assign someone to do a competitive analysis, such as gathering data from competitor websites and putting it into a spreadsheet.

Doing research may also require you to gather information internally. For example, meet with Sales to discuss feedback they receive from possible customers.

You could also ask Customer Support to start tracking when customers give price as a reason to not renew. Here are sample market research questions about pricing:

• Does our team have a compelling sales pitch based on value, not just price?
• How do we create more value to justify our prices?
• How can we position our product as “premium”?
• What are our competitors charging? Are our prices higher, lower or about the same?
• Are our prices allowing sufficient profit to stay in business?
• How often do sales and support staff hear pricing objections? And how often do they overcome them?
• Are we identifying enough people who can afford our products and services, or who want to pay what we ask for?
• Can we more precisely target prospects by income, neighborhoods and other factors to isolate a target audience receptive to our price point?
• In the case of B2B, are we targeting the right industries with needs and pain points we can solve?
• Are we targeting the right job title? Does the target executive have sufficient budget authority?
• How does our business model compare in our industry? Are we missing opportunities?
• What kind of promotions are our competitors advertising? Bulk buys / annual subscriptions? Free gift with purchase? Discounts? Sales events?
• How do our prices compare with the value you perceive from our products/services?
• What pricing model do you find most appealing – subscription, one-time purchase, pay-per-use?
• How sensitive are you to price changes in our products/services?
• What discounts or promotions would encourage you to make a purchase?

Product or Service Questions

Ask yourself or your team these market research questions about your products and services:

• Are our new products or services sufficiently unique compared with what already exists?
• What exactly is our value proposition — the reason customers should choose us? How can we best convey our benefits?
• How are customers currently solving the problem that our product addresses?
• What products do competitors offer? How does our target market view these competitive offerings?
• How do competitors deliver service? Does their process differ from our methods? Are there obvious advantages such as cost or time savings to gain if we adjust?
• Customers have been asking for a certain service — do others in the market offer it?  What do they charge?
• What changes will customers likely want in the future that technology can provide?
• How do we get feedback about our product, so we know what to improve, and what to highlight in sales and marketing messages?
• What technology is available in the market to improve operational productivity or cut costs? What solutions are competitors or big corporations using?
• When considering new product development, do we interview customers to test their interest level?
• Are there any untapped market segments or niches where our products or services could be a perfect fit?
• What are the potential challenges or barriers that customers face when using our products or services?
• Have we conducted customer satisfaction surveys to gauge overall customer experience and identify areas for improvement?
• Are there any complementary products or services that we could offer to enhance our customers’ experience?
• How do customers perceive the quality and reliability of our products or services compared to competitors?
• What are the specific pain points or needs that our products or services address, and how well are we communicating this to customers?
• Have we explored partnerships or collaborations with other businesses to expand our product/service offerings?
• Are there any emerging trends or technologies in the market that could disrupt our current products or services?
• Have we analyzed customer feedback and complaints to identify recurring issues that require immediate attention?
• What are the future trends and demands in our industry, and how can we proactively align our offerings with these trends?
• What additional features would you like to see in our future products?
• How can we improve the user experience of our product/service?
• What would make you choose our product/service over a competitor’s?
• Are there any aspects of our product/service that you find unnecessary or rarely use?

Related: How to Minimize Survey Fatigue

Online Visibility Questions

Online traffic is essential to most small businesses, even local businesses, to drive in-store traffic. Market research questions can assess your company’s online visibility. Get answers from your digital team:

• How much website traffic do we receive compared with competitors? Check free tools like Alexa and SimilarWeb – while not exact they can compare relative levels of traffic.
• How prominently do we appear in search engines like Google and Bing?
• Do we appear in search engines for the queries our audience is searching for, using their words? Or do we need to invest in search engine optimization?
• Which search queries actually send us website traffic? Check Google Search Console or another SEO tool.
• How does our search visibility compare with competitors? A tool like SEMRush or Ahrefs can give this kind of advanced look.
• Have we done a gap analysis and identified which keywords our competitors rank for? Do we have a content marketing plan to attract more visitors?
• Have we claimed business listings like Google My Business and Bing Places, and completed them with engaging content such as photos?
• How prominently do we show up in Google Maps, Apple Maps and Bing Maps?
• Do we give visitors something to do on our website to engage them, such as fill out a lead gen form, read the blog, or schedule an appointment?
• Are our website’s loading speed and performance optimized for a better user experience?
• Do we have a mobile-friendly website that caters to the growing number of mobile users?
• Are we utilizing social media platforms effectively to engage with our target audience?
• Have we analyzed user behavior on our website through tools like Google Analytics to identify areas for improvement?
• Are we actively monitoring and responding to online reviews and comments about our business?
• Have we implemented effective link building strategies to improve our website’s authority and search rankings?
• How do our online advertising efforts compare with competitors in terms of reach and conversion rates?
• Are we using email marketing campaigns to nurture leads and maintain communication with our customers?
• Have we explored influencer marketing as a way to expand our online reach and brand visibility?
• Are we leveraging online customer feedback surveys to gather insights and improve our online presence?
• What type of content would you like to see more of on our website?
• How easy is it to navigate our website and find what you’re looking for?
• Are there any online channels (social media, forums, etc.) where you feel we should have a presence?
• How do you prefer to interact with us online – through email, live chat, social media, or other channels?

Related: How to Interpret Survey Results

Reputation Management

Customers today have extraordinary power to talk about a brand, and its products and services. Customers can choose dozens of social media sites or review sites like Yelp to share opinions.

A big part of market research today is to find out what customers think and say about your business (and also about your competitors). You want answers to the following market research questions:

• Do we have negative reviews online?
• Do we have any other type of reputation issue, such as poor word of mouth in our local community?
• Are competitors spamming with fake reviews?
• What can we learn from bad reviews?
• Do we thank those who give positive reviews and referrals, or do we ignore them?
• Do we address negative reviews or complaints by trying to make good or by correcting wrong facts?
• Can we use an app such as GatherUp.com to make it easy for customers to leave reviews?
• Does our website have compelling testimonials?
• What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear our brand name?
• How would you describe our company to a friend or colleague?
• Are there any misconceptions about our brand that you think we should address?
• How do you perceive our efforts in responding to and resolving customer complaints or issues?

Messaging and Advertising

Assess your current marketing messages. Brands will want to know that their messaging supports their marketing goals. Make sure to also assess advertising to make sure it is in sync with goals and performing well:

• Have we identified the milestones in the customer journey, and what customers looking for at each milestone? Are we addressing the milestones?
• What emotions drive our customers’ buying decisions? Fear? Aspirational desire? Does our messaging align with these emotional needs?
• What information sources do prospects rely on? TV, online digital, social media, radio, newspapers?
• Which marketing and advertising channels have been our top performers?
• Have we developed quality content to educate and persuade prospects?
• What are the best advertising methods and media outlets to reach our prospects?
• Are we using our advertising spend to precisely target our desired buyer, or is it spray and pray?
• Where and how frequently do competitors advertise, and what messages do they use?
• Do we have good assets such as display ads and landing pages to drive prospects to? How do they compare with competitors’ assets?
• What social media channels does our target market use? Should we boost our presence on those channels?
• What issues do our target buyers talk about on social media?
• Do we use heat maps, A/B testing or other measurements to test content and calls to action?
• Do our marketing messages align with the values and brand identity we want to convey to our target audience?
• How do our marketing messages address common pain points or challenges faced by our customers?
• Have we conducted focus groups or surveys to gather direct feedback on the effectiveness of our marketing messages?
• Are there any cultural or regional considerations that could impact the resonance of our messaging with different segments of our target audience?
• What unique selling points (USPs) do we emphasize in our advertising, and how well do they differentiate us from competitors?
• Have we tested various advertising messages to identify which ones resonate best with our target audience?
• Are we effectively utilizing storytelling techniques in our marketing messages to create emotional connections with our customers?
• How do we track the success of our advertising campaigns in terms of reach, engagement, and conversions?
• Have we analyzed customer journey data to identify potential gaps in our messaging at various touchpoints?
• Are there any specific keywords or phrases that our target audience commonly uses, and how can we incorporate them into our messaging?
• What messages in our advertising resonate with you the most?
• Are there certain advertising channels where you feel our presence is lacking?
• How do you usually respond to our advertising – visit our website, follow us on social media, make a purchase?
• In your opinion, what could improve the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns?

Related: 9 Strategies to Get More Customer Feedback and When to Use Online Surveys .

These 132 questions and examples of market research should give you plenty to explore. Always come back to the most important question of all: what can we do better? Answering this one question can put your brand well on the way toward long term growth.

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• 50+ Must-ask questions for your market research surveys

Şeyma Beyazçiçek

Market research is an essential part of finding answers to your questions. For this reason, market research surveys have a big importance. So, market study survey questions, too . These types of questions help you get essential data about the target audience, conduct competitive analysis, get new ones, or protect existing customers .

We have gathered the most essential data to help you gather information on the target market or target customer. In this article, you will find 50+ market research survey questions and examples about customers, products, social media, etc. You need to seriously consider these business survey questions for market research and learn more!

• What is a market research survey?

A market research survey is a document that asks demographic questions or any type of market research questions that aim to collect vital customer feedback to make you better in marketing . The critical point of a market research survey is to learn customer experience and make marketing plans according to it.

A report by Statista shows that since 2008 , the market research sector’s global revenue has increased by more than twice, surpassing $81 billion in 2022 . So, the importance of market research is getting more realized, and you need market analysis survey questions. Good survey questions for market research collect data to help you create definite strategies for a better marketing plan.

• 50+ Market research survey questions you must ask in your surveys

Each company has its own unique priorities and needs. For this reason, companies should choose questions carefully for their survey. 50+ market research survey questions might differ according to the needs and requirements of a company. Nevertheless, we have gathered the most essential and basic ones to make you grow faster. 

If you want to access all these privileges we have discussed so far, you need to have a look at these 50+ must-ask questions for your market research surveys:

Customer survey questions for market research questions

The primary reason for selling a product or service is for customers . Finding the target audience for your company is one of the most important parts of your market research survey. For that reason, you need to have a look at these customer survey questions for market research questions: 

1. How often do you shop from us?

• Once a week
• Twice a week
• Once a month
• Twice a month
• Once every two months
• Once every three months
• Once every six months
• Once a year

2. What is your favorite product/service?

3. What is your least favorite product/service?

4. Why do you choose us?

• Your reputation for quality products and services
• Your competitive pricing
• Your commitment to customer service
• Your convenient location
• Your wide selection of products and services
• Your knowledgeable staff
• Your experience in the industry
• Your commitment to innovation
• Your commitment to sustainability

5. Would you recommend us to your friends/family?

6. Since when do you choose us?

• Two Years Ago
• Three Years Ago

7. Overall, from 1-10, how do you rate us?

An opinion scale question example about satisfaction

Market research questions for a product

A market research question for a product is an excellent helper for companies to understand and collect data about existing. If you want to learn how your customers are satisfied with your exciting product, you only need to ask them these questions. Here are your market research questions for a product: 

8. Have you ever heard of this product before?

9. From 1-10, how would you rate this product?

10. Do you believe this product is useful/helpful for you? 

11. What is the likelihood of buying this product again?

• Very Likely
• Very Unlikely

12. What do you like about this product?

• It is easy to use
• It is cost-effective
• It is reliable
• It has great customer service
• It has a wide range of features

13. What do you dislike about this product?

• Functionality

14. Would you recommend this product to your friends or family?

You can replace the word “ product”  with the name of your own product.

A question example about purchasing behavior

New product market research survey questions

New product market research survey questions are perfect for your company if you plan for a new product. Imagine that you are about to launch a new product. You can take fewer risks if you ask questions about the new product before launching it. So you might need these market research questionnaire questions for your new product: 

15. Have you seen a similar product? 

16. How likely are you to use this product for your business activities?

17. What do you think is the best feature of this new product?

18. What do you think is the least favorite feature of this new product?

19. Do you find the price reasonable?

20. Are you excited about this product?

21. Overall, from 1-10, how do you rate this new product?

A question example about later use

Social media survey questions for market research

Social media is an excellent way of collecting helpful data from your customers because, today, nearly everybody has a social media account. You can have insightful data as long as you know which platform to use and how to use it. So, here are your social media survey questions for market research: 

22. Which social media platforms do you use? ( you can choose more than 1 )

23. In which social media platforms do you spend time the most?

24. Do you follow us on your social media accounts?

25. What do you think about our company’s social media account? 

• It's great!
• It could use some improvement.
• I haven't seen it

26. Do you believe we can use social media effectively?

27. What can we do to improve our social media accounts?

• Post regularly
• Run contests and giveaways
• Use relevant hashtags
• Optimize profile information
• Respond to comments
• Collaborate with influencers

28. Which influencers do you relate to us the most?

A market research survey question example about social media

Market research questions to ask potential customers

As much as trying to hold your existing customers, you should also try to find potential customers and expand your network. Because only in this way you can grow your business. When you have good market research questions to ask potential customers, as given below, you can easily get what you need: 

29. Have you ever heard us before?

30. When you think of our brand, what comes to your mind first? 

31. Who is our rival for you?

32. What is your minimum budget?

33. What is your maximum budget?

34. Would you consider choosing our product/service?

35. What are your best aspects, you think?

Market research questions for B2B companies

Just like any sector, B2B companies need to do their best to run market research. As for their market research survey, the questions will be different because they need to aim at businesses directly. If you need them, here are your market research questions for B2B companies: 

36 . Who is your ideal customer?

37. What really matters to your ideal customer?  

38. Do you think you know your customers?

39. How can you know your customers better?

40. What is your customers’ annual income? 

41. What do your customers do in their free time?

42. What attracts your customer?

Demographic questions for your market research survey

Demographic questions allow your company to understand your customer’s background better. Also, if you want to understand the certain characteristics of your target audience, demographic questions are the best option for you. Have a look at these demographic questions for your market research survey: 

43. What gender do you identify as?

• Genderfluid

44. How old are you?

• 65 or Above

45. What is your marital status?

46. Can you please specify your ethnicity?

• African American
• Asian American
• Hispanic/Latino
• Native American
• Pacific Islander
• White/Caucasian

47. Where are you located?

• United States
• United Kingdom

48. What is your education level?

• High School
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

49. What is your annual income?

• $0 - $25,000
• $25,001 - $50,000
• $50,001 - $75,000
• $75,001 - $100,000
• $100,001 - $150,000
• $150,001 - $200,000
• $200,001 and above

50. What is your current employment situation? 

• Employed full-time
• Employed part-time
• Self-employed
• Not looking for work

A market research survey question example about income

• How can I create a market research survey?

In order to collect essential data for your market research, if you want to handle it the fastest way, you will need an online form builder. Also, if you want to build your form with lots of options and create just like you wish and want to do all of them for free, there is only one option left: forms.app .

As long as you follow some basic steps, you can easily create your market research survey and here are the steps: 

1. Login or create an account

Firstly, you should log in to your existing account if you do not have one; no worries, you can easily and quickly create an account . Also, do not forget that you have the opportunity to log in via Google, Facebook, and Apple accounts. 

2. Start from scratch, choose a temple, or generate with AI

You have access to a wide range of options thanks to forms.app . You must begin from scratch if you wish to pick every aspect of your survey. The site offers pre-made market research survey templates if you do not want to spend too much time on it. However, if you stay current with the latest technology, artificial intelligence can create your survey in seconds!

3. Add your market research survey questions

Based on your company’s primary needs and essential requirements, you should choose your market research survey questions very carefully. Each company’s priorities can differ. For that reason, you need to pay attention while adding them. 

4. Customize your survey form

In this step, you can easily change and personalize your online survey . To give an example, you can change the size and type of the font, colors, and order of questions, add your brand’s logo, etc. 

5. Share your market research survey

In the final step, you can share your survey with your target via many platforms . You can choose the link to be public, limited, or private while sharing. Additionally, you can preview the link to see whether it has any meta titles, descriptions, or images. 

• How can I write good market research questions?

One can randomly create market research questions for the survey; however, if you want to be one step ahead of your rivals and be good at writing market research questions, you need to follow the points given below:

• Consider your company’s needs : You need to have a moment and consider what your company needs the most. What are your priorities or urgent needs? Or what are your urgent deficiencies to be covered? After answering these questions, you can create better questions. 
• Think like the customer: The key point is listening to your customers and trying to think like them. When you think like them, you can come up with better market research questions and collect more valuable data for your survey. 
• Be direct: Questions asked directly are definitely better , instead of asking too many indirect questions or long and complex sentences that might be confusing. So, you need to pay attention at this point. 
• Key points to take away

As we have discussed so far, the importance of market research is undeniable. If you want to increase your market share and be more successful in your sector, there are some key points for your company to take away. You should not ignore these points:

• Design of the survey: Do not forget that the more you pay attention to your market research survey design, the more you will seem professional. 
• Pay attention to the context: Design is an important factor, but context is the exact reason you run a survey. So, you need to be careful with your questions. 
• Check the result: At the end of the survey, checking and analyzing the results is a key point. If you will not do that, there is no need to share the survey, isn’t it?

Now that you have read so far, you know all the critical points about the issue and where to start. Take action now and start finding your own effective data collection methods for market research !

Şeyma is a content writer at forms.app. She loves art and traveling. She is passionate about reading and writing. Şeyma has expertise in surveys, survey questions, giveaways, statistics, and online forms.

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Home Market Research

Market Research Questions: Types and how to best use them

What is Market Research?

Market research is the process of collecting, analyzing and examining information about a market, related to a product or service that is offered by a certain brand.

Market research has evolved through the years, the internet has now replaced the conventional face-to-face interaction or personal interviews to gather first-hand information. They are primarily categorized into two types:  Quantitative Market Research and Qualitative Market Research . Today, the best way to conduct market research is through surveys or questionnaires: ask the right market research questions!

LEARN ABOUT: Market research vs marketing research

Accurate information is the pillar of any successful business because it provides the perspective of new and existing customers and business competition. It helps business or organization owners to determine if the resources and financial investments that they are aligning with a new product or service will reap any profitability in future or not.

LEARN ABOUT: Open-Ended Questions

Fundamental Levels of Measurement in Market Research Questions

There are 4 basic fundamental measurement scales, n ominal, ordinal, interval and ratio ; that help arrange data collected in market research for statistical data analysis purposes. These are used to capture data in the form of surveys and questionnaires, where each being a multiple-choice question . In statistical analysis, distinguishing between categorical data and numerical data is essential, as categorical data involves distinct categories or labels, while numerical data consists of measurable quantities.

LEARN ABOUT: Level of Analysis

Each scale is an incremental level of measurement, meaning, each scale fulfills the function of the previous scale and all survey question scales such as Likert, Semantic Differential, Dichotomous questions etc, are the derivation of this these 4 fundamental levels of variable measurement. Before we discuss all four levels of measurement scales in details, with examples, let’s have a quick brief look at what these scales represent.

• Nominal Scale – 1st Level of Measurement

Nominal Scale , also called the categorical variable scale, is defined as a scale used for labeling variables into distinct classifications and doesn’t involve a quantitative value or order. The options are assigned a number that can be decided by the researcher but changing the order of the options doesn’t impact the scale as the variables are independent of the options. Nominal data can never be quantified but the data analysis can be conducted by asking an open-ended question and coding the subsequent responses or having pre-coded multiple choice question types . Examples of a nominal scale are gender, place of work or residence, preference of pizza toppings, etc.

• Ordinal Scale – 2nd Level of Measurement

Ordinal Scale is the 2nd level of measurement that reports the ranking and ordering of the data without actually establishing the degree of variation between them. Examples of the ordinal scale satisfaction, happiness and grades. This makes the Likert Scale a perfect example of an ordinal scale as it provides options on the basis of lowest to highest but doesn’t provide quantifiable difference between two options. Ordinal scale data is generally represented in a tabular form to allow for easy further market research analysis.

Learn more: Nominal Scale vs Ordinal Scale

• Interval Scale – 3rd Level of Measurement

The Interval Scale is defined as a numerical scale where the order of the variables is known as well as the interval between these variables. In other words, the variables are measured in actuals and not as a relative manner, where the presence of zero is arbitrary. For example, temperature, income, IQ etc. can be defined by the interval scale. Net Promoter Score, Semantic Differential Scale, Bipolar Matrix Table etc. are the most-used interval scale examples. The interval scale data can be added or subtracted but cannot be divided or multiplied.  Since interval data is a quantitative analysis data type, multiple data analysis methods like SWOT analysis , TURF analysis , conjoint analysis and trend analysis can be conducted.

• Ratio Scale – 4th Level of Measurement

The Ratio Scale is the penultimate measurement scale that has the features of all the above 3 scales along with the presence of an absolute zero. It is calculated by assuming that the variables have an option for zero, the difference between the two variables is the same and there is a specific order between the options. Some examples of ratio scale are weight, height, time etc. where there is no presence of a negative value. The ratio data scale values can be added, subtracted, divided and multiplied and a unique statistical analysis is possible for ratio data.

Learn more: Interval Scale vs Ratio Scale

Types of Market Research Questions: 10 Market Research Question Types with Examples

The fundamental of market research is asking the right questions to collect the right data, be it qualitative or quantitative data . Qualitative data can be collected by focus groups, interviews, longitudinal studies and more. Quantitative data can be collected through surveys, questionnaires and interviews . Some of the most widely used question types are:

Market Research Questions: Open-ended or Close-ended?

A good conversation involves asking the right questions to know more. Similarly, in market research, there is a lot of value in asking questions to get the most appropriate information.

So what are the types of question should one ask to get an apt response: open-ended questions or closed ended questions ?

Both these market research question types have their fair share of advantage, but in this section, we shall focus more on open ended questions.  

Deploying a questionnaire or face to face interviews open ended questions generate better responses. This market research question type lets the respondent answer the question in depth and gives them the liberty to respond without inhibition, contrary to closed ended questions where the respondents to need to choose from the already existing answer options.

However, it is often seen that closed-ended and open-ended questions are used in conjunction. It’s easier to answer a Yes/No question, but if it is followed by an open ended question then you’ll  often get better participation from your respondents.

Closed-Ended vs Open- Ended Market Research Questions

How to best use the market research questions.

It’s certainly not an easy task to know what your customers think. But you will be able to better connect with them through the right market research questions. To make sure you’re getting the most responses to your market research questions follow these tips.

1. Understand your target audience: You need you know why you are reaching out to your respondents. Knowing about their demographics will help you frame your market research questions better.

2. Don’t bug your respondents: Make sure you send survey or questionnaires to your respondents at intervals. Don’t  bug your respondents to a point where they stop responding to you.

3. It’s all about great timing: Make sure your surveys are sensibly timed and has appropriate questions, for example, it’s always good to send a feedback survey to a customer after he has made a purchase with you so that he/she is able to give a better feedback about their experience.

4. Make your respondents feel valuable: Let your respondents know, their responses to the research questions are valuable and will be put to practice and that their suggestions will be implemented to improve the services or the product.

LEARN ABOUT: Product Survey Questions

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29 Market Research Questions to Improve Your Marketing Strategy

• Post author: Daniel
• Reading time: 5 mins read
• Post last modified: June 10, 2022

One of the best ways to learn about your market and customers is by asking questions. When you ask the right market research questions, you can identify opportunities to improve your marketing strategy , operations, and industry.

You can gain insights that help you:

• Attract your target audience
• Stand out from competitors
• Improve your products and services
• Better serve your customers

To ask the best questions, it helps to break down your market research questions into the following categories:

• Market research questions
• Questions to ask your target market
• Questions to ask your customers
• Questions for competitive analysis

Some market research questions will require research to find the answers. For example, you may want to know, “How do our competitors drive traffic?” Other questions you can directly ask your customers. For those questions, you can survey or interview customers to find answers and insights.

Here are some examples of questions you can ask for each type of marketing research .

Market Research Questions

General market research aims to help you learn about your market size and potential to connect with customers.

Great qualitative market research questions include:

• How big is our potential market?
• Will this market grow or shrink in the future?
• What other products and services are similar to ours?
• Who are our top competitors?
• What market share do our competitors own?
• What share is available for us to own/take?

To find answers to these questions, use  sites for market research  that help you find information on geographic locations, industry competitors, and economic conditions.

Market Research Questions to Ask Your Target Market

Questions to ask your target market include demographic market research questions that help you get to know who your customers are.

Here are some examples:

• What is your age?
• What is your gender?
• What is your education level?
• Where do you live?
• What is your profession?
• What is your household income?
• What is your household size?

These questions can go deeper and uncover psychographic segmentation details that help you learn about the interests, attitudes, and needs of your customers.

Examples of these questions include:

• What are your hobbies and interests?
• Where do you spend your free time?
• What are your biggest challenges?
• What are your primary goals?
• What is most important to you?
• Where do you go for information?
• How do you like to make purchases?

To gather these details, you can survey or interview your customers.

Market Research Questions to Ask Customers

Existing customers can provide great insight into your business, products, and services.

Market research questions to ask clients or customers include:

• How likely are you to recommend our brand to a friend?
• How long have you been a customer?
• What problem does [product/service] solve for you?
• How does the [product/service] fit into your daily workflow?
• How well does [product/service] meet your needs?
• What do you wish the [product/service] had that it currently does not?
• What do you like [most/least] about [product/service]?
• What made you choose us over a competitor?
• How would you rate your last experience with us?

You can gather this information through audience analysis, in-person interviews with your customers, or online customer surveys.

Pro Tip:  It’s important to collect information from customers who are advocates of your product/service, but also those who did not have an agreeable experience. Asking infrequent or lost customers for their feedback is an excellent way to surface gaps in your product/service and identify opportunities for improvement.

Market Research Questions for Competitive Analysis

Once you assess your industry and customers, start asking market research questions about your competitors. Some questions to ask include:

• How is our brand doing compared to our competitors?
• How do our competitors effectively attract customers?
• How much website traffic do our competitors receive?
• Which keywords are driving traffic to our competitors?
• What sources are driving traffic to our competitors?
• How many inbound links do our competitors have?
• What type of content is performing well for our competitors?

For tips on how to conduct a thorough  competitive analysis , download our free competitive analysis template.

Get Better Answers to Your Market Research Questions

Asking the right market research questions helps you uncover insights to improve customer satisfaction, business operations, and  marketing strategies . But asking questions is only half the process. You also need to make sure you’re collecting the most accurate and authentic answers.

Use the market research questions in this post to direct your inquiries to your business, customers, and industry.

Source: blog.alexa.com

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75+ Market Research Questions for Success

Regarding market research, having the right questions is critical for getting  accurate  and  valuable insights .

These 75 market research questions can help you get started on your next project, giving you an idea of what topics to cover to ensure success.

We’ll review everything you need to know about  customer surveys ,  competitive analysis, product feedback, and more !

What is Market Research?

Market research is the process of gathering and analyzing data to understand customer behavior, market trends, and competitor strategies.

It gives businesses the insights needed to make informed decisions about their products and services.

Market research is important because it  helps companies to understand what their customers want  and  how they can best serve them .

We’ll review the steps to help you start conducting market research and asking the right questions.

Types of Market Research

Several different types of market research questions can be used to gain insights into customer behavior and market trends.

These include the following:

• Single choice
• Multiple choice
• Ranking questions
• Likert scale
• Dichotomous

Single-Choice

These basic questions ask respondents to select one answer from a list of options.

The purpose of a single-choice question is to provide a general overview of customer preferences and needs.

 An example of a single-choice question is:

“What is your favorite type of ice cream?”

Multiple-Choice

These questions ask respondents to select multiple answers from a given list of options.

They can be used to gain more detailed insights into customer preferences than single-choice questions.

An example of a multiple-choice question is the following: 

Which of these activities do you do regularly?

A) Exercise

D) Watch TV

E) Listen to Music

The purpose of a multiple-choice question is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of customer behavior and preferences.

Ranking Questions

Ranking questions ask respondents to rank a list of options in order of preference.

These types of questions can be used to understand how important certain factors are when making decisions.

An example of a ranking question would be the following:

Please rank the following items from most important to least important when selecting a car:

(D) Fuel Efficiency

Likert Scale

A Likert scale is a type of question that asks respondents to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with a statement.

It can be used to gauge customer sentiment around specific topics and gain insights into how they feel about your products or services.

An example of a Likert scale question is: 

“How likely are you to recommend our product to a friend?”

Dichotomous Questions

Dichotomous questions present respondents with two possible answers and ask them to choose one. They are often used to gain quick insights into customer preferences.

An example of a dichotomous question is the following: 

Do you prefer online or in-store shopping?

B) In-store

Open-ended questions allow respondents to provide more detailed answers than single-choice, multiple-choice, ranking, and dichotomous questions.

They are helpful in gaining qualitative insights into customer behavior and preferences.

An example of an open-ended question is the following: 

“What do you think could be improved about our product?”

By understanding the different types of market research questions, businesses can more effectively gather data to gain insights into customer behavior and make informed decisions. With the proper market research techniques, companies can better understand their customers and identify growth opportunities.

How to Write Questions for Market Research

Writing practical questions for market research is key to getting meaningful and valuable results.

Questions should be clear and concise, avoiding jargon or overly technical language. They should also cover the topics that are most important to the project.

Additionally, it’s important to remember who you’re targeting with your questions. Write them in a way the target audience can easily understand and relate to, which will help ensure they provide accurate responses.

For example, if you are writing questions as a market research agency in the USA, you’ll want to tailor them to the appropriate culture and consumer trends.

Finally, take into account any legal or ethical considerations when writing questions. This is especially important when collecting sensitive personal data or working with vulnerable groups.

We’ll go over how to write the following types of questions: 

Feedback Questions

Existing product questions, market segment quesitons, market discovery questions, brand awareness questions, customer reservation questions, pricing analysis questions.

To write feedback questions, start by asking general questions about customer satisfaction. These can include queries about the level of service they received, the quality of products, and whether they would recommend it to others.

You can also ask more specific questions, such as what features customers like or dislike, how easy it is to use a certain product or service, and what changes they would like to see.

To write great existing product questions, you need to know what customers think about your current offerings.

Ask them how satisfied they are with the features and performance of the products or if there is anything that could be improved.

You can also get their opinion on your product’s design, packaging, price point, and customer support.

These questions are designed to gain an understanding of different segments within the market.

Questions can include asking about the following:

• Income level
• Customers’ age
• Primary interests and activities

This information can help businesses identify potential target markets and tailor their products and services accordingly.

Market discovery questions help businesses explore the market and gain insights into customer behavior.

These questions can include asking customers what they currently use their product or service for, their expectations and needs, and what would make them switch to a different offering.

Brand awareness questions can help businesses understand how well their products are known in the market.

Questions can range from asking customers to rate how familiar they are with the brand to what words or phrases come to mind when they think of it.

Boosting brand awareness is important for businesses to reach new customers, so this information can be invaluable.

Customer reservation questions can help businesses identify potential barriers preventing customers from purchasing their products or services.

Questions like the following can be useful in uncovering potential areas for improvement:

• “What is holding you back from making a purchase?”
• “What would make you more likely to buy?”
• “What feature do you wish was available?”

Finally, pricing analysis questions can help businesses determine how much customers are willing to pay for their products and services.

Questions such as the following can help businesses gain valuable insights:

• “What is your budget?”
• “Would you be willing to pay more for extra features?”
• “What other products have you considered in a similar price range?”

By following these tips, you should be able to write effective questions that will provide valuable insights into the market.

75+ Market Research Questions

In addition to the above questions, here are 75 market research questions you can ask your target audience to help inform your business decisions.

• How did you learn about our product or service?
• What made you decide to purchase our product or service?
• How likely are you to recommend our product or service to a friend or colleague?
• Would you say that the features of our product or service met your expectations?
• Did you find it easy to navigate our website and locate the information needed to make your decision?
• Did you find any areas of improvement in terms of usability when using our website?
• How satisfied are you with the customer support options we provide?
• Did the delivery process for our product meet your expectations in terms of speed, accuracy, and overall experience? 
• If applicable, did the installation process for our product meet your expectations in terms of speed, accuracy, and overall experience? 
• Are there any other products or services we could offer that would improve your overall experience with us?
• What do you think of the quality of our current offerings?
• How would you rate the usability of our products/services?
• How would you rate the performance of our products/services?
• What could we do to make our products/services more appealing to you?
• Are there any features that are missing from our products/services?
• What do you like most about our products/services?
• What could we change to make them better?
• Do you think our prices are competitive?
• Would you recommend our products/services to someone else?

Market Segment Questions

• What age range would you classify yourself in?
• Are you married, single, or in a relationship?
• What city/town do you currently reside in? 
• How many hours a day do you typically spend on the internet?
• What type of device(s) do you use to access the internet (desktop, laptop, mobile phone)? 
• On average, how much money do you spend online each month? 
• What products or services have you purchased online within the last 6 months? 
• How likely are you to purchase goods or services from an unfamiliar website compared to a familiar website? 
• How often do you interact with social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter? 
• Are there any particular features or functions that would make it easier for you to shop online or make purchases? 
• Do you find yourself comparing prices and product features before making a purchase decision? 
• Are there any particular brands that stand out to you when shopping for products or services online? 
• When looking for information about products and services online, what sources do you rely on most (e-commerce websites, review sites, etc.)? 
• What types of discounts are most enticing to customers when making an online purchase (free shipping offers, bonus items with purchase, coupon codes)? 
• Do certain payment methods influence your purchasing decisions? 
• What do you think are the most important features when considering a purchase?
• How would you define your personal style and aesthetic preferences? 
• Are there any new products or services you want to see in the marketplace? 
• Do certain brand values affect your purchasing decisions (e.g., sustainability, ethical practices, etc.)? 
• What do you think are the biggest challenges facing companies in your industry?
• When researching products or services, what content or information would you like to see from brands? 
• Are there any particular technologies that you think could improve customer experiences online? 
• Do current trends in social media affect your views on certain brands and their offerings?
• Are there any new products or services that would benefit your lifestyle? 
• What do you think sets certain brands apart from their competitors?
• Are there any particular marketing strategies that you find appealing when considering a purchase? 
• Which channels do you prefer to use for customer service (live chat, email, phone)?
• What is your familiarity with our brand?
• Do you recognize our brand name when shopping online or in-store?
• Are there any particular elements that stand out to you in the design of our website, logo, products, and services? 
• How do you feel when interacting with our brand (positive, neutral, negative)?
• What do you think our brand stands for?
• What words would you use to describe our brand and its offerings? 
• Do you prefer more traditional or modern marketing techniques/strategies when engaging with our brand? 
• Which social media platforms do you associate most with our brand?
• Are there any particular campaigns that have resonated with you in the past?
• What type of content do you expect to see from our brand? 
• Are there any particular features or services that make our brand stand out from its competitors? 
• Do certain events or promotions influence your views on our brand? 
• Do you believe our brand offers competitive pricing compared to other brands?
• Do you think our brand is transparent with its customers regarding providing information and responding to inquiries? 
• Are there any particular resources that could help customers better understand our brand and offerings? 
• What do you believe our brand should focus on to improve customer experiences?
• Do you think our brand adequately addresses customer feedback or suggestions? 
• Do certain rewards or loyalty programs influence your purchasing decisions when considering our brand?
• Do you feel that our brand keeps up with the latest trends in technology and innovation?

Customer Retention Questions

• What do you believe are the key factors that make customers commit to our brand?
• Do you think our customer service is up to par with competitors in the market?
• How likely are you to recommend our products or services to friends and family? 
• What do you think keeps customers engaged with our brand, both online and in-store? 
• Are there any particular features or services that you think make our brand stand out from its competitors?
• Do certain discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs influence your decision to stay with us?
• What do you think is the biggest challenge when retaining customers for our brand?
• Are there any new products or services that would make you a more loyal customer?
• Are there any particular communications or marketing tactics that could help keep customers engaged with our brand?
• Do certain events or milestones influence your commitment to our brand?
• What do you think is the most effective way to show appreciation for customers?
• Are there any loyalty or rewards programs that have successfully kept customers loyal to our brand?
• Do you think our customer service team is responsive and attentive when addressing customer needs and inquiries?
• Are there any particular features or services that could improve your overall experience with our brand? 
• Do you feel our prices are reasonable compared to other products and services in the market?
• Are there any specific features or services that add value to our offerings?
• What do you think is the best way to differentiate ourselves from competitors regarding pricing?
• Are there any particular discounts or promotions that could influence customers to purchase from us?
• Do you think our pricing strategy is transparent and easy for customers to understand?
• Do certain market events or trends influence customer decisions when choosing our brand over competitors?
• What do you believe are the biggest challenges when it comes to setting prices for our products or services?
• Do you think our price points are competitive enough to draw customer interest?
• Are there any particular features or services that could be offered at a lower cost than competitors?
• Do you think certain rewards or loyalty programs influence customer decisions when comparing brand prices?
• Are there any discounts, promotions, or offers that have successfully driven sales?
• What is the most effective way to communicate pricing information to customers?
• Are there any particular resources or tools that could be used to analyze and adjust our prices as needed?

Market Research Wrap Up

These 75 market research questions provide a great starting point for any business looking to gain valuable insights into customer behavior and market trends.

By using this as a guide, you can ensure that your surveys are comprehensive and effective in helping you make informed decisions about your products and services. Good luck!

Do you have any questions of your own to add? Let us know in the comments below!

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What market research questions should you be asking: With examples

• October 19, 2019
• 10 min read
• Market research

Primary market research question examples

Secondary market research question examples, first things first: who is our customer, good market research questions: what is important to ask, 1. who is our ideal customer, 2. what is the biggest challenge for customers, 3. what do customers really want, 4. what sets us apart from the competition, 5. what price is right, write the best market research questions with surveyplanet.

Before launching your next product or business, it’s important to take time to complete some marketing research, which will provide information about what competitors are doing and if your ideas are profitable.

An essential part of market research is refining the target audience, which will help in creating an effective marketing strategy. While there are many different market research components, the most important is asking the right questions.

SurveyPlanet is here to help with examples of good market research questions. Read through our market research 101 guides and discover the best market research questions to ask your target market.

Primary market research

Before diving into specifics, it’s important to grasp the main concepts of market research. There are two basic categories: primary research and secondary research.

Primary research is gathering firsthand information about a market, customers, and competition. It is generally completed with focus groups, interviews, and online surveys that provide information about specific challenges customers face. Such research also helps gather details about the brand awareness of a company. Conducting primary research is a way to establish buyer personas and segment the market.

Here are some examples of primary market research questions that will gather valuable insights about a target market:

Demographics and background

• What is your age range?
• What is your gender?
• What is your educational background?
• What is your household income level?
• What is your occupation?

Product or service perception

• What is your familiarity with our product/service?
• What do you perceive as the primary benefits of our product/service?
• How would you rate the quality of our product/service?
• How likely are you to recommend our product/service to others?

Consumer behavior

• How frequently do you purchase similar products/services?
• What factors influence your purchasing decisions?
• Where do you typically do research or seek information before making a purchase?
• What channels do you use for purchasing products/services?

Brand awareness and perception

• Are you familiar with our brand?
• How would you describe our brand personality?
• What do you associate our brand with?
• How likely are you to consider our brand over competitors?

Pricing and value perception

• How do you perceive the value-for-price equation of our product/service?
• What price range would you consider reasonable for our product/service?
• Would you be willing to pay a premium for additional features or benefits?

Customer satisfaction and feedback

• How satisfied are you with our product/service?
• What improvements or changes would you like to see in our product/service?
• How likely are you to repurchase our product/service in the future?
• Would you recommend our product/service to others? Why or why not?

Market trends and competitor analysis

• Are there any emerging trends or innovations in the market that you find appealing?
• How familiar are you with our competitors?
• What do you perceive as the strengths and weaknesses of our competitors’ offerings?
• What factors would make you switch from our product/service to a competitor?

Remember to tailor questions to your specific industry, target audience, and research objectives. The answers to these questions will provide valuable insights about the market, customer preferences, and areas for improvement, enabling informed decision-making and refined marketing strategies.

Secondary market research

The main purpose of secondary market research is to analyze data that is already published and draw conclusions from it. This involves analyzing public records, industry content, market statistics, and sales data. Secondary research is especially helpful for analyzing competitors. Most secondary research is done using a combination of public, commercial, or internal sources.

Public sources include government statistics such as data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau. Commercial sources usually come in the form of a market report compiled by research agencies. Finally, internal sources include customer retention rates, average revenue, and data from both old and new accounts. Together, all this data may help determine what buyers want right now and help develop market research questions to ask clients.

Here are some examples of secondary market research questions that can help guide the search for existing information and data.

Market size and growth

• What is the current market size for [industry or product category]?
• What is the projected growth rate for the [industry or product category] in the next few years?
• Are there any specific regions or demographics driving the market growth?

Target market segmentation

• How is the target market segmented within the [industry or product category]?
• What are the key characteristics or demographics of each market segment?
• Are there any emerging or untapped market segments within the industry?

Competitive landscape

• Who are the major competitors in the [industry or product category]?
• What is their market share and positioning?
• What are their strengths and weaknesses compared to each other?

Consumer behavior and preferences

• What are the current consumer trends and preferences within the [industry or product category]?
• What factors influence consumer purchasing decisions?
• Are there any notable shifts in consumer behavior in recent years?

Industry regulations and compliance

• What are the regulatory requirements and compliance standards for the [industry or product category]?
• Are there any upcoming regulatory changes or potential impacts on the industry?
• How do these regulations affect product development and marketing strategies?

Pricing and revenue models

• What are the typical pricing structures and models within the [industry or product category]?
• Are there any pricing trends or changes affecting the industry?
• What are the revenue models commonly used by businesses in the industry?

Technological innovations and disruptions

• What are the emerging technologies or innovations relevant to the [industry or product category]?
• Are there any disruptive technologies that could impact the industry?
• How are businesses adopting or integrating technology within the industry?

Consumer feedback and reviews

• What are consumers saying about products or services within the [industry or product category]?
• Are there any common issues or concerns raised by consumers?
• What are the key factors influencing consumer satisfaction or dissatisfaction?

Marketing and advertising strategies

• What are the prevailing marketing and advertising strategies used in the [industry or product category]?
• Are there any successful or noteworthy campaigns that have garnered attention?
• How are businesses utilizing digital platforms and social media for marketing purposes?

Industry publications and reports

• What industry publications or reports provide insights into the [industry or product category]?
• Are there any reputable market research firms or organizations that publish relevant data?
• What recent studies or reports offer valuable information about the industry?

Remember to search for reliable and up-to-date sources of information like industry reports, market research publications, government data, and reputable news outlets. Secondary market research can provide a foundation of knowledge about the industry, market trends, and consumer behavior, allowing you to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.

Once you have collected primary market research, it’s time to sit down and define buyer personas and focus groups. Ask who the ideal customer is. What is their age? Where do they live? What do they do for a living? Defining buyer personas helps form a better understanding of your audience.

Key characteristics of a buyer persona include:

• Job Title(s)
• Family Size

Companies may have more than one buyer persona; that’s completely fine. The reason to create buyer personas is to know exactly who your potential audience is. Buyer personas will help optimize campaigns and content to spark their interests.

Conducting a market research survey

Market research surveys are an efficient way to gain data based on insights from real customers. Companies can send surveys to existing and/or potential customers. Surveys give valuable insight into opinions about products, the company, and its customers. Companies use market research questions to make changes to products and improve or enhance features. Surveys may also answer whether the business idea is a good one. Find below some examples of market research questions to ask in a survey.

Explore and use our market research survey templates to get the data you need to make the right decisions.

Market research questions are extremely important for everyone—from small businesses to corporations.

Market research can help better understand customers and, maybe even more importantly, nourish relationships with them by making them feel influential and special. In this way, the goal is not just satisfied customers, but loyal ones too. Examining people’s needs can improve business decisions and help with product development.

Market research questions can also ask clients and associates their thoughts about your cooperation so far.

Online surveys are one of the simplest research methods—they are flexible, dependable, and cost-effective. Read here our tips for creating an engaging survey. But what are good market research questions to ask a target market?

We prepared a few examples of market research questions—with detailed explanations.

Market research surveys should include questions about customers, including gender, age, income level, job title, location, and education level. This is an especially important step for start-up companies new to the market that have yet to nail down their target audience. It’s one thing to create buyer personas; it’s another to verify they are correct based on actual customers.

Don’t hesitate to ask for details in order to learn more about the ideal customer. A pet shop needs to know what kinds of animals customers own. How many? In what type of home do they live? The more information you can learn about customers, the better.

Market research involves learning about customers’ pain points, which will help create better solutions. For example, if an online textbook store sent out a survey to students and asked about pain points, they might find that “textbook prices are too high.” The company could take this information and compare prices to a competitor’s. If their prices are too high, they can lower them or offer discounts to combat this challenge.

Ask customers about their top five to seven problems regarding a service or product. If there are enough similar responses, business owners may need to improve or create a new product to counteract these frustrations.

It doesn’t hurt to ask customers exactly what they want. Asking open-ended market research questions like this will provide answers that you might not have realized were needed. If people show reluctance to answer this question, give them the option to rate certain products or services. This will at least provide guidance about which ones they like or dislike.

For example, a shoe store might send a survey with an email asking about this season’s sandals. Customers have the option to rate the sandal and answer specific questions about it. The company can use this information to learn more about what their customers like and what to provide in the future.

Learning the difference between quantitative and qualitative research can help you choose market research methods and questions.

Ask this question to find out what customers really think about you. Choose open-ended questions and encourage respondents to describe everything in detail. One way to do this is by asking specific questions related to what you offer that competitors don’t.

For example, a bakery might offer gluten-free and vegan options, but they’re unsure if their customers care. The bakery could ask in the survey, “How important is it to you to have gluten-free or vegan options at a bakery?” The responses are rated on a scale from not important to very important. The answers will tell you if what sets you apart matters to the customer.

The survey should also include sections that allow a customer to agree or disagree with statements. For example, “I can count on Phil’s Auto Shop to offer competitive pricing.” Such questions provide insight into the emotional benefits customers perceive from your business.

New businesses benefit from including pricing questions since it can be difficult to pinpoint the right price to charge, especially if you don’t have a true competitor. Pricing products or services fairly can generate the right balance of revenue and customer satisfaction. Pricing products too high can result in a lack of customers. Pricing them too low can result in a profit loss. So how to price just right? Figure out a comfortable profit margin and then ask customers their opinions on prices. Realize that there will always be businesses that charge more or less. Pricing fairly is a matter of creating brand loyalty and excellent customer experience.

While conducting a market research survey, ask customers if they find the prices too low, fair, or too high. Display different products and services with prices and have customers rate them. For example, a marketing agency might wonder if their website design price is appealing. In their survey, they can include an example of a website design, what it includes, and their current price. Customers will have the option to decide if it’s fair or not. To gain more insight, they might also include their other services in the survey.

With these suggestions, you might now be wondering how to use them. SurveyPlanet is a great place to start. We offer a free plan that allows for the creation of unlimited surveys that can be sent to customers. And if you don’t want to write market research material, we have over 90 pre-written surveys and plenty of examples to choose from. All you have to do is press send.

For companies that would prefer to customize their surveys, we offer a Pro plan that allows the creation of custom themes, branch questions , export results, and so much more. Whether you need something basic or more extensive, both our free and paid versions can help get the job done. Start conducting market research by signing up for SurveyPlanet today.

• Market Research

How to write effective market research questions

• October 31, 2022

Every business owner wants to get into the head of their audience, as it makes a business successful. That is why primary data is valuable, and every blog you read suggests asking the right market research questions. 

The right questions will give you a way into the psyche of your customers, driving your business in the right direction, but how do you create the perfect market research questionnaire? 

In this article, we will share some interesting tips and examples of market research questions that would help you speed up your market research process.

Types of market research questions.

Market research is a tricky game for someone who is just beginning. There are many moving pieces and cogs to handle, which can sometimes get overwhelming. 

 While it is crucial for decision-making and should be prioritized, many people make the mistake of rushing the process. They forget that if they do not create a contextual market research questionnaire, it can make the insights inconclusive or confusing. 

A market research survey should have questions based on your market research goal. This will help you get qualitative insights from your audience. Here are the types of questions you can ask your audience: 

Multiple choice questions 

You must have tackled MCQ quizzes in your high school or college. When doing market research, these questions are useful when you need to cast a wide net and understand the different opinions (or options) a respondent has. For example, the types of credit cards they hold and use frequently. 

Single choice questions

Single-choice (or radio button) questions give users only one choice to select from a given list. These questions are suitable when you want to:

• Segment your customers.
• Discover critical pain points.
• Qualify your respondents for the following survey segments.

You can also use these questions for product development or customer satisfaction surveys. For example, asking users which features they hate or like to see in future updates. 

Matrix grid questions 

A matrix question grid is usually seen in customer satisfaction surveys but can be used in market research questionnaires to shorten the surveys. 

Here’s an example of a matrix question: 

Ranking questions

Ranking questions ask the respondents to prioritize their opinions or choices in order of preference; for example, what is the most important criterion for you while booking a room in a hotel?

• Location 
• Amenities 
• Customer Ratings

Customers can rank their preferences by moving the options up and down. These questions help understand a respondent’s preferences and choices, which can be crucial for marketing campaign planning, copywriting, and creative decision-making. 

Open-ended questions

Open-ended questions are straightaway questions that ask respondents to write out their answers directly. These are free text responses that one can share to explain the reasons for their last response or freely share opinions. 

Such answers do not have a definitive structure and can be hard to analyze at scale. Many modern market research tools use sentiment analysis features to categorize open-ended responses. 

For example, GapScout can help you unearth trends and the general sentiments from online customer reviews. 

Market research questions for segmenting your audience.

Segmentation divides your target audience into categories to personalize marketing campaigns, improve the value proposition, or delight users with contextual information or offers.

Market research with segmentation as an objective should have questions that give you granular-level insights about your audience, their preferences, and their character traits.

Ideally, segmentation questions should aim to gather insights about demographics, psychographics, or behavioral characteristics. 

Before writing market research questions for segmenting audiences, you should find answers to questions like:  

• What locations are the most popular among customers? 
• What are our existing customers’ interests, preferences, fears, and aspirations? 
• Do we have existing data on the demographics of our ideal target audience? 
• Have we segmented our customers before? If yes, how is the current situation different from before? 
• Are we expecting to prove any hypothesis regarding customer expectations, pain points, or aspirations? 
• How do our customers find out about us? 

Once you write out the answers to the above questions, you will have ample ideas on how to structure your market research survey. If you are still clueless, here are a few questions to help you get inspired. 

Segmentation market research question examples: 

• Are you open to trying new experiences, or love sticking to your regular brands? 
• What is your hobby? What do you enjoy in your leisure time? 
• What kind of food do you like? 
• Where do you research before going for a big-ticket purchase? 
• How much money do you usually spend on x (product)?
• What is your primary source of information? 
• Are you married? If yes, how many children do you have? 
• Where do you shop for your monthly groceries? 

Market research questions for product development.

A lot of data goes into developing a new product. So, conducting market research for product development is essential, as it gives you enough information about what your customer wants to see in a new product. It also helps you understand the perception of your product over competitors and will also help you prioritize your product roadmap. 

When planning to conduct market research for product development, ask yourself: 

• What products are currently available in the market? 
• Are the users dissatisfied with existing offerings? 
• How does your product compare to other products available in the market? 
• What are the pain points no one is solving for customers? 
• Do you have the resources to build a customer-centric roadmap and deliver a unique product? 
• What value proposition can you offer? 
• How to gather customer feedback from the existing users (of competitors)? 

You can use GapScout to conduct market research from existing product reviews of competitors to get deep insights into what users want. These insights will help you identify the opportunity gaps in the market that you can confirm by asking on-point questions in your market research questionnaire. 

Product development market research question examples:

• Which features are most valuable to you when you use xxx (product)? 
• What challenges do you face with XXXX ( your industry, for example, organic skincare brands)?
• What do you wish XXXX (product/service) had that it currently does not?
• What tools do you use at your job or in your daily life? 
• What brand/company do you turn to when you have xxxx problem (your pain point)?
• How often do you use a product/service during the day/week/month?

Market research questions for pricing strategy. 

An on-point pricing strategy is one of the most critical elements for the success of your business because this will drive revenues. Pricing market research to understand consumers’ interest in paying for something will ensure long-term success. 

Accurate pricing market research can help you stay profitable, attract more users, and keep growing through various business cycles. Before starting market research, ask yourself: 

• Have your existing customers ever complained about your price? 
• How do the competitors charge for their products, and what features do they offer? 
• How is the perception of your current pricing plans in the eyes of customers compared to competitors? 
• Do your products offer value for money for customers? 
• How will restructuring the price affect the revenue or profit margins?
• Is there any room for cross-selling or upselling among the existing customer group? 
• Can we offer a free tier, plan or demo to attract more customers? 

The answers to the above questions will give your market research a clear direction about what to ask. For example, suppose you know your customers charge less than you and your customers feel cheated because of this. In that case, you can create a direct question about how disappointed they are and then take corrective actions to delight future users. 

Pricing market research question examples:

• Would you purchase the product at xxx price? 
• What do you think about the cost of xxx (category or product) in the market? Is it costly, cheap, or justifies its worth? 
• What sort of customer service would you expect in return
•  if you have to pay for a service or product every month? 
• Are you confused about the pricing of xxx (competing product)? 

Market research questions for branding & marketing

Whether you are branding for a small business , startup, or enterprise, you will need detailed inputs and information about your target audience. Market research for branding and advertising helps you analyze the effectiveness of your current campaigns and provides inputs for future marketing strategies. 

A standard market research questionnaire would help you generate ideas, gather inspiration, and optimize your overall marketing/branding strategy. Here’s what you should keep in mind when you are planning market research for branding or marketing: 

• What are our best-performing advertising and marketing channels currently? 
• Do we have a brand recall or desired visibility? 
• Do we achieve the desired ROI? If not, what is stopping us from attaining efficiency or effectiveness? 
• Do our customers associate the brand with the value proposition we offer? 
• Are our positioning and communication precise enough for customers to understand how we address their fear and apprehensions? 
• Are our competitors performing better in terms of marketing? If yes, what channels are they most active on? 
• Are we running A/B tests or conducting conversion optimization for our existing marketing efforts? 

Branding & marketing research question examples:

• What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘xxx’ (your brand name)? 
• Where did you first hear about XXXX (your brand name)? 
• If XXXX (name of your brand) was a person, how would you describe them? 
• Will you pick xxx (the product) from an online store or an offline retailer? 
• Look at the video clip. What do you think right after you finish seeing the video? (for perception analysis of a new video campaign) 
• When you see it online, will you click on Banner A or Banner B? (linked with banner options) 

Best practices for writing market research questions.

• Create multiple-choice questions with mutually exclusive options: Do not create overlapping options for MCQs. For example, if you are asking about the age, make sure to have exclusive options such as 10-17, 18-24, 25-34 and so on. This will make sure your data is not skewed. 
• Calculate the required sample size beforehand: You should know how many respondents you need to gather conclusive findings. The best way is to use an online sample size calculator that helps you account for the margin of error and confidence level of respondents. This way, you will have desired data without wastage of resources. 
• Keep questions straightforward: Every question should be written with the intention of gathering one clear insight. There should not be more than one question about the same issue. This will make your life easier and improve the quality of the data you gather. At the same time, do not add double-barreled questions to the survey that confuse a respondent. 

Save time with GapScout. 

Conducting a compelling and conclusive market research survey is time-consuming and costly — something not every entrepreneur can afford, especially at the early stages. Even with the most accurate questions to gather insights, human errors can lead to inconclusive results. 

A better way to conduct market research for your business is to use online customer reviews to gather insights. GapScout helps you scan real customer reviews in your industry and provide deep insights on customer pain points, expectations, need gaps, and opportunities in the market. 

Use GapScout to save time gathering insights and start optimizing your business plan and operations within hours. 

Also Read: 

• Market Research vs Marketing Research
• Market research process
• Market research for startups  

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Top 27 Market Research Analyst Interview Questions & Answers

Home » Interview Questions » Top 27 Market Research Analyst Interview Questions & Answers

Embarking on a career as a market research analyst promises a future steeped in data-driven strategies and business insights. It is a dynamic role where one can carve out a niche, exploring market trends and translating complex data into actionable strategies. Whether you are a fresher or looking to transition into this role, landing a job in this sphere necessitates an ability to delve deep into the analytics while maintaining a finger on the pulse of the market landscape. We are setting the stage for your preparation with a deep dive into some of the most common interview questions you might encounter.

The interview is a critical stage in securing a job, and with the right preparation, you can face it with confidence. Market research analysts are in high demand as companies seek to leverage data to gain a competitive edge. With this article, we aim to provide a roadmap, a reference guide of the top 27 market research analyst interview questions accompanied by well-articulated answers, enabling you to steer your preparation in the right direction.

1. What intrigues you about market research?

2. can you differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research, 3. can you discuss a successful market research project you have handled, 4. how would you deal with a situation where data collected does not align with the client’s expectations, 5. how proficient are you with data analytics tools and which ones have you used, 6. how would you ensure the reliability and validity of the data collected, 7. how do you stay abreast of industry trends and developments, 8. how would you approach a market research project with a limited budget, 9. can you explain the swot analysis and its significance in market research, 10. what are the key steps in developing a market research plan, 11. how do you manage to maintain objectivity in your research, 12. describe a situation where you successfully influenced a business decision through your research findings., 13. what are the most common mistakes to avoid in market research, 14. how would you handle conflicting feedback from team members during a project, 15. how do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects, 16. how do you ensure data privacy and ethical considerations while conducting market research, 17. what strategies do you use to ensure high response rates in surveys, 18. how would you assess the effectiveness of a marketing campaign, 19. how do you handle tight deadlines without compromising the quality of the research, 20. what, according to you, are the most critical skills for a market research analyst, 21. how would you validate the results of a market research study, 22. can you give an example of a time you identified a trend from your research data, 23. how do you keep yourself motivated during a long and complex market research project, 24. how would you adapt if asked to switch to a project in an unfamiliar industry, 25. can you name some sources you would use for secondary research, 26. how do you handle feedback on your research findings, especially if it is critical, 27. what do you believe is the future of market research, top 27 market research analyst interview questions and answers (with samples).

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, let’s delve into the heart of the matter — the top 27 market research analyst interview questions that can aid you in presenting yourself as the most promising candidate. Each question is followed by a thorough explanation and a crafted sample answer to fuel your readiness for the big day.

To answer this, showcase your genuine interest in the domain while emphasizing the critical role market research plays in business success.

Sample Answer

“I find market research fascinating because it is like solving a complex puzzle. It involves delving into vast amounts of data, identifying patterns, and synthesizing information to forge strategies that can drive a business forward. The dynamic nature of this field, where every project brings in a new challenge, is truly exciting for me.”

This question aims to understand your knowledge about the fundamental methods used in market research.

“Absolutely, qualitative research delves deep to understand the underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations, utilizing techniques like one-on-one interviews and focus groups. On the other hand, quantitative research quantifies the data and generalizes results from a larger sample population, primarily employing structured techniques such as online surveys and systematic observations.”

Here, the interviewer is keen to learn about your hands-on experience in executing a market research project successfully.

“In my previous role, I was involved in a project where we assessed customer sentiment towards a product overhaul. Through meticulous market analysis, and leveraging both quantitative and qualitative methods, we could garner rich insights. The final strategy which was derived from our findings was instrumental in guiding a successful product re-launch.”

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Addressing mismatched expectations is a common scenario in research jobs. This question gauges your problem-solving abilities.

“In such a scenario, I would ensure transparency and present the data as is, with a robust explanation of the methodologies applied. Sometimes, insights gained from unexpected results can be more valuable. It opens up a route to explore alternate strategies and viewpoints that the client may not have considered initially.”

Market research analysts work extensively with data analytics tools. Hence, illustrating your proficiency in using these tools will stand you in good stead.

“I am proficient with various data analytics tools such as SPSS, SAS, and Microsoft Excel. For instance, I have utilized SAS for predictive analysis, helping businesses to leverage data in foreseeing market trends. My experience with these tools ensures that I can hit the ground running in any market research environment.”

Demonstrating your understanding of maintaining the quality of data is pivotal in landing a market research analyst job.

“To ensure reliability and validity, I adhere to a systematic approach in data collection, emphasizing well-structured questionnaires and employing a balanced mix of open and closed-ended questions. Moreover, leveraging tools that allow for the elimination of biases and errors further aids in ensuring the data’s reliability and validity.”

Your answer should reflect your proactive approach to staying updated in a fast-evolving industry landscape.

“I regularly follow industry blogs, webinars, and forums. I also subscribe to newsletters from renowned market research firms. Additionally, attending seminars and networking with professionals in the field provides a rich source of information and diverse perspectives on the evolving industry trends.”

Showcase your ability to optimize resources and still churn out quality results even when working under financial constraints.

“Working with a limited budget necessitates creativity and precision. I would focus on utilizing cost-effective research methods like online surveys and secondary research

. Additionally, narrowing down the research scope to the most critical aspects can help in garnering substantial insights without overshooting the budget.”

Illustrate your understanding of SWOT analysis, a vital tool in market research, by discussing its components and importance.

“Absolutely. SWOT analysis involves evaluating the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to a business or a specific market. It is crucial as it provides a structured approach to understanding both internal and external factors that can influence the business, thereby aiding in strategic planning.”

Delve into the strategic steps involved in constructing a robust market research plan, highlighting your knowledge and experience.

“The foundational step is to define the research objectives clearly. Following this, we select the appropriate research method, design the research tool, and determine the sample size and demographics. Post data collection, the next steps involve data analysis, interpretation, and finally presenting the findings in a comprehensible format to facilitate informed decision-making.”

In market research, maintaining objectivity is fundamental. Your answer should reflect your adherence to this principle.

“Maintaining objectivity begins with the formulation of unbiased questionnaires, avoiding leading or suggestive questions. Additionally, while analyzing data, I make it a point to steer clear of preconceived notions, allowing the data to guide the conclusions rather than fitting data into predetermined outcomes.”

Showcase an instance where your research proved to be a cornerstone in influencing a significant business decision.

“In my prior role, I spearheaded a market analysis project where we identified an untapped market segment. The insights derived from our research were pivotal in reshaping the company’s marketing strategy, directing focus towards this new demographic, which eventually led to a notable increase in the customer base and revenues.”

Illustrate your awareness of the pitfalls in market research and your strategy to avoid them.

“One common mistake is not defining the research objectives clearly, which can lead to unfocused results. Another pitfall is relying excessively on quantitative data and overlooking qualitative insights, which offer depth and context. Also, ignoring the current market trends and not validating the collected data can result in flawed insights. I always ensure to steer clear of these mistakes by adopting a meticulous approach at every stage of the research process.”

This question probes your conflict resolution skills in a teamwork setting.

“In the event of conflicting feedback, I would arrange a meeting where all perspectives can be heard and discussed openly. I believe in fostering a collaborative environment where every team member feels valued. Through constructive discussion and leveraging collective intelligence, we can often arrive at a solution that is mutually agreeable and in the best interest of the project.”

Demonstrate your adeptness in handling multiple projects efficiently by discussing your strategy for task prioritization.

“I prioritize tasks based on the urgency and the impact it can have on the project’s overall progress. Utilizing project management tools, I create a visual representation of all tasks and deadlines to keep track effectively. Regular communication with the team also aids in adjusting priorities as needed, ensuring smooth progress on all fronts.”

Highlight your commitment to adhering to ethical standards and ensuring data privacy in your research undertakings.

“Ensuring data privacy is paramount. I strictly adhere to the legal frameworks governing data protection. Before collecting data, I ensure informed consent from participants, clearly stating the purpose of the research and how the data will be used. Additionally, employing secure data storage solutions and conducting regular audits are steps I take to uphold data privacy and ethical standards.”

Your answer should illustrate your strategic approach to garnering a high response rate in surveys, an essential aspect of market research.

“To achieve high response rates, I focus on crafting concise and engaging surveys, avoiding overly technical jargon. Leveraging a multi-channel approach, such as online and telephone surveys, can also enhance response rates. Furthermore, offering incentives or expressing the value that the responses would bring to the study can encourage more participants to respond.”

Discuss the metrics and analytical approaches you would utilize to evaluate the success of a marketing campaign.

“To assess a marketing campaign’s effectiveness, I would focus on key performance indicators like engagement rate, click-through rate, and conversion rate. Analyzing the ROI (Return on Investment) is also a crucial metric. Besides quantitative metrics, gathering qualitative feedback through surveys or focus groups can provide a more rounded view of the campaign’s impact.”

Illustrate your ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining the quality of the output.

“Handling tight deadlines necessitates a well-structured approach. I begin by clearly delineating the tasks and allocating sufficient resources to each. Leveraging automation tools for data collection and analysis can also save time. Despite the pressure, I maintain a strong focus on the research objectives to ensure the quality is not compromised.”

Share your perspective on the vital skills that a market research analyst should possess to excel in their role.

“In my view, a market research analyst should have strong analytical skills to dissect complex data and derive meaningful insights. Moreover, excellent communication skills are essential to convey findings effectively. Being proficient in data analytics tools and having a knack for problem-solving are other critical skills that enable a market research analyst to thrive in their role.”

Discuss the approaches you undertake to ensure the validity of a market research study’s results.

“To validate the results, I adopt a multifaceted approach, including cross-verifying the data through different sources and employing statistical methods to assess the reliability of the findings. Conducting pilot tests before the full-scale study and seeking feedback from peers in the field can also aid in validating the results.”

Showcase a moment where your analytical skills played a pivotal role in identifying a significant trend.

“In a previous role, I noticed a recurring pattern in the customer feedback data, indicating a growing preference for eco-friendly products. Identifying this trend early on allowed the company to pivot its product development strategy, focusing on more sustainable options, which was well-received in the market, setting a positive trend in sales.”

Demonstrate your strategy to maintain motivation and enthusiasm during lengthy and intricate market research

“During long projects, I keep myself motivated by setting short-term goals and celebrating the milestones achieved. Regular team meetings to discuss progress and hurdles also foster a collaborative spirit, which is energizing. Personally, the thrill of unveiling insights and the impact it can have on a business’s strategy is a significant motivating factor for me.”

Discuss your adaptability and readiness to delve into projects spanning various industries, showcasing your learning agility.

“I view such opportunities as a learning curve. I would begin by immersing myself in industry-related literature, reports, and trends to build a foundational understanding. Networking with professionals in the industry and leaning on the expertise of my team members would also be a strategy I would adopt to swiftly adapt and deliver on the project’s objectives.”

Highlight your resourcefulness in leveraging various sources for conducting secondary research.

“Certainly. For secondary research, I often rely on governmental publications, industry reports, academic journals, and credible news outlets. Online databases like Statista and Google Scholar also offer a rich source of reliable data. Additionally, company websites and white papers provide insights into industry trends and competitive landscapes.”

Your answer should demonstrate your receptiveness to feedback and your professional approach to handling critical reviews.

“I welcome feedback as it offers a fresh perspective and an opportunity for improvement. When faced with critical feedback, I take time to understand the concerns raised, analyzing it objectively without taking it personally. Engaging in a constructive dialogue to address the issues and willing to revisit the research process if necessary, helps in maintaining the integrity and quality of the research.”

Round off the series of questions by sharing your insights on the future trajectory of market research.

“I envision the future of market research to be greatly influenced by advancements in technology, with AI and machine learning playing pivotal roles in data analysis, offering deeper and more nuanced insights. Additionally, I foresee a stronger focus on real-time data analysis, enabling businesses to make informed decisions swiftly, staying a step ahead in the highly competitive market landscape.”

As we reach the conclusion of this comprehensive guide, we hope that it serves as a valuable resource in your journey towards becoming a market research analyst. The above curated list of questions and answers aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in your interview. Remember, while these answers serve as a foundation, infusing your personal experiences and insights will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the interviewers. So gear up, and wish you all the very best in your upcoming interview.

Remember to utilize resources like AI Resume Builder , Resume Design , Resume Samples , Resume Examples , Resume Skills , Resume Help , Resume Synonyms , and Job Responsibilities to create a standout application and prepare for the interview.

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Sarah Samson is a professional career advisor and resume expert. She specializes in helping recent college graduates and mid-career professionals improve their resumes and format them for the modern job market. In addition, she has also been a contributor to several online publications.

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30 Market Researcher Interview Questions and Answers

Common Market Researcher interview questions, how to answer them, and example answers from a certified career coach.

In the world of business, knowledge is power. As a market researcher, you’re at the forefront of gathering and analyzing this knowledge to help companies make informed decisions. Your insights can shape product development, marketing strategies, and even overall business direction. But before you can start making an impact, you need to ace your job interview.

To help guide you through the process, we’ve compiled a list of common interview questions for market research roles. We’ll also provide expert advice on how to respond effectively, giving you the best possible chance to demonstrate why you’d make a superb addition to any data-driven team.

1. Can you describe a market research project where you identified a significant trend or insight that impacted business strategy?

The ability to spot trends, patterns and insights in the data you collect is fundamental to the role of a market researcher. It’s not just about gathering information, but using it to shape and guide the business’s strategy. Employers want to see that you can do more than just crunch numbers – they want to know you can provide actionable insights that drive decisions and make a real impact on the business.

Example: “In a recent project, I was analyzing consumer behavior in the retail sector. I discovered an emerging trend of consumers preferring eco-friendly products and sustainable brands. This insight was significant as it indicated a shift in buying patterns.

I presented this data to our client who then reevaluated their product development strategy. They began investing more in eco-friendly alternatives and marketing their commitment to sustainability. This change resulted in increased customer loyalty and market share for them.”

2. How have you used quantitative and qualitative research methods in your previous roles?

As a market researcher, you’ll be expected to gather and analyze both numerical data (quantitative research) and non-numerical data (qualitative research) to provide insights into customer behavior, market trends, and business opportunities. This question seeks to understand your practical experience and proficiency with both types of research methods. Your response gives the interviewer a glimpse into your analytical skills and your ability to apply research findings to real-world business scenarios.

Example: “In one project, I used quantitative research to gather data on customer preferences via surveys. The statistical analysis of the responses provided concrete insights into customer behavior and product popularity.

On another occasion, I employed qualitative methods through focus groups and in-depth interviews. This approach helped understand customers’ emotions and motivations behind their purchasing decisions, providing a more comprehensive view of our target market.

Both approaches were critical in formulating effective marketing strategies, with quantitative data offering measurable facts and qualitative research adding context and depth to these findings.”

3. Describe a situation where you had to balance the need for detailed research with time constraints.

The essence of market research is the ability to balance precision and deadlines. While high-quality research is important for making informed decisions, the competitive nature of the business world often means that decisions need to be made quickly. This question is designed to gauge your ability to prioritize tasks, work efficiently under pressure, and provide actionable insights within a given timeframe.

Example: “In a previous project, I was tasked with researching market trends for a new product launch. The deadline was tight due to an upcoming marketing campaign.

I prioritized key areas that would have the most impact on our strategy – competitor analysis, customer behavior and industry trends. I utilized efficient online tools and databases to gather information quickly.

Despite the time pressure, I ensured accuracy by cross-verifying data from multiple sources. This approach allowed me to deliver comprehensive research within the stipulated timeframe, contributing significantly to the successful product launch.”

4. How would you handle a situation where stakeholders disagreed with your research findings?

Stakeholders are the heart and soul of a business, and their opinions matter. However, as a market researcher, your job is to provide factual, data-driven insights. Disagreements are bound to happen. This question is a way for interviewers to gauge your interpersonal skills, your problem-solving abilities, and your commitment to delivering accurate and unbiased results, despite potential pushbacks.

Example: “In situations where stakeholders disagree with research findings, I would first ensure that the data is accurate and the methodology was sound. If confirmed, I would then present the information in a different format or perspective to help them understand better.

Open dialogue is key. I would invite questions, address concerns, and provide further explanations if needed.

If disagreements persist, seeking third-party validation or conducting additional research may be beneficial. It’s crucial to maintain objectivity and focus on what the data tells us for effective decision-making.”

5. Can you discuss a time when you had to use secondary research data and how you ensured its validity?

As a market researcher, you’ll often be asked to make sense of existing data sets — or secondary research. The key here is knowing how to critically assess the quality of that data. It’s essential to understand where it came from, how it was collected, and whether it’s reliable. Interviewers want to see that you’re not just capable of analyzing numbers, but also ensuring the data you’re working with is sound.

Example: “In a previous project, I used secondary research data to analyze market trends. To ensure its validity, I cross-verified the information from multiple reliable sources such as government publications and industry reports.

I also checked the methodology of the studies to understand how the data was collected and analyzed. This helped me assess any potential biases or limitations in the data.

By using these strategies, I was able to confidently utilize the secondary research data for my analysis and derive meaningful insights.”

6. What steps do you take to ensure the accuracy of your data collection?

Accuracy is the lifeblood of market research. If the data you collect isn’t accurate, it can lead to wrong conclusions and potentially disastrous business decisions. Therefore, hiring managers want to know that you have a thorough understanding of the importance of accurate data collection, and that you have a proven process in place to ensure the integrity of your research.

Example: “Ensuring data accuracy is crucial in market research. I start by clearly defining the objectives and parameters of the study to avoid ambiguity. Then, I select a representative sample size for reliable results.

I use validated tools for data collection and double-check entries to minimize errors. If using surveys, I ensure questions are clear, unbiased, and easy to understand.

Regular audits of the collected data help identify inconsistencies or anomalies early on. If discrepancies arise, I revisit the source to verify information.

In addition, I adhere strictly to ethical guidelines during the entire process, as unethical practices can compromise data integrity.”

7. How have you used statistical analysis software in your previous roles?

As a market researcher, you’re often tasked with gathering, analyzing, and interpreting complex sets of data. This question is asked to gauge your hands-on experience with statistical analysis software like SAS, SPSS, or R, which are tools that help make sense of this data. The interviewer wants to understand your proficiency in using these tools, which is a key aspect of the role.

Example: “In my experience, I’ve utilized statistical analysis software such as SPSS and R for data collection, cleaning, and interpretation. For instance, in a project on consumer behavior, I used these tools to analyze survey responses. This involved running descriptive statistics to understand the demographic profile of respondents and using inferential statistics to identify significant differences between groups.

Moreover, I employed regression models to predict future trends based on historical data. The insights drawn from this analysis were instrumental in formulating marketing strategies tailored to our target audience.

Furthermore, I also used visualization tools within these software packages to present complex data in an easily digestible format for stakeholders. This facilitated better understanding and decision-making.”

8. In your experience, how do you approach developing a research questionnaire?

The essence of a market researcher’s job is to gather and analyze data, often through the use of questionnaires. The way you develop these tools is a direct reflection of your understanding of the research process, your analytical thinking, and your ability to communicate effectively. By asking this question, the hiring manager is looking to assess your methodology, creativity, and ability to gather insightful, actionable information.

Example: “Developing a research questionnaire involves several key steps. I start by clearly defining the objectives of the research to ensure that every question serves a purpose.

Next, I design questions that are simple, direct and unbiased to avoid leading respondents towards certain answers. It’s crucial to keep the language simple and easy for everyone to understand.

I also incorporate different types of questions such as open-ended, closed-ended, multiple choice or rating scale questions based on what information we need. This variety helps in gaining both qualitative and quantitative data.

Before finalizing, I always pilot test the questionnaire with a small group to check if it’s clear and makes sense to them. Based on their feedback, necessary adjustments are made.”

9. How have you leveraged consumer behavior insights to inform marketing strategies?

Digging into the core of your potential as a market researcher, this question aims to uncover your ability to transform data into actionable insights. You’re not just collecting information for the sake of it, you’re expected to interpret it and use it to drive strategic decisions. Your answer will reveal your analytical skills, your understanding of consumer behavior, and your ability to influence marketing strategies based on your findings.

Example: “Understanding consumer behavior is crucial in developing effective marketing strategies. In a previous project, I used customer data to identify patterns and trends. For instance, we noticed that our product was popular among millennials who were environmentally conscious.

We then tailored our marketing message to highlight the eco-friendly aspects of our product. We also targeted platforms frequented by this demographic such as Instagram and YouTube for advertising. This strategy resulted in an increased engagement rate and sales from this group.

So, leveraging insights from consumer behavior not only helps in creating personalized marketing campaigns but also in identifying the most effective channels for communication.”

10. Can you discuss a time when your research findings led to a significant change in product development?

This question is designed to assess your impact as a market researcher. The heart of market research is to influence and guide product development, marketing strategies, and overall business decisions. Showing that your insights have led to tangible changes or improvements demonstrates your effectiveness and your ability to drive results.

Example: “In one of my previous projects, I was analyzing consumer behavior for a skincare brand. My research revealed that customers were increasingly looking for natural and organic ingredients in their products.

This insight led us to pivot our product development strategy. We started focusing on incorporating more natural ingredients into our formulations and highlighted this change in our marketing campaigns.

The result was overwhelmingly positive. The revamped product line saw an increase in sales by 35% within the first quarter post-launch. This experience taught me the importance of aligning product development with evolving consumer preferences based on robust market research.”

11. What methodologies do you use to analyze competitor activities?

The essence of market research lies in understanding not only your target audience but also the competitive landscape. Knowing how to analyze competitors gives businesses the edge they need to stay ahead. By asking this question, hiring managers want to ensure you have the necessary skills and strategies to gather and analyze data about competitors, thus providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making.

Example: “In analyzing competitor activities, I primarily use SWOT analysis to understand their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This provides a comprehensive view of their current position in the market.

I also utilize Porter’s Five Forces model to assess the competitive environment and identify potential areas of opportunity or threat.

Social media monitoring is another key tool, as it gives real-time insights into competitors’ marketing strategies and customer engagement tactics.

Lastly, I conduct regular mystery shopping exercises to experience their services firsthand, giving me an understanding of their customer service quality and operational efficiency.”

12. How do you stay updated on the latest market research techniques and technologies?

It’s a fast-paced, ever-evolving field out there. To stay relevant, market researchers must continually update their skill set and knowledge base. Interviewers want to know if you’re proactive and committed to continual learning. They’re interested in your strategies for staying current with the latest methodologies, technologies, and industry trends. This gives them an idea of how you’ll handle the dynamic nature of the role and contribute to the organization’s success.

Example: “I stay updated on the latest market research techniques and technologies by subscribing to industry-specific publications, attending webinars and conferences. I also follow key influencers in the field on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter where they share insights and trends. Furthermore, I participate in online forums and communities of market researchers where we exchange ideas and discuss recent developments. Regularly reviewing academic journals is another method I use as they often contain cutting-edge research methodologies.”

13. Could you discuss a challenging market research project and how you overcame those challenges?

This question is aimed at understanding your problem-solving skills, tenacity, and ability to navigate complex situations. Market research is often fraught with challenges – from accessing hard-to-reach populations to making sense of contradictory data. How you tackle these hurdles can reveal a great deal about your resourcefulness, creativity, and determination in getting the job done.

Example: “One challenging project involved researching a niche market for a unique product. The challenge was the lack of existing data due to its novelty.

To overcome this, I focused on primary research methods. We conducted surveys and interviews with potential customers to gain insights into their needs and preferences.

We also used social media analytics to understand how people were reacting to similar products in the market. This approach helped us gather valuable information that guided our client’s marketing strategy.”

14. What methods do you use to ensure your research data is representative of your target market?

As a market researcher, your ability to accurately represent the needs, wants, and trends of your target market is essential. Misrepresentation can lead to wrong business decisions. So, employers want to know that you understand the importance of representative data, and that you have methods in place to ensure that your research is accurate and unbiased. They’re interested to know how you avoid bias and ensure that the data you collect truly reflects the market you’re studying.

Example: “To ensure my research data is representative of the target market, I use a variety of methods.

I start with defining the target population accurately and then select a suitable sample size that can provide reliable results. For this, both random sampling and stratified sampling techniques are used depending on the nature of the market.

Furthermore, I apply weighting to adjust for any response bias and to make sure all segments of the population are adequately represented.

Continuous monitoring of collected data also helps in identifying any potential skewness early on.

Lastly, using multiple sources of data collection such as surveys, interviews, and secondary data analysis aids in triangulation, enhancing the validity and reliability of the findings.”

15. How have you used market segmentation in your previous roles?

Market segmentation is a key tool in the market researcher’s arsenal. It enables them to break down broad markets into smaller, more manageable segments, making it easier to tailor marketing strategies to the specific needs and preferences of these groups. It’s essential for the interviewer to know if you have experience with this valuable technique, as it can greatly enhance the effectiveness of marketing efforts and ultimately drive business success.

Example: “In the past, I’ve used market segmentation to identify and target key customer groups. For example, during a project for a retail client, we segmented their market based on demographics, psychographics, and buying behavior.

This allowed us to create tailored marketing strategies that resonated with each segment, resulting in increased engagement and sales. We also monitored these segments over time, adjusting our approach as consumer behaviors evolved.

Market segmentation is not just about identifying different groups within the market, but understanding how they behave and what motivates them. This knowledge drives effective strategy development.”

16. Can you discuss a time when you had to present complex research data to non-technical stakeholders?

This question is all about your ability to translate complex data into user-friendly, digestible information. In the role of a market researcher, you’ll often have to communicate intricate findings, not just to data scientists and analysts, but to marketing teams, sales personnel, or even CEOs – people who may not have a deep technical understanding. Your ability to do this effectively shows that you can bridge the gap between data and decision-making, a key skill in this profession.

Example: “In a previous project, I was tasked with presenting consumer behavior data to our marketing team. The data was complex as it involved multiple variables and statistical models.

To ensure clarity, I focused on visualizing the data in an easy-to-understand format. Using graphs and charts, I highlighted key trends and patterns.

During the presentation, I explained technical terms in simple language and related them to real-world examples. For instance, instead of discussing correlation coefficients, I showed how changes in one variable influenced another.

The result was successful; the team understood the insights and used them for their strategy. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication when dealing with complex data.”

17. How do you ensure the ethical conduct of your research, especially when dealing with sensitive information?

Ethical conduct is the backbone of any research, including market research. It’s paramount that researchers handle sensitive information with utmost integrity and confidentiality. Your prospective employer wants to know that you understand the importance of ethics in research and can implement the necessary protocols to ensure the privacy and safety of all the data and information you handle. This question also tests your knowledge of the laws and regulations governing market research.

Example: “Ensuring ethical conduct in research is paramount. I strictly adhere to data privacy laws and confidentiality agreements when handling sensitive information.

I also believe in transparency, so all participants are fully informed about the purpose of the research and how their data will be used. Consent is always obtained before proceeding.

Moreover, I maintain objectivity throughout the process to avoid bias that could compromise the integrity of the results. Regular audits and peer reviews help validate the accuracy and fairness of my work.”

18. How have you used digital platforms for data gathering and analysis?

The digital landscape is a treasure trove of consumer insights and data, and as a market researcher, you’re expected to navigate this space proficiently. By asking this question, employers are trying to gauge how adept you are at harnessing the power of digital platforms to gather and analyze data, which is a critical tool in understanding market trends, customer behavior, and industry movements.

Example: “In my experience, I’ve utilized digital platforms like Google Analytics and Tableau for data gathering. I used these tools to track website traffic, user behavior, and engagement metrics which provided valuable insights into customer preferences and behaviors.

I also leveraged social media analytics on platforms like Facebook and Twitter to understand audience demographics and sentiment towards certain products or campaigns.

For data analysis, Excel was a primary tool, especially for smaller datasets. For larger, more complex sets, I used SQL and Python, allowing me to manipulate and analyze vast amounts of information efficiently. These analyses informed strategic decisions such as target market identification, product development, and campaign effectiveness.”

19. Can you describe a project where you used predictive analysis to forecast market trends?

Forecasting is an integral part of a market researcher’s role. The question is designed to assess your ability to use data collected from various sources to predict future market trends. Your response will offer insight into your analytical skills, your ability to interpret complex data, and your proficiency in using predictive analysis tools. It will also show how you apply this analysis to make strategic decisions and recommendations.

Example: “In one project, I used predictive analysis to forecast trends in the smartphone market. Using historical sales data, I developed a model that factored in variables like price, features, and brand reputation.

The model was able to accurately predict quarterly sales with an error margin of less than 5%. This allowed our team to make informed decisions on product development and marketing strategies, leading to increased profitability.

This experience demonstrated the power of predictive analytics in understanding and anticipating market dynamics.”

20. What is your approach to testing the reliability and validity of your research findings?

This query delves into your understanding and application of essential research principles. Every market researcher knows how critical it is to ensure the reliability and validity of their findings. Inaccurate or unreliable results can lead to strategic missteps, wasted resources, and damage to the company’s reputation. Therefore, a potential employer wants to be sure that you have sound methods for testing the accuracy and consistency of your data.

Example: “To ensure the reliability of my research findings, I carry out repeated measures and use a consistent methodology. This helps to reduce random errors and increases the likelihood that the results are repeatable.

For validity, I ensure that the research design accurately addresses the research question. For instance, if we’re studying customer preferences, we must use a representative sample of our target market.

Furthermore, I utilize statistical tests like regression analysis or t-tests to determine the significance of the results. If the p-value is less than 0.05, it indicates that the results are statistically significant.

Lastly, peer reviews can also be beneficial for uncovering any biases or methodological flaws in the study. By incorporating these strategies, I strive to deliver reliable and valid research outcomes.”

21. How have you used SWOT analysis in your previous roles?

In the fast-paced world of market research, SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) is a fundamental tool used to understand the market landscape. By asking this question, employers want to ensure that you not only know how to conduct a SWOT analysis, but that you can also apply its results strategically to guide business decisions. This indicates your ability to translate data into actionable insights – a critical skill for any market researcher.

Example: “In a past project, we were launching a new product. I used SWOT analysis to identify our strengths and weaknesses internally, which included evaluating our resources, expertise, and the unique selling points of the product.

For opportunities and threats, I conducted market research to understand trends, competition, and potential barriers. This helped us develop strategies to leverage our strengths, address weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities, and mitigate threats.

The insights from the SWOT analysis guided our marketing strategy, pricing decisions, and distribution plans, contributing significantly to the successful launch of the product.”

22. Can you discuss a time when you had to use research data to influence a critical business decision?

This question is a way for hiring managers to gauge your ability to translate hard data into actionable strategies. The role of a market researcher isn’t just about collecting data, it’s about understanding what that data means for the business and how it can be used to drive decisions. By asking this question, interviewers are looking for evidence of your analytical thinking, your ability to interpret data, and your influence on decision-making processes.

Example: “In one instance, we were deciding whether to expand our product line. I led a team that conducted market research and analyzed the data collected. We found a significant demand for products similar to ours in untapped markets.

Moreover, our existing customer base also showed interest in an expanded range. Based on these findings, we presented our data to the decision-makers. Our research influenced them to approve the expansion plan which resulted in increased revenue and market share.”

23. How do you approach identifying and analyzing target markets?

At the heart of market research is the ability to pinpoint and understand the unique characteristics of target markets. It’s not just about identifying who they are, but also about analyzing their behaviors, preferences, and needs to instruct business decisions. Interviewers are keen on understanding your systematic approach to this process, as well as your ability to use data to drive strategies and actions that can boost business results.

Example: “Identifying and analyzing target markets begins with understanding the product or service being offered. I focus on its unique selling points, benefits, and potential applications.

Next, I conduct a detailed demographic analysis to identify who might find these features appealing. This includes looking at factors like age, gender, income level, lifestyle, and geographical location.

I then delve into psychographic profiling, which involves understanding consumer attitudes, values, interests, and behaviors.

Finally, I analyze market trends and competitors to understand how our offering fits within the broader industry landscape. Using this data, we can pinpoint where opportunities lie and tailor our marketing strategies accordingly.”

24. What strategies do you use to manage multiple research projects simultaneously?

As a market researcher, you’ll often be expected to juggle several projects at once. Each project might have different timelines, objectives, and stakeholders, making it a complex task to manage. Therefore, potential employers want to ensure that you have strategies and skills in place to handle multiple projects and deliver results effectively and efficiently.

Example: “I use project management tools to organize and prioritize tasks for each research project. This helps me keep track of deadlines, progress, and any potential issues that may arise. I also ensure clear communication with all team members involved in the projects, promoting transparency and avoiding misunderstandings. Regular check-ins and updates are crucial to keep everyone aligned. Lastly, I apply a flexible approach, understanding that adjustments may be needed along the way due to unforeseen circumstances or new findings.”

25. How do you approach the challenge of integrating various data sources in your research?

This question is designed to gauge your ability to navigate the complexities of data integration. In the realm of market research, it’s not uncommon to be dealing with data from a multitude of sources – surveys, customer databases, external datasets, social media, and more. The ability to cohesively bring these disparate sources together to provide useful, actionable insights is a critical skill in this field. Hence, your potential employer wants to ensure you have the technical know-how and strategic mindset to achieve this.

Example: “Integrating various data sources in research requires a strategic approach. I start by identifying the necessary data sources, ensuring they are reliable and relevant to the study.

Next, I use advanced tools like SQL or Python for extraction and transformation of data from different formats into a unified format. This helps in maintaining consistency.

Data cleaning is another crucial step where I deal with missing values, outliers, and inconsistencies which could skew results.

Finally, I ensure that all integrated data complies with privacy regulations and ethical guidelines. This systematic process ensures accurate, high-quality data for insightful analysis.”

26. Can you describe a time when your research findings were not in line with your initial hypothesis? How did you handle this?

As a market researcher, you’ll often find that data doesn’t always align with your predictions. Interviewers want to know if you’re capable of managing these situations objectively. They’re interested in how you adapt and adjust your strategies when faced with unexpected results, and whether you can communicate these findings effectively to stakeholders, even if they challenge preconceived ideas or strategies.

Example: “In one project, we hypothesized that a client’s product would perform well in the youth market. However, our research data showed it was more popular among an older demographic.

Instead of disregarding these findings, we re-evaluated and adjusted our marketing strategy accordingly. We presented our new insights to the client, suggesting they target this unexpected audience for better results. This experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and adaptability in market research.”

27. What is your experience with customer satisfaction and loyalty research?

As a market researcher, understanding customer satisfaction and loyalty is paramount to creating effective strategies and making informed recommendations. This question aims to gauge your ability to conduct such research, analyze the data, and use it to inform business decisions. It also helps to understand your experience level and familiarity with industry-standard tools and methodologies.

Example: “I have extensive experience in conducting customer satisfaction and loyalty research. I’ve used various methods including surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews to gather insights.

My approach involves identifying key performance indicators that directly impact customer satisfaction. This includes product quality, service efficiency, pricing, and brand image.

In terms of loyalty, I analyze factors such as repeat purchase rate and referral frequency. My findings help companies improve their offerings and strategies for better customer retention.

Understanding the correlation between customer satisfaction and loyalty is crucial. It allows businesses to make informed decisions that enhance customer relationships, leading to increased profitability.”

28. How do you handle the potential bias in your research design and analysis?

Bias in research can significantly impact the validity of the results, leading to incorrect interpretations and potentially poor business decisions. As a market researcher, you play a critical role in ensuring the data collected is representative and accurate. Thus, interviewers want to assess your understanding of this concept and your ability to minimize bias in your work.

Example: “To handle potential bias in research design and analysis, I ensure the sample is representative of the population. This involves careful selection to avoid over or under-representation.

In data collection, I use multiple sources to reduce reliance on a single perspective.

During analysis, I apply statistical techniques like regression analysis to control confounding variables.

I also engage in regular peer reviews for unbiased feedback.

Transparency in methodology and reporting results helps identify any inadvertent bias.

Lastly, it’s crucial to acknowledge limitations and potential biases upfront, as no study is entirely free from them.”

29. Can you discuss a time when you had to use your research findings to inform a pricing strategy?

Being a market researcher is about more than just gathering and analyzing data. It’s also about using that data to drive strategic business decisions, including pricing. The question is asked to assess your ability to apply research findings in a practical, impactful way. It gives you the chance to demonstrate your understanding of market dynamics, competitive analysis, and consumer behavior, and how these factors can influence pricing strategies.

Example: “In a recent project, I conducted extensive market research to understand consumer behavior and price sensitivity in the luxury goods sector.

The findings revealed that our target audience was less sensitive to price changes but extremely concerned about product quality and brand prestige. Based on this insight, we decided not to compete on price but instead focused on enhancing perceived value.

We introduced premium packaging and exclusive member benefits which led to an increase in sales without changing our pricing structure. This approach allowed us to maintain profitability while strengthening customer loyalty.”

30. How do you ensure that your research findings are effectively communicated and understood by your team and stakeholders?

Communication skills are as important as analytical skills in market research. You could have the most mind-blowing, game-changing insights in the world, but if you can’t communicate these findings in a clear, actionable way to stakeholders across different departments, those insights aren’t going to make a difference. Hence, the question aims to assess your ability to translate complex data into easily comprehensible information.

Example: “Effective communication of research findings involves a clear, jargon-free language that everyone can understand. I create visual aids such as charts and infographics to illustrate complex data in a simpler way.

I also tailor my presentations to the audience’s knowledge level and interests. For stakeholders who are more interested in bottom-line impacts, I highlight key takeaways and their potential business implications.

For team members involved in implementing strategies based on these findings, I delve into technical details. Regular meetings and open channels for questions ensure understanding and alignment.”

30 Mechanical Maintenance Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

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Money latest: The age when the average Briton pays off their mortgage revealed

The average Briton is 61 when they pay off their mortgage - a drop of two years. Meanwhile, Spotify is raising prices again. Read about this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog, and leave a comment in the form below.

Thursday 11 April 2024 22:26, UK

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• Spotify to hike subscription price by up to £24 a year
• Minimum income for family visa rises by £10,000
• Italy mourns 'end of Italian waiters in London' as visa rule brought in
• Wendy's creating 400 jobs as part of UK expansion
• The age when the average Briton pays off their mortgage
• 'WTF is going on with the price of olive oil?'
• Could I build a home gym for less than my gym membership?
• Basically...  Tax codes
• Cheap Eats : Great British Menu legend shares ultimate toastie recipe

Ask a question or make a comment

Fake flights and caravans are the two most common items being sold by fraudsters in relation to travel, Lloyds Bank's research has found.

As Britons head online to book deals for the upcoming bank holidays and summer, they have been urged to "remain vigilant", with the average holiday scam victim being conned out of £765.

Amid rising flight costs post-COVID, people have been flocking to social media and other lesser-known websites to secure cheaper deals.

A food delivery company claims to have created an  "unshakeable bag" to avoid spillage in transit.

Bolt, which owns the Bolt Food delivery platform, said its design is based on gyroscope technology and will keep food stable "during the most abrupt movements".

In a post to its website, the firm said it would make the design available to its competitors as it is "too powerful to be owned by any one company".

"We believe everyone should enjoy a perfect meal, regardless of which app they order it from," it said.

Assaulting a shopworker is to be made a separate criminal offence after a government U-turn following pressure from campaigners.

The government previously said "more legislative change" was not needed to tackle the "intolerable violence and abuse" faced by shopworkers, arguing it did not think it was "required or will be most effective".

But Rishi Sunak is now set to announce his government will be amending the Criminal Justice Bill to bring in the new offence.

The drugmaker was on its knees when Sir Pascal Soriot took over in 2012. 

But under his leadership it now does just about everything the UK wants from a business - creating high value-added jobs and developing products that improve people's lives.

The FTSE 100's performance has lagged that of many of its peers, both in the United States and Europe, more or less since the Brexit vote in 2016.

That poor performance has reflected the poor valuation of many UK-listed companies - resulting in numerous foreign takeovers of UK businesses in recent months and years.

It has also led to a scarcity in the number of companies floating on the London Stock Exchange, most notably the  Cambridge-based chip designer ARM Holdings , which last year opted to list in the US instead.

The situation has alarmed the government, which has announced a number of reforms  aimed at raising the UK's attractiveness .

An imminent shareholder vote on Sir Pascal's pay makes a particularly interesting test case because few would dispute that he has been the most outstanding FTSE 100 chief executive of his generation.

This rise could take his potential earnings to £18.5m this year - which critics say is excessive.

Read my full piece here ...

England's average house price has risen by £103,000 over the last decade, while the average annual wage has risen by £7,734.

But some areas have seen homeownership affordability decline more than others... 

The London borough of Barking and Dagenham has seen the most significant fall, according to moving platform Getamover. 

The platform found the area has seen house prices more than double to £380,000 in the last 10 years - but wages have only risen by £2,182. 

Hillingdon in West London took the second spot, with the average property shooting up by £230,000 to £495,000, while the average income increased by just £143. 

While London remains the most unaffordable region, the East Midlands has also seen a notable fall. 

Oadby and Wigston in Leicestershire ranked fifth in the table, with the average house price increasing by £129,000 and the median annual income growing by £2,644.   

Gedling ranks sixth among the areas of England where the affordability of buying a home has declined most. 

The Nottinghamshire region has seen house prices soar by 84.8% to £231,000, while the average income has risen by just 13.11% to £33,454. 

You can see how other areas fared in the table below...

Rishi Sunak's post-Brexit rules for foreign workers are getting tough press in Italy this week - with claims they could mark the end of Italian waiters in London.

April saw the minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa increase from £26,200 to £38,700 - a near 50% rise as the government tries to reduce immigration.

Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica published an article on its site headlined "Italians in London, the long goodbye" after the new rule was brought in this month.

There were an estimated 342,000 Italians living in the UK in 2021, according to the latest Office for National Statistics census data.

La Repubblica said the new rule change would lead to the "end of the story" of Italy's "ancient roots" in the capital, which was founded by the Romans in 43 AD.

Separately, Italian journalist Antonio Polito wrote in the Corriere della Sera newspaper that the new salary for skilled workers was "an amount that no young novice can realistically earn".

"Thus London gives up one of its great assets, the fact of being an offshore and cosmopolitan city," he said.

Mr Sunak's post-Brexit rule change has worried hospitality bosses who are still struggling to get to grips with a post-COVID reality and rising costs. 

Conor Sheridan, founder of Nory and Mad Egg restaurant chain, previously told the Money blog that roughly 14% of his 15,000 UK employee base were on working visas that could be affected.

Trade body UKHospitality also said the changes would "further shrink the talent pool that the entire economy will be recruiting from".

As the migration law came in, Home Secretary James Cleverly said it was "time to turn off the taps and end the flow of cheap workers from abroad".

"We are refocusing our immigration system to prioritise the brightest and best who have the skills our economy needs, while reducing overall numbers," he said.

Several of the UK's biggest supermarkets closed their gender pay gap in the last year - while Morrisons saw the biggest rise, figures show.

Ocado and Lidl reduced their gap by the largest amounts in 2023-24 compared to the previous year, while Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Co-op, Iceland and Waitrose owner John Lewis also saw a reduction.

The data comes from the government's gender pay gap service and states the difference in hourly rates of pay. 

In contrast to other big-name brands, Morrisons saw its mean pay gap widen to 12.5% from 7.6%. M&S also saw a slight increase from 12.5% to 12.6%.

The mean figure gives the best overall view of the gender pay gap but includes extreme values which could skew the average.

Of the 11 biggest UK supermarkets, Co-op has the largest pay gap with 13.2%, followed by M&S and Morrisons.

An M&S spokesperson said: "We're committed to driving equal opportunities and making M&S a great place to work for women. Encouragingly our median pay gap has decreased, and women now make up more than 50% of our UK store management population, but we know there is more to do. 

"We're making progress with the launch of new initiatives, talent programmes, and policies, including our flexible working offer – Worklife, a Job Share Finder, and our industry-leading family leave offer."

A spokesperson for Co-op said: "We are committed to treating our colleague member owners fairly, and this includes driving equitable outcomes for female colleagues. We've seen a significant reduction in our gender pay gap since we started to report data in 2017, and this year's data shows further progress towards closing it.

"It's important to reiterate that we don't pay people differently based on their gender at Co-op. The gender pay gap is caused by us having fewer females in leadership role, where salaries are higher.

"Our focus on improving representation remains, as we know this is one of the key drivers causing the gender pay gap. Today, 40% of our leadership population are female - this is not enough, which is why we’ve launched a series of development programmes and have a coaching and mentoring offer to support women with career progression.

"We know there’s still much to do in this space and will hold ourselves to account and continue to strive for gender equality."

Morrisons has also been contacted for comment.

Every Thursday we look at a different savings option, explain the pros and cons, and reveal the best deals on the market (see table below for that).  This week we're talking about the best notice accounts. Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  says this...

As with the rest of the savings market, the top notice account rates have started to fall. However, there are stalwarts like the Investec 90-day notice account that are holding steady and as a result offering savers an opportunity to earn a little more, while not having to tie up their cash for too long.

A relatively unused aspect of the savings market, notice accounts offer a bit of a halfway house, with the best rates available generally paying more than the top easy access rates, but will more flexibility of access than a fixed term bond.

Just as it sounds, these savings accounts require you to give notice in order to access your money without a penalty. The usual notice period ranges from 30 to 120 days, although there are some accounts on the market that require six months or even a year's notice.

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

Another record month for Heathrow. Last month was the busiest ever March for the UK's biggest airport, the second record-breaking month in a row. 

It was also the busiest Easter weekend as Good Friday became the busiest ever direct departure day, when 118,000 people began their journey at the airport. 

It shows, despite cost of living pressures, lots of Britons were going on holiday.

More good news for Heathrow came earlier this week as planned strike action by 600 border force officers was called off to allow for negotiations in its dispute over working patterns. 

Oil prices are still high, hanging around $90. A barrel of Brent crude oil, the benchmark for oil prices, costs $90.66. The last time prices were this high was in the wake of the 7 October attacks and fears of conflict spreading throughout the Middle East. 

On the currency front, £1 buys $1.2538 and €1.1678.

How old is the average Briton when they buy their first home, or finish paying their mortgage, or retire?

These are some of the questions answered in a "Journeying Through Life" data dump from the Office for National Statistics.

Here are some of the key takeaways...

Home ownership - including the one life event that's happening earlier

People are buying homes later in life, perhaps unsurprisingly given how house prices have risen in the last decade or so.

In 2022, more than half of people owned their own home (either with a mortgage or outright) by the age of 36. 

That's a significant increase on 2004's figures - which showed the average age for home ownership was 32. 

This graph shows what proportion of people own homes at what age.

It isn't all doom and gloom on the homes front, however, with the age at which people own their home outright (ie mortgage paid off) dropping from 63 (in 2004) to 61 in 2020. 

This is pretty much the only life event happening earlier, however.

Retiring later

Again, this probably won't come as a huge surprise, but people are retiring later. 

The age where more than half of people were retired increased from 64 in 2011 to 66 in 2021. ​

There has been a bigger increase in average retirement age for women (from 61 years in 2011, to 66 years in 2021) than for men (from 65 in 2011 to 66 in 2021). 

The ONS says this is because the state pension age for women was increased from 60 to 66 during this time to match men.

Gender pay gap shrinking but still present

The latest data shows that men are still, on the whole, being paid more than women - although the gender pay gap is shown to be shrinking. 

For all employees, the gender pay gap was 14% in 2023 - compared with 20% in 2013.

Despite the gap shrinking, this graph shows that men's hourly wages are higher than women's at nearly all ages. 

The grey shaded area represents the pay gap. 

Another part of the data shows that males start work a touch earlier than women - with half of males in full-time employment by the age of 23 (compared with females at 24) in 2021. 

That data could be explained by the fact that more women attend university - some 319,000 females compared with 285,000 males in 2022.  

Moving out, marrying and having children

The age at which young people move out of their family homes is increasing, too.

In 2011, half of people were not living with their parents at the age of 21 - compared with 24 in 2022. 

More men live with their parents than women, with 61% of adults living at home in 2021 were male.

When it comes to having children, the average age at which women have their first baby has risen to 29.

That's up from an average of just 23 in 1970. 

And finally, marriage.

The median age at first marriage has been steadily increasing since the 1960s. 

For opposite sex couples married in 2020, the median age was 32 years for men and 30 years for women. For those entering into same-sex marriage, the median age was older, at 36 years for men and 32 years for women.

As well as getting married older, fewer people are getting married. In 2019, marriage rates had fallen to their lowest on record. For men, there were 18.6 marriages per 1,000 never-married men; for women, there were 17.2 marriages per 1,000 never-married women.

Spotify has announced it is hiking its subscription prices by up to £24 a year.

It is the second time in less than a year that the music streaming giant has increased its prices.

Here's how the prices will change...

Individual: £11.99 a month (up from £10.99 a month)  

Duo: £16.99 a month (up from £14.99 a month)  

Family: £19.99 a month (up from £17.99 a month) 

When will the change kick in?

The subscription price will change from May and if you are an existing customer Spotify will email you and give you one-month's notice of the change.

If you are on a free trial you will pay the old price for one month once your trial ends.

A Spotify spokesperson told Sky News: "So that we can keep innovating and delivering value to fans, the music industry, and creators on our platform, we occasionally update our prices. 

"We've begun communicating with existing subscribers in the UK to explain what this means for their account."

American burger chain Wendy's will be recruiting for over 400 job roles as part of its expansion across the UK.

The chain returned to the UK in 2021 after a 20-year break and has since opened just over 30 sites, including drive-throughs in Colchester, Peterborough, Derby and Brampton Hut.

But the chain, which was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969, plans to open a further nine sites this year in Liverpool, Middlesbrough, and a second location in Sheffield.

New locations will include Liverpool, Middlesbrough and a second site in Sheffield.

Wendy's franchisee GH Burgers will open a first restaurant in Wood Green, London, this year.

There will also be restaurants in Southend-on-Sea, Colchester, Cambridge and Newcastle.

Michael Clarke, UK managing director for the Wendy's Company, told The Caterer : "We've seen great momentum in building Wendy's fandom in the UK, and the love and excitement for this iconic brand grows stronger with each new restaurant opening."

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How does Ozempic affect blood pressure?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm . Last updated on Sep 21, 2023.

Official answer

Ozempic (semaglutide) is more likely to lower blood pressure than to increase it and several trials of semaglutide have shown significant reductions in blood pressure in people who had normal blood pressure to start with, or slightly elevated blood pressure to start with. There is a lack of studies on people with high baseline blood pressure, but it seems likely that their blood pressure would also decrease with Ozempic.

Blood pressure reduction does seem to correlate with weight loss; however, there also seem to be some other, as yet unknown, non-weight loss mechanisms also contributing to the weight loss.

Older adults may be more susceptible to these blood pressure decreases because they are more susceptible to orthostatic hypotension – that is the sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying down

Summary of Research

Across the Sustain 1-5 trials (n=3,918), greater reductions in systolic BP were related to greater weight loss. However, it also appeared that other, unknown weight loss mechanisms were also contributing to weight loss.

• An average decrease in SBP of 2.6 to 5.1 mmHg and 2.7 to 7.3 mmHg with semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg, respectively, vs −1.0 to −2.3 mmHg with comparators was reported in participants who had a baseline BP or 128.8–134.8 mmHg).
• In the >4.0 kg WL category, the mean change in SBP was −3.0 to −6.8 and −4.4 to −9.3 mmHg with semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg, respectively, vs −4.0 to +1.1 mmHg with comparators.
• In the 0–4.0 kg WL category, the mean change in SBP was −2.0 to −4.8 mmHg and −0.7 to −5.2 mmHg with semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg, respectively, vs -2.1 to -4.2 mmHg with comparators.
• For subjects with no WL/BW gain, the mean change in SBP was −1.5 to +1.5 mmHg and −5.4 to +1.0 mmHg with semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg, respectively, vs −1.0 to +1.1 mmHg with comparators.

An overall decrease in blood pressure was reported in a review of 6 high-quality RCTS (n=4744) that compared semaglutide to a placebo (an inactive treatment) (Kennedy, 2023). The mean BP before initiation of semaglutide was in the normotensive range (usually quoted as 115-120/70-75 mmHg), and most participants were female and white. Studies ranged in length from 48 to 104 weeks.

• The mean difference in systolic BP was −4.83 mmHg (95% CI: −5.65 to −4.02)
• The mean difference in diastolic BP was −2.45 mmHg (95% CI: −3.65 to −1.24).
• The stud y concluded that a significant reduction in blood pressure was evident following semaglutide treatment in normotensive populations without diabetes. This study did not report on the effects semaglutide had on BP in those with high blood pressure to start with.

Related Questions

• What are 4 key Ozempic side effects to watch out for?
• Mounjaro vs Ozempic: How do they compare?
• How do Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound compare for weight loss?
• Kennedy C, Hayes P, Salama S, Hennessy M, Fogacci F. The Effect of Semaglutide on Blood Pressure in Patients without Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023; 12(3):772. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12030772
• Warren, M., Chaykin, L., Trachtenbarg, D., Nayak, G., Wijayasinghe, N., & Cariou, B. (2018). Semaglutide as a therapeutic option for elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: A pooled analysis of the SUSTAIN 1-5 trials. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 20(9), 2291–2297. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.13331
• S Bain, M Davies, F K Knop, H Vrazic, T V Skjoth, I Lingvay, P1878.Reduction in systolic blood pressure with semaglutide treatment is not due to weight loss alone: data from SUSTAIN 1-5, European Heart Journal, Volume 39, Issue suppl_1, August 2018, ehy565.P1878, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehy565.P1878

How long does it take for Ozempic to work?

Your blood glucose (sugar) levels should start to fully decline within the first week after you start using Ozempic (semaglutide) at your regular dose. However, the full effect can take 8 weeks or longer, as this is a long-acting medication that is injected only once per week. Continue reading

Ozempic vs Wegovy: What's the difference between them?

Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults, while Wegovy is used for weight loss and chronic weight management in adults and children 12 years of age and older with overweight or obesity. In these populations, both agents are approved reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart-related death in people with cardiovascular (heart, blood vessel) disease.

Ozempic and Wegovy are the two brand names that Novo Nordisk uses to market injectable semaglutide. Ozempic and Wegovy come in different strengths to treat the different conditions. Continue reading

How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?

Ozempic pens come in 3 sizes. Each pen holds 4 maintenance doses of either 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg of medicine given once weekly and will last for one month. Continue reading

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• Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
• Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
• Will my insurance cover Ozempic?
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• Taking Ozempic: What foods should you avoid?
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• How long can you stay on Ozempic?
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• Why does Ozempic cause a dry mouth or taste changes?
• What is Ozempic used for and how does it work?
• Does Ozempic make you pee more?
• Where and how should Ozempic be injected?
• What type of drug is Ozempic (semaglutide)?
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• What's the buzz on Ozempic and Wegovy?

Drug information

• Semaglutide

Related support groups

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Medical Disclaimer

UT’s Excellence and Impact On Display in Latest Graduate School Rankings

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin continues to be one of the premier schools for graduate studies, according to U.S. News & World Report’s partial release of its most recent “Best Graduate Schools.” UT made gains in several disciplines, including the College of Education’s jump into the top 10.

U.S. News has delayed release of its engineering, medicine and clinical psychology rankings, areas in which the University has historically achieved No. 1 and top 10 rankings.

Even with the partial release of the graduate rankings, UT maintained its top 10 spot for five colleges and schools: the College of Education (No. 8); the School of Information (No. 5); the Steve Hicks School of Social Work (No. 8); the College of Pharmacy (No. 6); and the Jackson School of Geosciences (No. 7), ranked under Earth Sciences. Three specialties ranked No. 1 in the country: Accounting, Latin American History and Sociology of Population. Overall, the University has 42 graduate schools and specialty programs ranked in the top 10 when combined with previous years.

“These rankings are striking and reflect our ability to continue to attract exceptional faculty and students. Our excellence is evident in our set of more than 40 schools, programs and specialties ranked in the top-10 in this partial release alone, including several that are the best in the country, if not the world,” said President Jay Hartzell. “Our talent is what puts UT at the leading edge of discovery in AI and robotics, life sciences, population research, and many other disciplines that are at the forefront of solving many of the world’s most pressing problems and bettering society.”

Among the highlights in this year’s rankings:

• The College of Education is now ranked in the top 10, moving up eight spots to No. 8.
• The McCombs School of Business moved up four ranks to No. 16 overall.
• The Information Systems MBA program in the McCombs School of Business is ranked No. 4 this year, marking 31 years that it has ranked in the top 5. Accounting has been ranked No. 1 for 18 years.
• The College of Pharmacy moved up one spot to No. 6. Computer Science moved up one rank to No. 7.
• The Nursing master’s program rose six spots to No. 14.

U.S. News & World Report’s graduate rankings, which are published separately from the yearly ranking of undergraduate programs, are considered the gold standard of graduate and professional rankings. They are based on surveys of academic leaders and, for select programs, additional quantitative measures including placement test scores, student/faculty ratios, research expenditures, salary by profession and job placement success.

The publication updates some of its specialty rankings each year and republishes the most recent rankings in other areas. The rankings for engineering, medicine and psychology will be released at a later date, according to U.S. News.

Graduate schools, programs and specialties that U.S. News ranked in the top 25 are listed below.

Business – 16

• Accounting – 1
• Business Analytics – 8
• Entrepreneurship – 10
• Finance – 13
• Information Systems – 4
• Management – 11
• Marketing – 11
• Production/Operations – 15
• Project Management – 4
• Real Estate – 8
• Supply Chain/Logistics – 16
• Executive MBA – 15
• Part-Time MBA – 7

Education – 8

• Counseling – 15
• Curriculum/Instruction – 12
• Education Policy – 9
• Educational Administration/Supervision – 5
• Educational Psychology – 6
• Elementary Teacher Education – 10
• Higher Education Administration – 14
• Secondary Teacher Education – 10
• Special Education – 7

Health Disciplines (other than Nursing)

• Audiology – 12
• Pharmacy (College of Pharmacy) – 6
• Social Work (Steve Hicks School of Social Work) – 8
• Speech-Language Pathology – 14
• Business/Corporate Law – 17
• Constitutional Law – 11
• Contracts/Commercial Law – 15
• Criminal Law – 20
• Intellectual Property Law – 15
• International Law – 25
• Tax Law – 13

Library and Information Studies Schools (School of Information) – 5*

• Archives and Preservation – 4*
• Digital Librarianship – 7*
• Information Systems – 8*
• Master’s – 14

Public Affairs – 13

• Public Policy Analysis – 15

The Sciences

Biological Sciences – 25*

• Ecology/Evolutionary Biology – 8*

Chemistry – 16*

• Analytical – 4*
• Inorganic – 14*
• Organic – 20*
• Physical – 14*

Computer Science – 7

• Artificial Intelligence – 9
• Programming Language – 7
• Systems – 10

Earth Sciences (Jackson School of Geosciences) – 7*

• Geochemistry – 13*
• Geology – 2*
• Geophysics and Seismology – 5*
• Paleontology – 3*

Mathematics – 13*

• Algebra – 19*
• Analysis – 8*
• Applied Math – 7*
• Topology – 8*

Physics – 13*

• Cosmology/Relativity/Gravity – 10*
• Condensed Matter – 22*

Statistics – 27* 

Social Sciences and Humanities

Economics – 22*

English – 17*

• American Literature After 1865 – 18*

History – 11*

• African American History – 10*
• Latin American History – 1*
• Modern U.S. History – 16*

Political Science – 19*

• American Politics – 20*
• Comparative Politics – 18*

Psychology – 23*

• Behavioral Neuroscience – 8*
• Social Psychology – 9*

Sociology – 11*

• Sociology of Population – 1*
• Sex and Gender – 6*
• Social Stratification – 13*

Fine Arts – 23*

• Sculpture – 6*

*Ranking not revised for 2024-25. Based on latest available ranking.

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