A well-executed market analysis can deliver a number of benefits, including a deeper understanding of target audiences and insights to inform product development, pricing, and resource allocation. It also helps identify trends and opportunities that may otherwise be missed, helping to future-proof your business.
To perform a market analysis, you’ll need a range of data points on the current state of the industry or market you’re analyzing. Online databases like Statista compile statistics and forecasts from a wide variety of sources, making them a great starting point for your research. However, it’s important to use only trusted sources for your data. Data that’s outdated, inaccurate or biased can have a big impact on the results of your analysis and subsequent actions.
The first step is defining your objective and scope. This will determine which data categories, time periods or market segments you’ll need to cover. It’s also critical to decide on an effective analytical method and tool to get the most value out of your data.
Trend analysis can reveal a number of opportunities for your business, from predicting shifts in consumer behavior to enhancing your competitive position. For example, if your research indicates that consumers are expressing an interest in household automation technologies before they’re popular, you might consider shifting your marketing and product offerings to capitalize on this early-adopter behavior.
Once you’ve gathered data and analyzed trends, it’s time to communicate your findings. Data visualization tools can be a useful tool here, allowing you to create charts and graphs that make it easier for your audience to grasp key insights.