Questionnaires, surveys and focus groups

If you can't find the information you need from your own records or external reports, here's our overview of how to carry out your own research.

The top 20 questions that market research could help you answer - on everything from product and packaging to branding and price

Quantatitive research is about using polls, surveys and questionnaires to gauge customer opinion and gather feedback on your brand

Qualitative research is about finding out not just what people think but why they think it, as well as their motivations and feelings.

The humble questionnaire is a very powerful tool. Not only does it allow you to find out what your customers think but it can also boost loyalty.

For anyone carrying out their own market research online there are a number of pitfalls to watch out for. This article offers some in-depth guidance.

If you think that market research has to be expensive, think again. Small firms can now do market research online without spending a fortune.

What your customers say is incredibly valuable. Positive feedback boosts business and criticism can help you to improve your offering.