There are three basic types of online research:
- Online quantitative
- Online Focus groups (synchronous)
- Online bulletin boards (asynchronous)
This is a BOOMING area in the research business for several reasons:
- More and more people have access to computers (and ALL decision-makers do)
- It is consistent with the way people communicate and experience the world now
- It is less expensive than other methodologies
- No travel and embarrassing pat-downs in airports
Online research cannot work for every project; much depends upon the following answers:
1) WHO is your target audience – do they have access to computers? Are they educated? Do they have a strong online presence?
2) WHERE is your target audience located? Are they dispersed across the country? Or concentrated within one community?
3) WHAT type of information are you looking for? Will observation of body language and non-verbal cues be important in developing your understanding of how consumers interact with your product?
4) All else being equal, how fast do you need the answers?
Curious how online research can work for your organization? Call Frank Martin at (800) 386-2177 today.
Photo Credit to swortman53 on Yahoo!
Frank is a consummate professional who is on the leading edge of market research methodologies. His focus is always on helping the end user make better marketing decisions through research.
Frank's intelligence and insights into not only research methodologies but also marketing in general make him an invaluable partner to clients of all types. The professionalism he displays personally has been transferred to his team and the facilities his firm offers making for an unbeatable combination. I recommend him wholeheartedly and would rank his caliber of work on par with much larger and more expensive firms with fancier zip codes.
Frank Martin and his team of MR professionals have assisted us on numerous focus group projects for our company. They take the time to fully understand our objectives for our research initiatives. They have also been extremely cooperative when we've need very quick turnaround for special projects. We highly recommend their services.
I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Frank Martin as I launched a new and unique media business based on patented screen technology for the floor and for all level surfaces. Frank quickly determined that advertising on our screens had the unusual ability to influence consumer opinions about brand recall and about product purchase decisions at point of sale. Because our screens delivered advertising within a consumer's personal space, he concluded that our screens were able to optimize advertising at the moment a buying decision was being made. This, of course, became very attractive to brand and product advertisers for retail locations. When this unique effect on consumers was combined with the speed and ease of managing our wireless, nationwide network of screens, the value of the business increased significantly. I personally value Frank's expertise and his straight forward style. He added significant value to my business.
I was very impressed with Frank and the Martin Research team. We completed an important project on a rather tight deadline, which allowed us to gain some really valuable insights into a major company initiative. Throughout the entire process, Frank impressed me with his professionalism, his courteous manner, his open-mindedness and his efficiency.
Martin Research has conducted focus groups for my Firm and me that have provided us invaluable, and often unanticipated information, that has led to the successful prosecution of cases on behalf of our clients for full and fair compensation. Martin Research provides the research information that translates into justice.
Frank's partnership with James Madison University in recent years has been instrumental in advancing a mutually beneficial relationship between JMU and the Harrisonburg/Rockingham community. I appreciate Frank's commitment to our project and his collaborative approach to business.
The focus groups that Frank Martin and his team conducted for the rebranding of HCA’s Southwest Virginia market were invaluable in the decision-making process to move forward with the LewisGale Regional Health System name. This research clearly identified our opportunities and challenges and helped us realize the importance of developing a robust communication plan that would address all of our stakeholders: physicians, employees, patients, businesses, and the communities we serve. 
