Introduction (Hook)
“90% startups fail — and one of the biggest reasons is building without understanding the market.”
Think about it: You launch a product, but no one buys. Was the idea bad? Maybe not. Most likely, the market research was missing.
If you want your business to succeed, market research before launch is non-negotiable. Let’s look at a simple framework to get it right.
Why Market Research Matters
Market research tells you:
- Who your customers are (age, habits, needs).
- What problems they face (and how badly they want solutions).
- Who your competitors are (and what gaps they leave).
- How big the opportunity is (is it worth your time and money?).
👉 Without it, you’re just guessing. And guesses are expensive.
Step 1: Define Your Target Audience
Ask yourself:
- Who am I trying to serve?
- Where do they spend time online/offline?
- What motivates their buying decisions?
📌 Example: If you’re launching a fitness app, is your target a 20-year-old college student or a 35-year-old working professional? The answer changes your product, pricing, and marketing.
Step 2: Analyze Competitors
Competitor analysis is free market research.
- List the top 5 players in your industry.
- Study their websites, social media, and customer reviews.
- Identify what customers love (strengths) and hate (gaps).
👉 If your competitor has 1-star reviews saying “bad customer support,” your solution could focus on excellent support as a USP.
Step 3: Talk to Potential Customers
Numbers are great, but conversations reveal insights.
- Conduct surveys (Google Forms, Typeform).
- Join Facebook/LinkedIn groups, Reddit threads.
- Interview at least 10–15 potential users.
Ask questions like:
- “What’s your biggest struggle with [problem]?”
- “How do you currently solve it?”
- “Would you pay for a better solution?”
Step 4: Validate Demand with Small Tests
Before you invest lakhs, test if people are interested:
- Run a landing page with a sign-up button.
- Test ads with ₹500–₹1000 budget.
- Offer pre-orders or waitlists.
📌 Example: Zappos founder tested demand by posting shoe photos online, then buying them from shops after customers ordered. That’s validation.
Step 5: Study Market Trends & Data
Don’t ignore macro insights.
- Use Google Trends → See if interest in your niche is rising or falling.
- Check Statista, PwC, McKinsey reports → Industry forecasts.
- Follow startup/VC reports → What sectors are investors betting on?
👉 Rule: Build where the market is growing, not shrinking.
Alepp Platform’s Angle
At Alepp Platform, we help founders cut through the noise:
- Idea Clarity Sessions → Define your market and customer segment.
- Business Planning → Back your idea with competitor & trend analysis.
- Social Media Testing → Use UGC reels + content to validate demand fast.
- Growth Packages → Scale only after proof of demand.
We make sure your business is built on data, not guesswork.
Conclusion & CTA
Your idea might be brilliant, but without market research, it’s a shot in the dark. The more you know your audience and competition, the fewer mistakes (and wasted money) you’ll make.
👉 Want to test your market before launch? Start with Alepp’s Market Research & Clarity Session today — and launch with confidence.