How to Conduct Market Research

Learn how to research your market effectively. Understand your TAM, SAM, SOM and validate market opportunity before building.

Beginner Friendly
3 minutes read
5 steps
1

Define Your Market

Clearly define the market you're targeting. Be specific about the industry, geography, and customer segments you'll focus on.

Pro Tip
Start with a narrow market definition and expand as you learn.
Related AI Agent: Market Research
2

Calculate TAM, SAM, SOM

Estimate your Total Addressable Market (all potential revenue), Serviceable Addressable Market (what you can reach), and Serviceable Obtainable Market (realistic capture).

Pro Tip
Use both top-down (industry reports) and bottom-up (unit economics) approaches.
Related AI Agent: Market Research
3

Analyze Market Trends

Research growth rates, emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and consumer behavior shifts. Understand where the market is heading.

Pro Tip
Look for tailwinds that will help your business grow.
Related AI Agent: Market Research
4

Study Your Competition

Map out all competitors including direct alternatives, indirect substitutes, and potential future entrants. Understand their positioning and weaknesses.

Pro Tip
The best opportunities often come from underserved segments of existing markets.
Related AI Agent: Competitor Analysis
5

Validate with Primary Research

Conduct interviews, surveys, and focus groups with potential customers. Primary research gives insights that secondary research can't provide.

Pro Tip
Aim for 20-30 customer interviews to see patterns emerge.

Get AI-Powered Market Research

Put this guide into action with our AI-powered startup tools.

Get Started