Business validation · Market research
Market-Research Questions for a New Business
Good market research narrows uncertainty around a specific customer, problem, alternative, and buying path.
- Originally published
- September 5, 2026 by Matt Herrera
- Reviewed and updated
- September 5, 2026 by Matt Herrera
Customer questions
Ask who experiences the problem, how often it occurs, what it costs, what triggers action, and who controls the budget. Define the group tightly enough that you can find and interview members.
Market and competitor questions
Estimate the reachable market from named segments and buying conditions rather than multiplying a broad population by an assumed share.
- Which alternatives do customers use now?
- What do those alternatives cost in money, time, and risk?
- Which competitors serve the same job, even with a different product?
- What rules, contracts, switching costs, or trust requirements affect entry?
Channel questions
Identify where the customer already looks for help, who influences the decision, and what access costs. Test one channel with a defined audience and offer before treating traffic as available on demand.