Hello amazing business builders of Tamil Nadu!

Do you want your business to grow like the banyan tree, strong and wide? Then you need to know what your customers truly want. This is where market research comes in. It’s like asking your friends what they want for dinner before cooking, so everyone is happy!

Many businesses in India, especially in our beautiful Tamil Nadu, think market research is only for big companies. But that’s not true! Even a small “kadai” (shop) owner can do it. Good market research helps you make smart choices, save money, and make your customers smile.

We at Bharath Marketing Solutions have helped many businesses in Tamil Nadu understand their customers better. We believe in simple, practical steps. Here are 10 easy ways to improve your market research, using examples you’ll recognize from our own land!

1. Talk Directly to Your Customers (One-on-One Chat)

The simplest way to know what people think is to ask them! Imagine you own a popular “Murukku” shop in Madurai. Instead of just selling, you spend a few minutes chatting with your regular customers. Ask them, “How do you like the Murukku today? Is it crispy enough? Would you like a spicy version?” Their answers are gold!

2. Use Simple Surveys (Quick Questions)

Surveys don’t have to be long and boring. Think of a “Podi” (spice mix) brand in Coimbatore. They can create a very short survey with 3-4 questions. “Which flavour of Podi do you like most? What time do you usually buy it? How much do you spend on Podi?” Hand it out at local supermarkets or even create a simple online form. People are happy to share quick thoughts.

3. Watch What People Do (Observe and Learn)

Sometimes, what people say is different from what they do. If you own a garment shop in Chennai, just observe. See which clothes people pick up first, which sections they spend more time in, and which colours they try on most. This “silent” information tells you a lot about their choices.

4. Study Your Competitors (Who Else is Doing Well?)

Your competitors are already doing market research, sometimes without even knowing it! If you are a new “Idli-Dosa batter” delivery service in Trichy, check out the older, famous batter shops. What are their prices? What do they offer? What do customers say about them online? Learn from their strengths and weaknesses.

5. Look at Online Data (What’s Trending Online?)

The internet is a treasure chest of information. If you run a “Biryani” restaurant in Vellore, you can use tools like Google Trends to see which types of Biryani (e.g., Hyderabadi, Ambur, Dindigul) are searched for most in your area. Check social media comments about local restaurants. This helps you know what’s popular.

6. Host Small Focus Groups (Group Discussions)

Gather a small group of your ideal customers – say, 5-8 people. If you’re launching a new “Ayurvedic hair oil” in Salem, invite some women who use hair oil regularly. Give them your product to try and then discuss their experiences. One person’s idea can spark another’s, leading to great insights.

7. Check Your Sales Data (Numbers Tell a Story)

Your own sales records are a goldmine! If you own a sweet shop in Erode, look at which sweets sell most during different festivals (Diwali, Pongal). Which items move quickly? Which ones sit on the shelf? This tells you what your customers truly prefer and when.

8. Read Reports and Studies (Expert Knowledge)

Many organizations publish reports about different industries. For example, if you are planning to start a new business related to electric scooters in Kovai (Coimbatore), you can find reports on the growth of electric vehicles in India and specifically in Tamil Nadu. These reports give you a big picture view.

9. Conduct Interviews (Deep Dive Chats)

For more complex products or services, a longer chat (interview) is helpful. Imagine you are a company selling specialized solar panels to farmers in Kanyakumari. You can sit down with a few farmers for a detailed chat. Ask them about their daily power needs, challenges with electricity, and what kind of support they would expect from a solar company. This gives you a deep understanding.

10. Test Small Before Going Big (Pilot Projects)

Before launching a new product all over Tamil Nadu, try it in a small area or with a small group. If you’re a new clothing brand in Tiruppur known for its garments, launch just one new design online and see the response. Get feedback before producing thousands of pieces. This saves a lot of risk and money.

Remember, market research is not a one-time task. It’s an ongoing conversation with your market. By using these simple, practical ways, you can ensure your business stays connected to its customers and continues to thrive in our dynamic Tamil Nadu market.

Start today, and watch your business blossom!

Best regards,

The Team at Bharath Marketing Solutions