Thanks for your interest in our top market research blogs of 2015 - an updated version of the post now exists. To read our new list, click here.
We love sharing our point of view on market research issues and practices, but we also love reading the opinion of others too. There is a great market research community to explore and expand your horizons. As technology develops and we witness the proliferation of research before our very eyes, which means there is always something new to discover. From the graduates just starting out, to the veteran researchers – there is always room to learn a little more.
These are our favourite market research blogs – those that bring the most value to the market research community and always have an eye on the future. Of course, there are many more fantastic market research blogs than those listed here, but we don’t have the space to list them all. We would encourage you to do your own research too and discover new places to both learn and share knowledge to further enhance the community.
1. Greenbook Blog
Considered by many to be the authority on market research, Greenbook collates and publishes articles on a range of topics: industry trends, business leadership, innovation, best practices and more. In addition, the site publishes the annual Greenbook Research Industry Trends (GRIT) report – a leading report on the state of market research as well as what the future holds. Some of the site’s most popular posts include top 10 lists of the most innovative companies in market research, disruptive trends, new technologies and challenges.
2. Research Access
Research Access is the brainchild of Greg Timpany and Jeffery Henning. The online blog publishes how-to guides, presentation recaps, case studies, interviews and more from the foremost thinkers in market research. The diverse range of content and broad spectrum of authors makes this site a real gem. Expect a new, insightful article every 2-3 days or browse for hours through the extensive archived content. You can even read an article from our very own Maria Twigge on the site on the topic of disruptive innovation in market research.
3. NewMR
Edited by long time research guru Ray Poynter, NewMR is a collection of the most recent market research trends. The articles that NewMR publish are often in collaboration with other research news outlets such as GreenBook or The Future Place. Our CEO, Paul Hudson wrote a guest publication for the site on the topic of research motivations in the online era. While not updated as frequently as some of the other entries on this list, NewMR articles shed light on emerging trends and offer unique content that cannot be found elsewhere. Another reason to follow NewMR is the free webinar series, which is always free to attend and hosted in conjunction with some of the most well respected research firms around.
4. Next Gen Market Research
Written by Tom H.C. Anderson, the goal of the Next Gen Market Research blog is to be more than market research, it is to be the information advantage. To this end, articles focus heavily on turning market research into business action and how new technologies can help achieve this. For such a unique take, Next Gen Market Research has garnered quite a few accolades, from being a Quirks Magazine featured blog, to being included in the GRIT Top 50 most innovative firms. The quality and relevance of the articles you’ll find are unmatched and we highly recommend taking a look.
5. Quirk's Blog
Quirk’s Marketing Research Media is a monthly print publication with one of the most extensive market research libraries available. There are a number of different blogs within the site, which gives you the chance to follow those that matter to you the most. The Articles section is an online archive of all articles that have previously appeared in print from a number of prominent figures in the research industry. The Research Careers page is a detailed resource including tips and guidance on getting a job in market research, while the Industry Voices blog provides opinion from some of the foremost leaders in the field.
6. Research Live
Curated by the Market Research Society (MRS) the Research Live blog acts as a news resource for the market research industry. If you are looking to find the most important events as well as a healthy dose of industry changes, Research Live is perfect for you. The site is well laid out and easy to navigate, with articles split into News, Opinion, Features and Blogs. If you are looking for something a little more in-depth, take a look at Impact Magazine – the quarterly publication from the MRS.
7. RW Connect
ESOMAR is known as a professional body for market research. However, less well known is the RW Connect blog that ESOMAR curate. Although it is not updated regularly, the articles posted are always fascinating and well worth reading. Expect articles on the development of market research, how clients can apply findings and industry commentary – all in one place.
8. Market Research Association (USA)
The most niche item on our list, the Market Research Association blog is divided into three broad sections: government affairs, business and technique. Government affairs covers how developments in regulation and laws are affecting the nature of market research. The Business section explains some of the major changes to the most influential research organisation. Finally, the Techniques section provides guidance on how to conduct more effective research and better yourself as a market researcher.
9. Qual Blog
Founded by Jim Bryson, Qual Blog covers a broad range of qualitative market research topics: from innovation to international research, analysis to conference recaps. But don’t let the name fool you – Qual Blog is for more than just the diehard qualies among us. The site explains how qual and quant research can work together in tandem to create an effective research solution as well as how to create an effective balance in market research techniques.
10. Association of Qualitative Researchers
While the AQR does not publish a regular blog, they do keep an online archive of their In Brief and In Depth publications that include detailed articles on some of the most pressing issues in qualitative research. From the role of Big Data, to how generational cohorts affect research techniques, there are a number of interesting and engaging posts. In addition to this, you can read quick answers on how to run qualitative projects, progress your career and even reviews of research events.
Of course there are far more market research blogs than we can list here. But these are a great springboard for finding out more about the research industry. Remember that we update our own website with new articles every Monday and Thursday.
Looking for something to listen to instead? We've also compiled a list of the top 10 market research podcasts for market research and insight professionals.
