When you're researching new markets, there are no guarantees that the research will hold true moving into the future.
Why? Online market research can only what's been happening in the recent past.
The economic collapse in the fall of 2008, is a great example of how past behavior does not always predict the future.
Everything was shaken up during that time.
Some businesses that had been doing very well tanked, while others increased dramatically.
As you go about your research, remember that you are researching past behavior that may or may not be true moving into the future.
This is even more true with the competition numbers when tend to change regularly.
Marketers are always trying to improve their numbers so they're active with in these markets.
On the other hand, customer trends tend to be more consistent.
So what can you do to make your research more reliable? 1.
Test your data Once you have some keywords, you want to test them.
Throw up a simple website or WordPress blog (recommended) to see what happens.
Are you getting the kind of traffic the research suggested? Once you've confirmed the traffic, you need to try to sell something.
The best way to do this is with someone else's product rather than trying to create your own.
Use a product that has an affiliate program and get it out there.
Do your visitors buy? 2.
Check Google Trends Google trends is still a look backwards, but it is more than a snapshot in time.
It's brings those snapshots together like frames in a movie so you can see what's been happening in the market over time.
3.
Check your statistics Google Analytics is a free tool that provides excellent data about what people are doing on your site.
4.
Check your research periodically Check your research periodically.
I recommend redoing it every few months keeping a eye out for what's changing with the competition.
5.
Know your market It's important to understand what's happening in your market on an ongoing basis.
Following what people are talking about online and communicate directly with your visitors.
This way you will know exactly what your visitors want and be able to provide it.
6.
Develop several streams of income Variety is the name of the game.
Working in more than one market, working in several related niches within a market or offering multiple products within a single niche, can all provide the diversity you need.
Having multiple sources of income is your insurance against market changes, Google whims and economic fluctuations.
If one stream of income fails, you have others to carry your through.