Week 3 - Market and Customer Research Tools
Here are some useful links to obtain information on your markets and customers. However, this does not replace a trip to your local library to meet with a reference librarian to use the more extensive resources offered there!
Google
www.google.com Popular Search Engine
Search Tips: Google Tip Sheet
Google News and Search Alerts plus many more!
Census.Gov
Be careful! this is a HUGE site and easy to get lost. Once you find something useful be sure to download and jot down how you found it for future reference!
http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?ref=ib&refresh=t
www.census.gov Census Data MAIN SITE
http://factfinder2.census.gov/ BETTER SITE TO USE! - SIMPLER!
SBDC NET
This site provides a limited number of popular industry reports you can view online. Good for general background.
Fee-based Information
www.bizstats.com Sample Business Ratios
www.bizminer.com Fee-based Business Ratios $79 - $199
www.firstresearch.com Fee-based market reports $100 - $500
www.ibisworld.com Fee-based market reports $500 - $4,000
Sign-Up for FREE Trade Publications
http://www.tradepub.com/ Free Market/Industry Magazines