Library Class and Subject Guides: Business Administration: Research Markets

Market Analysis

Source: Market Analysis (Biotech Connection: Bay Area, Stanford Innovation Farm Program)--September 16, 2014

Exploring a potential market involves determining the potential revenue for a product or service. There are various methodologies for exploring market potential that include primary research (e.g., interviews, surveys, focus groups, etc.) and secondary research (e.g., reports, statistics, journal articles, etc.).

Secondary Research Resources

SBA.gov: Market Research and Competitive Analysis

Here are additional secondary resources to consult when exploring market potential:

Population Demographics

City-Data.com
A collection and analysis of data from a variety of government and private sources that are incorporated into informative profiles of U.S. cities.
data.gov
Data and datasets from the U.S. Government and various governmental agencies.
Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) from Minnesota Population Center
Demographic information for the U.S. and includes international data. Allows downloading of Current Population Survey and American Community Survey datasets.
USA Towns in Profile
Provides basic demographic information for all incorporated cities and towns in the U.S.

Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new window
The authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States. Coverage: 1790 to present.

U.S. Census Bureau
Demographic characteristics, total population, social, and economic census data for the U.S. and international locations. A good resource to consult when determining market size.
U.S. Census Bureau--QuickFacts
Access demographic, economic, and business data for cities, counties, and states.
International Database: World Population Estimates and Projections
A source for population estimates and projections (E&Ps) for over 200 countries and areas of the world.
United Nations Demographics and Social Statistics
Demographic characteristics of countries, including population, households, housing, income, health and more.

Customer Data

Track Trends

BuzzFeed
Identify the most popular and controversial topics and happenings online.
COVID Innovations (TrendWatching and Business of Purpose)
Feedly
A feed aggregator or reader that allows you to follow and get updated with your favorite websites and blogs.
Google Alerts
Easily track trends by typing in a few well chosen keywords.
Google Trends
Monitor a search term or phrase and get an in-depth analysis of the people searching for the specified keywords.
Pew Research: Social & Demographic Trends
A nonpartisan fact tank that identifies issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the world.
Social Mentions
Identify the number of times a specified keyword is mentioned, the sources of mentions (i.e., particular social media where the keyword appeared), and top hashtags used with the keyword.
Trend Watching
A number of free publications focused on identifying and discussing trends.

Wall Street Journal via ProQuest This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Thoroughly indexed, users will have access to top news stories and information contained in various sections of the paper in regard to local and regional news.

Business Administration

Public Services/College of Business Liaison Librarian

Updates to this page

Market Analysis

Population Demographics

Customer Data

Track Trends