how do I perform market research on a certain niche?

I use the Google Keyword Tool: https://adwords.google.co.uk/select/KeywordToolExternal

Type in your keyword/phrase and keep the use synonyms box checked, make sure to use an exact match instead of a broad match. You should then be able to get some ideas of what people are searching for, see how many searches they are getting, and see how much advertising competition there is.

If there is a forum in your niche, sign up, talk with people, you should be able to get a good idea of their wants and needs.

Hope this helped

This is the process I use myself...

1- First I use Google Keyword suggestion tool which was mentioned in the 2nd post. If I see MANY people are looking for niche-related keyword phrases, then I continue with my market research.

2- I go to google.com and search for: "broad keyword" + forum (example below)... then see what pops up and look for topics about people's concerns and questions around the niche. Write them down, they will be useful for your pre-sell.

Example: If you are looking to promote weight loss products... you type in google: weight loss + forum OR lose weight + forum... I hope you get what I'm saying.

3- If I see there are questions, topics and concerns among forum members that indicate I won't be losing my time marketing a product in this niche, then I go to the next step...

4- I go to yahoo answers and search for niche related questions. Write them down, and also write down good answers as they could be useful.

5- Also, search for niche-related keyword phrases in google and see if there are people advertising with adwords. The more there are, the better... because it means there is money to be made or else they wouldn't be spending their cash on ads.

These five steps should set you up for a good start in the niche.

This guide could help you (not free but very good):

Niche Super Sleuth - Discover The Hidden Secrets To Quickly Uncover Profitable Niche Markets

I say ask.

First you have to know who your target market is. Then survey them. What to do need to know? Find out what is needed and wanted.

For example ... I am setting up a website for homeschool mothers. I would ask home school mothers:

What do you find is the hardest part of home schooling?
What kind of products do you look for that help you in you home school?
How much did you spend last year for those products?
What would you say are the advantages of home schooling?

Now go for the buttons.....

Do you feel supported in your home schooling efforts?
What do you feel are the disadvantages of home schooling?
Do you feel you are effective in your home schooling?
If you could create the ideal home school scene what would that be?

ASK!

Hello

One simple technique that you can use is go to amazon.com start reading reviews that people wrote on some products or books for your chosen niche! This simple step won't let you down if you just starting with market research. Good Luck!

Jamian.