Ultimate Market Research - the RIGHT way to test a niche...

[internetmarketer99]

I've done a lot of product development, ever since I got into IM. You know, "best thing to do is have your own product".

Great advice.

Product development is even easier these days, with PLR, public domain, easy access to relatively inexpensive outsourcing, open source, etc.

But how to decide what to develop, what markets to enter?

Here's what I do now: Before investing any significant time, effort, or resources, I'll run a small ($20-$40) Adwords campaign.

I'll create a basic landing page describing the product as if it's already developed, WITH A 'BUY' BUTTON. I'll do some primary keyword research, and grab a dozen keyword/phrases that are very targeted.

I'll run the campaign. If I get a fair "conversion" (clicking the "buy" button), then I know I have a viable opportunity. If I don't, I'll move on to the next one.

I'll do this BEFORE developing any product. The "buy" button will lead to a email-capture page, saying something like "for information on purchasing X, please leave your email address..."

Alternately, the "buy" button can simply lead to a similar or comparable affiliate product.

(The idea here is to test whether there is a viable market, not to make sales. Using an email capture or affiliate product is just a way to further leverage the test).

Mark