10 Best Market Research Agencies in Milwaukee

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Market research is one of the most important tools for businesses to understand their consumers, competitors, and industry potential. It can help them stay ahead of the competition and gather more brand visibility. It can also help develop new products and services that can satisfy customers worldwide.

Milwaukee has professional market research agencies that have years of experience conducting market research projects for small, medium, and large organizations in the area. These agencies will conduct online surveys, questionnaires, feedback, focus groups, interviews, telephonic calls, and trade shows to gather real-time consumer insights.

Find a list of the best market research agencies in Milwaukee to help you choose the right agency to conduct research about your industry and gather specific data and information to help you make the right decision about expanding your businesses locally and globally.

A market research agency is a specialized firm that helps businesses gather, analyze, and interpret data about their market, customers, competitors, and overall industry. These agencies use various methodologies to provide insights that guide strategic decisions, marketing efforts, product development, and more. By understanding market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics, businesses can make informed decisions to drive growth and profitability. Market research agencies offer services such as surveys, focus groups, data analysis, and competitive analysis to deliver actionable insights.

A market research agency provides comprehensive services to help businesses understand their market, customers, and competition. Here are the primary functions:

  1. Market Analysis: Agencies conduct in-depth analysis of the market landscape, identifying trends, opportunities, and threats.
  2. Consumer Research: They gather data on consumer preferences, behaviors, and attitudes through surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
  3. Competitive Analysis: Agencies analyze competitors to understand their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses.
  4. Data Collection: They use various methods such as online surveys, phone interviews, and face-to-face interactions to collect relevant data.
  5. Data Analysis: Agencies analyze the collected data using statistical tools to extract meaningful insights.
  6. Reporting and Insights: They provide detailed reports and actionable insights to guide business strategies and decision-making.
  7. Product Testing: Agencies conduct tests to gauge consumer reaction to new products or services.
  8. Brand Research: They assess brand perception and awareness among target audiences.
  9. Market Segmentation: Agencies identify distinct market segments to tailor marketing efforts effectively.
  10. Customer Satisfaction Studies: They measure customer satisfaction and loyalty to help improve products and services.

Understanding the cost of hiring a market research agency can be crucial for budgeting and making informed decisions. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect when it comes to the costs associated with market research services:

Common Pricing Models

  1. Hourly Rate: Ideal for smaller projects or businesses with limited budgets, hourly rates can vary widely based on the agency's location and expertise. Expect rates to range from $100 to $300 per hour.
  2. Project-Based Pricing: This model provides a fixed price for specific research projects. It's suitable for well-defined tasks and offers clarity on costs upfront. Typical project-based fees can range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the complexity and scope.
  3. Retainer: For ongoing research needs, agencies may offer a retainer model where clients pay a monthly fee for a set number of hours or services. Retainers can range from $2,000 to $10,000 per month, depending on the services included.
  4. Performance-Based Pricing: Some agencies may offer performance-based pricing, where fees are tied to specific outcomes or metrics. This model can be beneficial for clients as it aligns the agency's incentives with the success of the campaign, but it is less common and can be more complex to manage.

Factors Influencing Costs

  1. Project Scope and Complexity: Larger and more complex projects require more resources, expertise, and time, leading to higher costs. A simple survey might cost a few thousand dollars, while an in-depth multi-phase research project could reach up to $50,000 or more.
  2. Research Methods: Different methods come with different price tags. Online surveys are generally less expensive than in-depth interviews or focus groups. Adding AI-driven insights or advanced analytics can also increase costs.
  3. Sample Size: The number of participants or respondents needed for your research impacts the overall cost. Larger sample sizes typically require more resources and can significantly raise the price.
  4. Geographic Location: The location of the market research agency can affect pricing. Agencies in major cities or high-cost regions may charge more to cover their expenses. Offshore or nearshore agencies might offer more competitive rates.
  5. Agency Reputation and Experience: Established agencies with a strong track record and specialized expertise often charge higher fees. While smaller or newer agencies might offer lower rates, they may not have the same level of experience or resources.

Average Costs

  • Simple Online Surveys: $5,000 – $15,000
  • Focus Groups: $10,000 – $30,000
  • In-Depth Interviews: $15,000 – $40,000
  • Comprehensive Market Research Studies: $20,000 – $50,000+

Additional Considerations

  • Ongoing Maintenance and Support: Some agencies offer ongoing support and updates, which can add to the overall cost. This might be part of a retainer or an additional service.
  • Custom Reporting: Tailored reports and presentations that provide detailed insights and recommendations can also increase the cost.

Understanding these cost structures and factors can help you budget effectively for your market research needs. By choosing the right pricing model and clearly defining your project scope, you can find a market research agency that fits your budget and delivers valuable insights for your business.

Hiring a market research agency can be a game-changer for your business. Here’s why:

  1. Expertise and Experience: Market research agencies have specialized skills and extensive experience in gathering and analyzing data. They know the best methodologies to use for different types of research, ensuring you get accurate and actionable insights.
  2. Objective Perspective: An external agency can provide an unbiased viewpoint, which is crucial for obtaining reliable data. They are not influenced by internal company politics or preconceived notions.
  3. Time and Resource Efficiency: Conducting market research in-house can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Agencies have the tools and manpower to handle large-scale research efficiently, allowing your team to focus on other critical business activities.
  4. Access to Advanced Tools and Techniques: Market research agencies have access to the latest technologies and methodologies for data collection and analysis. This means you benefit from cutting-edge insights without having to invest in expensive tools yourself.
  5. In-Depth Analysis: Agencies provide comprehensive analysis and detailed reports, helping you understand complex data and make informed decisions. Their expertise in interpreting data ensures you get the most value out of the research.
  6. Competitive Advantage: Understanding market trends, customer preferences, and competitor strategies gives you a significant edge. An agency can help you identify opportunities and threats, enabling you to stay ahead in your industry.
  7. Customized Research Solutions: Market research agencies can tailor their services to meet your specific needs, whether you need a detailed competitor analysis, customer satisfaction survey, or product feasibility study.
  8. Cost-Effective: While there is an upfront cost, the insights gained can lead to better decision-making, which can save money and increase revenue in the long run. Avoiding costly mistakes and capitalizing on market opportunities can more than justify the investment.
  9. Global Reach: If your business operates internationally, agencies have the capabilities to conduct research across different markets and geographies, providing you with a global perspective.
  10. Focus on Core Business: By outsourcing your market research, you can concentrate on your core business activities, improving overall productivity and efficiency.

In essence, a market research agency can provide you with the insights, expertise, and strategic direction needed to make informed decisions and drive your business forward.

Choosing the best market research agency for your needs can significantly impact the quality and relevance of the insights you receive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice:

Define Your Objectives:

  • Clearly outline what you want to achieve with the market research. Are you looking to understand customer preferences, explore new markets, or evaluate a product’s feasibility? Knowing your goals will help you find an agency with the right expertise.

Identify Your Budget:

  • Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the research. Having a clear budget in mind will help you narrow down your options and ensure you get the best value for your money.

Evaluate Expertise and Experience:

  • Look for agencies with a proven track record in your industry. Check their portfolio, case studies, and client testimonials to gauge their experience and success in handling similar projects.

Check Methodologies:

  • Understand the research methodologies the agency uses. Ensure they employ both qualitative and quantitative methods suitable for your research objectives. The right mix of methodologies can provide comprehensive insights.

Assess Communication and Reporting:

  • Effective communication is crucial. Ensure the agency provides regular updates and detailed reports. Ask for sample reports to see if their presentation style matches your preferences.

Consider Technological Capabilities:

  • Ensure the agency uses advanced tools and technologies for data collection and analysis. This can significantly enhance the accuracy and depth of the insights.

Verify Credentials:

  • Check if the agency has any certifications or affiliations with professional organizations. This can be an indicator of their commitment to high standards and continuous improvement.

Request Proposals:

  • Ask for detailed proposals from shortlisted agencies. Compare their approaches, timelines, and costs. A well-detailed proposal can give you a good sense of how they plan to tackle your research needs.

Evaluate Flexibility and Customization:

  • Ensure the agency is willing to customize their approach to meet your specific needs. They should be flexible and open to adjusting their methodologies and processes based on your requirements.

Review Client References:

  • Speak to past clients to get firsthand feedback on the agency’s performance, reliability, and quality of insights. This can provide valuable insights into what it’s like to work with them.

Check for Cultural Fit:

  • Ensure the agency understands your company’s culture and values. A good cultural fit can lead to better collaboration and more meaningful insights.

Consider Location:

  • Depending on your needs, you might prefer an agency that is local or has a strong understanding of your target market’s geographical nuances. However, many agencies can work effectively remotely, so weigh the pros and cons.

Understand Their Analytical Approach:

  • Inquire about how the agency interprets data and derives insights. Their analytical approach should align with your expectations for depth and relevance.

Evaluate Their Problem-Solving Skills:

  • Discuss potential challenges and how the agency plans to address them. Their problem-solving abilities can be a good indicator of their expertise and reliability.

Consider Long-Term Partnership Potential:

  • If you foresee ongoing research needs, evaluate the agency’s potential as a long-term partner. Consistency and understanding of your business can lead to more valuable insights over time.

By following these steps, you can choose a market research agency that not only meets your immediate needs but also provides strategic insights to help you make informed business decisions.

When hiring a market research agency, asking the right questions can help you assess their capabilities, methodologies, and fit for your project. Here are key questions to consider:

Relevant Background

  1. Experience in Your Industry:
    • Have you conducted research in our industry before?
    • Can you provide case studies or examples of similar projects?
  2. Client References:
    • Can you provide references from previous clients?
    • What kind of feedback do you typically receive from clients?

Company Services and Processes

  1. Research Methodologies:
    • What research methodologies do you specialize in?
    • How do you decide which methodologies to use for a project?
  2. Technology and Tools:
    • What tools and technologies do you use for data collection and analysis?
    • Do you have access to any proprietary tools or databases?
  3. Customization and Flexibility:
    • How do you customize your research approach to meet specific client needs?
    • Can your methodologies be adjusted based on our evolving needs?
  4. Reporting and Insights:
    • How do you report your findings? Can we see a sample report?
    • Do you provide actionable insights and recommendations based on the data?

The Project

  1. Project Timeline:
    • What is the typical timeline for a project like ours?
    • How do you manage deadlines and ensure timely delivery?
  2. Team Expertise:
    • Who will be working on our project, and what are their qualifications?
    • Can we meet the team members who will be involved in our research?
  3. Communication and Updates:
    • How frequently will we receive updates on the progress of the research?
    • What communication channels will you use to keep us informed?
  4. Data Privacy and Security:
    • How do you ensure the privacy and security of the data collected?
    • Are there any certifications or protocols you follow for data protection?

Costs and Contract Terms

  1. Pricing Structure:
    • What is your pricing model (hourly, project-based, retainer, performance-based)?
    • Can you provide a detailed breakdown of the costs?
  2. Budget Flexibility:
    • How flexible are you with adjusting the scope of work to fit our budget?
    • Are there any additional costs we should be aware of?
  3. Contract Terms:
    • What are your standard contract terms and conditions?
    • How do you handle potential changes or extensions to the project scope?

Performance and Results

  1. Success Metrics:
    • How do you measure the success of a research project?
    • What key performance indicators (KPIs) do you use?
  2. Post-Project Support:
    • Do you offer any post-project support or follow-up services?
    • How do you handle requests for additional analysis or insights after the project is completed?

By asking these questions, you can better evaluate the market research agency's ability to deliver high-quality, actionable insights tailored to your specific needs.

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Our Rating Guidelines

AAA Rated Agencies only get this rank if we have sent a client previously and the client has given us positive feedback.

An AAA-rated digital marketing agency demonstrates exceptional expertise, innovation, and results in the field of digital marketing. The agency consistently goes above and beyond to exceed client expectations and industry standards. To achieve this top rating, an agency must exhibit:

  1. Strategic Excellence: The agency devises comprehensive and customized digital marketing strategies that align with clients' business goals. Strategies show deep understanding of the target audience, market trends, and competition.
  2. Innovative Approach: The agency consistently adopts and implements cutting-edge digital marketing techniques, leveraging emerging technologies and platforms to stay ahead of the curve.
  3. Proven Results: Demonstrates a track record of delivering tangible and measurable results, such as increased website traffic, engagement, conversions, and ROI for clients.
  4. Clear Communication: Maintains transparent and open communication with clients, providing regular updates, performance reports, and insights into ongoing campaigns.
  5. Multi-Channel Mastery: Exhibits proficiency across various digital marketing channels, including but not limited to SEO, SEM, content marketing, social media, email marketing, and influencer collaborations.
  6. Adaptability: Has the ability to adapt strategies quickly in response to changing market conditions, algorithm updates, and client needs.

An AA-rated digital marketing agency demonstrates excellent capabilities and consistently delivers strong results for clients. The agency excels in multiple areas of digital marketing and exhibits qualities such as:

  1. Strategic Proficiency: The agency develops effective digital marketing strategies that align with clients' objectives and show a good understanding of target audiences.
  2. Effective Implementation: Successfully executes campaigns across various digital channels, showing proficiency in both paid and organic techniques.
  3. Measurable Outcomes: Provides clear evidence of positive outcomes, with data-backed improvements in key performance metrics.
  4. Communication: Maintains proactive communication, sharing progress reports, results, and recommendations on a regular basis.
  5. Diverse Skill Set: Demonstrates expertise in several digital marketing disciplines, adapting to new trends and platforms adequately.

An A-rated digital marketing agency performs well and delivers consistent results for clients. The agency meets the industry standards in various aspects, including:

  1. Strategic Planning: Develops solid digital marketing strategies that address client goals and align with target audience needs.
  2. Execution: Implements campaigns proficiently across multiple channels, driving moderate improvements in online presence and engagement.
  3. Measurable Progress: Presents evidence of positive shifts in relevant performance metrics.
  4. Communication: Maintains regular communication, sharing campaign updates and basic insights with clients.

A B-rated digital marketing agency offers satisfactory services, meeting the basic expectations of clients. The agency demonstrates competence in some areas but may lack consistency or innovation:

  1. Basic Strategy: Creates fundamental digital marketing plans that address client objectives, but may not exhibit exceptional creativity.
  2. Execution Capability: Implements campaigns adequately, resulting in modest improvements in online visibility and engagement.
  3. Limited Results: Presents evidence of incremental changes in performance metrics.
  4. Communication: Communicates periodically, sharing basic progress reports without in-depth analysis.

A C-rated digital marketing agency falls below industry standards in terms of service delivery and results. The agency may struggle with various aspects of digital marketing and might need substantial improvement in:

  1. Strategic Insight: Develops basic strategies that may not effectively align with client goals or target audiences.
  2. Execution Challenges: Struggles with consistent and effective campaign implementation, resulting in limited improvements.
  3. Lackluster Results: Demonstrates minimal positive impact on performance metrics.
  4. Communication Issues: Communicates sporadically, often with limited insights and updates.

Ranked: The Best Market Research Agencies in Milwaukee

We've shortlisted the best ones for you and made it easy to only contact AAA or AA-rated agencies.

However, before you decide to go with anyone I recommend 2 things:

Either use our agency finder above. Use our expertise and let us help you find the ideal agency for you, from our worldwide contact database.

Or, if you are sure you'd like a local agency, set up meetings with the highly-rated agencies on this list, and test them for clear expectations from you/clear customer qualifications, clear onboarding process, clear long-term focused objectives, and clear communication.

And most important, don't fall for short-term hacks some poor quality agencies try to sell you on.

Look for long-term strategy, protecting your brand and clear timelines.

1. Concept Co.

Concept Co.

Founded Year: 2009

Website: conceptcompany.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Concept Co. is a top market research agency in Milwaukee that gathers insightful data to help you make better business decisions. They perform market analysis in any size area to gather information about a specific industry, product, or service.

The company conducts focus groups, online surveys, questionnaires, phone interviews, and home tests to identify the key details and insights about a specific organization's target audience behavior or competitors. Their team of market research experts will send reports about insights and information to help you make the right decisions when creating new products and services to attract potential customers for your business.

Case Studies: Pending submission

2. Momentic

Momentic

Founded Year: 2018

Website: momenticmarketing.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Momentic is a leading market research agency in Milwaukee. It drives business growth by providing the latest information about industry trends. The company helps businesses stay ahead of the competition by providing valuable insights through its market research solutions.

They will help in conducting focus groups, surveys, questionnaires, feedback, online tests, and taste tests to gather information about your industry to help you choose new products and services for your target audience. Marketing researchers will help you find information by sending reports about the results of the market research process to help you make the right decisions to grow your business.

Case Studies: Pending submission

3. Keystone Click

Keystone Click

Founded Year: 2008

Website: keystoneclick.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Keystone Click is a trusted market research agency in Milwaukee. Our research delves deep into every aspect of your business: your audience, your brand, and your competition.

We leave no stone unturned in examining your brand's positioning, messaging, voice, and digital presence and in understanding your target audience's demographics, brand perception, and customer journey. Through data mining and interviews with key clients, we gather the critical insights you need to make informed decisions and uncover hidden opportunities.

Case Studies: Pending submission

4. Hanson Dodge

Hanson Dodge

Founded Year: 1981

Website: hansondodge.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Hanson Dodge is a skilled market research agency in Milwaukee. It provides customized market research methodologies to give you the best results. The company offers consumer insights, market research, and media strategy to help you connect more deeply with your target audience.

Their team designs and executes qualitative and quantitative research projects that achieve defined objectives. They conduct online surveys, sensory testing, trade shows, focus groups, shopping, and location tests to gather the best insights about your industry.

Case Studies: Pending submission

5. Mazur Zachow

Mazur Zachow

Founded Year: 1980

Website: mazurzachow.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Mazur Zachow is a credible market research agency in Milwaukee. The company conducts robust market research projects for small and large businesses in the vicinity. The company specializes in conducting online surveys, feedback, questionnaires, focus groups, and quantitative and qualitative research to gain the best insights about your industry.

Their facilitators are highly experienced in getting the project done by using the best research tools and testing methods. They craft questions and program surveys to reach the best audience and gain meaningful insight.

Case Studies: Pending submission

6. Advantage Research

Advantage Research

Founded Year: 1992

Website: advantageresearchinc.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Advantage Research is a popular market research agency in Milwaukee. It helps businesses acquire insights about their industry to make informed decisions about creating new products and services to attract potential customers. Advantage Research's market research services include focus groups, in-depth interviews, online surveys, and statistical analysis.

The company will also help you decide the right market research strategy for your business and send you timely reports about competitors and target audience behavior. They will also generate high-quality insights by analyzing your marketplace and industry using different tests and analytics.

Case Studies: Pending submission

7. US Research, Recruiting, and Facilitation

US Research, Recruiting, and Facilitation

Founded Year: 2017

Website: usrrf.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: US Research Recruiting & Facilitation is a professional market research agency in Milwaukee that helps businesses research any industry to gain exceptional insights about their competitors and target audience. The company excels at conducting research studies such as focus groups, product tastes, and mock trials to gather data and information about a specific industry.

They also conduct remote research using virtual interviews, online surveys, telephonic calls, video meetings, and live streaming sessions. Their team easily accommodates large group presentations using many types of technology and gets the right participants to provide feedback on a new product or service.

Case Studies: Pending submission

8. Reckner

Reckner

Founded Year: 1991

Website: reckner.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Reckner is a distinguished market research agency in Milwaukee that utilizes active database management and stringent quality control protocols. Your research project will be recruited according to your exact specifications. The company can recruit participants for any program, including focus groups, in-depth interviews, tele-depths, online bulletin boards, and shopping plans.

They can also help with sensory testing, taste testing, product testing, data processing, and home use tests. Their team works in well-equipped viewing rooms and uses state-of-the-art technology to gather insights and information about your industry.

Case Studies: Pending submission

9. Drive Research

Drive Research

Founded Year: 2016

Website: driveresearch.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Drive Research is a dependable market research agency serving the Milwaukee region. The company can handle everything from online surveys to focus groups.

They dive deeper into the demographics, data, and key statistics to better understand the specific region. Their team has the knowledge and tools to design a robust market research study for all types of organizations in Milwaukee.

Case Studies: Pending submission

10. Karl James & Company

Karl James & Company

Founded Year: 1999

Website: karljames.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Karl James & Company is a productive market research agency in Milwaukee. It helps businesses gather insights about consumers, competitors, and industries to create new products and services. To conduct research about a specific service, product, or industry, it can use online surveys, focus groups, home usage tests, and mock tests.

The company has experience in understanding your market research requirements and conducting the analysis to collect data and information to make the best decisions. Their professionals will send you timely reports about the data and information at cost-effective prices.

Case Studies: Pending submission

Conclusion

Market research is important for analyzing how a particular product or service of your business is impacting customers and whether they are interested in making purchases to improve your sales and revenue. They can help gather real-time information about the latest trends in your marketplace and helping you create high-quality new products and services that will cater to customers' needs anywhere in the world.

Working with a reputed market research agency can help boost your brand visibility and acquire new customers by helping you understand what will lead to your business's success with high-quality insights, data, and information collected through market research solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is market research?

Market research is the process of collecting valuable information about a brand's target market to help develop products and create marketing campaigns that appeal directly to their consumers.

2. Why do you need market research?

When you need to identify market trends, better understand your customer, or achieve a long list of important brand goals, market research is the answer. It is one of the most effective tools for achieving the success of an online business by evolving according to the latest trends and generating more sales and revenue.

3. How can market research help your business?

Market research is one of the best strategies for businesses to collect information about their target audience's behavior, interests, demographics, and location. It can reveal possible shortcomings in your product or service, help you make adjustments that appeal to customer preferences, and increase profits.

Brands can also use market research to test reactions to a new logo, new packaging, or product to make better business decisions.

4. What will a market research agency do?

Market research agencies will conduct primary and secondary research, which can include quantitative and qualitative research processes, to collect the best information about your consumers, competitors, and industry.

Primary research involves asking questions about your industry, products, and customer satisfaction, while secondary research will include online surveys, focus groups, interviews, observations, and video sessions.

5. Does market research work?

According to the insights provided by the market research agencies, market research is a long-term process, and you can definitely see results after making changes and modifications. Market research is a powerful tool to help minimize the risks involved when making key business decisions.