The MarketLink Focus Group Planning Guide is a quick-read guide that provides step-by-step instructions for designing a successful focus group project. It covers everything from setting the objectives and parameters of the research, to selecting and briefing the moderator, selecting the research facilities, and preparing the discussion guide.

The guide is available as an Acrobat .pdf file. To download file use this link: Focus Group Planning Guide

When focus group research fails to meet its objectives or client expectations, it's usually because planning was short-changed or the communication between marketer and researcher was unclear or incomplete. Focus Group Research Project Planning is a comprehensive checklist of the most important planning elements. Following this outline, marketers are assured of giving their research partners the information and insights they need to perform at an optimum level and, in turn, raise the prospects for a successful focus group research experience.

The checklist is available as an Acrobat .pdf file. To download file use this link: Focus Group Research Project Planning

MarketLink is a long-time member of the
Qualitative Research Consultants Association and the
Marketing Research Association and abides by the principles of ethical and professional conduct endorsed by both organizations. Both of these professional associations are an excellent source of additional marketing and research tools.

Even well planned focus groups can fail miserably if client or research participants misuse this methodology. As is true with any marketing tool, there are limitations to what focus groups can do, and there are pitfalls that too often entrap even research-experienced clients. How To Get The Most Out Of MarketLink Focus Groups was created to describe these pitfalls and help marketers to successfully navigate them.

The checklist is available as an Acrobat .pdf file. To download file use this link: How To Guide

The high cost of developing new products and line extensions and the relatively poor odds of successful commercialization have made concept-testing a required component of most companies' new products systems. The MarketLink Concept Testing Template gives marketers a template and practical advice on the content and format of traditional concept and positioning concept stimuli.

The template is available as an Acrobat .pdf file. To download file use this link: MarketLink Concept Testing Template