market researchIf you’re looking for data about an industry or you want to follow current trends, following are some resources to use.

Trendwatching.com – Provides monthly reports on a wide variety of consumer trends.

Wikipedia – The user-generated online encyclopedia may provide some details and stats for specific industries or keyword phrases. Beware, since this is user-generated and data isn’t always completely accurate; however, sources are often listed and you may find links to additional research data.

Pulse.ebay.com – A list of the most popular searches currently conducted on eBay.

Forrester.com – Provides consumer and business data with technology, IT, and marketing categories.

Census.gov — List of census data, including by industry.

InfoUSA.com – Sells mailing lists, though you can use its search functionality to get insight into the size of your target market.

Marketresearch.com/ — Database of market research reports (fee-based).

Marketingresearch.org/ — Provides market research data and a directory of certified research professionals so that you can find and hire help for conducting market research.

Scip.org/ — Association of Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals, where you can find firms to hire for assistance.

Author Bio:

Stephanie Chandler is the author of several books including The Nonfiction Book Marketing Plan: Online and Offline Promotion Strategies to Build Your Audience andSell More Books and Own your Niche: Hype-Free Internet Marketing Tactics to Establish Authority in Your Field and Promote Your Service-Based Business.Stephanie is also founder and CEO of NonfictionAuthorsAssociation.com, a vibrant educational community for experienced and aspiring writers, and NonfictionWritersConference.com, an annual event conducted entirely online. A frequent speaker at business events and on the radio, she has been featured in Entrepreneur, BusinessWeek, and Wired magazine. See also: @steph__chandler and @NonfictionAssoc on Twitter and Facebook.com/NonfictionAuthorsAssociation.

Did you know we host an annual Nonfiction Writers Conference? Check it out!