Market Research: The Foundation of Smart Marketing.
When we talk about digital marketing, most people in Bangladesh want to “jump straight into Facebook ads” or “open a Shopify store” without understanding their audience. The result? Wasted money, low sales, and frustration.
That’s where market research comes in. It’s like the soil before planting a seed—if the soil isn’t ready, no matter how good the seed is, it won’t grow.
Why Market Research Matters in Bangladesh.
Understand Pain Points
In digital marketing, your customer’s pain points are everything.
- If you’re running ads for a restaurant in Dhaka, you need to know: are people worried about food quality, delivery time, or price?
- If you’re selling freelancing courses, you need to know: do students struggle with English skills, finding clients, or technical tools?
Without this clarity, your ads will miss the mark.
Save Money on Ads
Let’s be real—ads in BD are cheap compared to the US, but for students or small businesses, even 500 taka wasted feels painful. Market research ensures your message hits the right person at the right time.
Stand Out in Crowded Markets
E-commerce in Bangladesh is booming—Daraz, AjkerDeal, countless Facebook shops. Why should someone choose your store? Research helps you discover the gap competitors aren’t filling.
Simply put: Fail to research, prepare to fail.
The 3-Question Survey: Simple but Powerful
You don’t need a big budget or advanced tools. Just a Google Form with 3 well-designed questions can give you priceless insights.
Q1. What is your biggest challenge with product/service?
- Purpose: Find out the exact problem people are facing.
- Example (Freelancing Training): “What’s your biggest challenge with freelancing?”
- Common BD answers: “Finding international clients,” “Writing proposals,” “Understanding English instructions.”
Q2. What difference would it make in your life if you solved this problem?
- Purpose: Discover their dream outcome, both emotional and practical.
- Example: “If I learn proper freelancing skills, I can support my family and quit my low-paying job.”
- “If I get better at digital marketing, I can scale my clothing brand and stop depending on resellers.”
Q3. How difficult has it been for you to find a solution to this problem?
- Purpose: Filter real opportunities.
- Options:
- Not difficult
- Somewhat difficult
- Very difficult
If many respondents say “Very difficult,” that’s your golden opportunity to build a product or service.
Bonus Question: “Leave your email if you’d like updates when we launch a solution.” This way, you start building an email list of potential buyers before launching anything.
How to Share Your Survey in Bangladesh
If you don’t have a big email list yet, here are BD-friendly ways to distribute your survey:
- Facebook Groups
- Bangladesh Freelancers
- Digital Marketing Bangladesh
- Entrepreneurs BD
- Niche groups (e.g., “Dhaka Fashion Lovers” if you sell clothing)
Tip: Don’t just drop a link. Post with value:
“Hey, I’m researching challenges freelancers face in Bangladesh. Would love your input—results will be shared with the group too!”
- LinkedIn
Export your connections, DM professionals, or share in BD-based LinkedIn groups.
- WhatsApp & Messenger
In Bangladesh, these platforms are stronger than email. Share the form in community groups, coaching batches, or university networks.
- Campus & Youth Communities
If your audience is students, share in Facebook groups of DU, NSU, BRACU, BUET, etc. Student communities are highly responsive.
- Local Pages or Influencers
Partner with small BD influencers (like micro-influencers on Instagram or TikTok) to share your survey. Costs are low but reach is high.
Reviewing & Analyzing Your Data
Once responses roll in, here’s what to do:
- Find Common Pain Points
If 40% say “Facebook ads don’t bring sales” → You just found your content idea or service offering.
- Identify Desired Outcomes
Highlight key emotional benefits. Example:
Response: “If I learn SEO, I can get foreign clients and earn in dollars.”
Use this in copy: “Learn SEO and start earning in dollars from global clients.”
- Focus on Hard-to-Solve Problems
If many people rate their challenge as “Very difficult,” that’s where demand is strong and competition is weak.
Local Example: Fashion E-commerce in BD
Imagine you’re launching an online saree boutique:
- Survey Insight 1: Customers fear poor fabric quality.
- Survey Insight 2: They want hassle-free returns.
- Survey Insight 3: They say it’s “Very difficult” to find online shops that deliver what they promise.
Marketing Message: “Premium sarees with guaranteed fabric quality and easy 7-day return policy—delivered anywhere in Bangladesh.”
This is directly based on what your audience said.
Alternatives If You Can’t Run Surveys
Not comfortable sending surveys? Use these BD-friendly hacks:
- Conversations: Talk to shop owners, students, freelancers, or potential customers directly.
- Review Mining: Check comments on Daraz, Rokomari, Foodpanda, or Pathao apps to see what people complain about.
- Facebook Comments: In BD, customers love leaving comments like “Stock ache?” or “Delivery koto din?” These are insights!
Key Takeaway
Market research in Bangladesh doesn’t need big agencies or fancy budgets. With just a Google Form, a few group shares, and careful listening, you can uncover what people actually want.
Remember:
- Pain points = Problems you must solve
- Desired outcomes = How to position your solution
- Difficulty = Where opportunities lie
Do this right, and you’ll save money, connect with people, and build businesses that actually last.
