Market research proposal: Free template
Customize this free market research proposal with Cobrief
Open this free market research proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on your research methods, client goals, and target industry. You can also use AI to review your draft — spot gaps, tighten language, and improve clarity before sending.
Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.
This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for pitching research on customer segments, competitor analysis, market entry, or product validation. Whether you're a research consultant, agency, or part of a strategy team, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.
What is a market research proposal?
A market research proposal outlines your approach for gathering and analyzing data to help a business make more informed decisions. It typically includes your methodology, target audience, tools, deliverables, timeline, and pricing.
This proposal helps clarify what insights the client will gain, how the research will be conducted, and what actions it will support — whether entering a new market, launching a product, or understanding competitors.
A strong market research proposal helps you:
- Define your research goals, scope, and questions.
- Build trust through a clear and credible methodology.
- Align expectations around data sources, timelines, and formats.
- Support better business decisions with structured insights
Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal
Cobrief lets you draft, refine, and deliver polished proposals quickly — with AI tools to help at every step.
- Edit the proposal directly in your browser: Skip the formatting headache — just open and start writing.
- Rewrite sections with AI: Clarify methods, simplify technical language, or fine-tune tone instantly.
- Run a one-click AI review: Spot vague or redundant parts and get instant improvement suggestions.
- Apply AI suggestions instantly: Accept edits individually or apply all recommended changes at once.
- Share or export instantly: Send via Cobrief or download a clean PDF or DOCX version in seconds.
Make every proposal sharp, credible, and client-ready — without starting from scratch.
When to use this proposal
Use this market research proposal when:
- Pitching a formal research engagement to new or existing clients.
- Proposing customer surveys, interviews, or competitor benchmarking.
- Responding to an RFP for market or product research.
- Supporting strategic decisions around pricing, positioning, or market entry.
This structure works for both qualitative and quantitative research projects.
What to include in a market research proposal
Each section helps the client understand your process, timeline, and what insights they’ll gain:
- Executive summary: Briefly describe the client’s research need and how your study will help inform their business decisions. Highlight the expected outcomes — such as identifying target segments, validating demand, or analyzing trends.
- Scope of work: Define what’s included — surveys, interviews, desk research, focus groups, data analysis, competitive mapping, market sizing, etc. Clarify deliverables like reports, slide decks, dashboards, or presentations.
- Research methodology: Describe your research methods (quantitative, qualitative, mixed), sampling plan, data sources, tools used (e.g., Typeform, SPSS, desk research databases), and how insights will be synthesized.
- Timeline: Break down the project phases — kickoff, research design, data collection, analysis, delivery. Include estimated durations and deadlines.
- Pricing: Present pricing clearly — fixed fee, hourly, or milestone-based. Include optional add-ons like extended analysis, executive presentations, or raw data delivery.
- Terms and conditions: Outline payment terms, data usage rights, confidentiality, and client responsibilities (e.g., approvals, access to contacts).
- Next steps: End with a clear, simple CTA — like “Reply to approve” or “Schedule a kickoff meeting.”
How to write an effective market research proposal
This proposal should feel methodical, credible, and outcome-focused:
- Focus on decisions, not just data: Show how your research helps the client take action.
- Tailor the language: Speak to stakeholders — avoid overly academic or technical terms unless needed.
- Be specific: Define who you’re studying, what tools you’re using, and what the client will receive.
- Keep it transparent: Be clear about limitations, assumptions, and what’s in scope.
- Format for clarity: Use bullets, short paragraphs, and clean headers.
- End with confidence: Make it easy for the client to say yes and move forward.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I reuse this proposal for different industries?
Yes — just tailor the research scope, examples, and questions to each industry or client.
Does this proposal work for both qualitative and quantitative research?
Absolutely. Just update the methodology section to match the project type.
Can I include sample reports or past insights?
Yes — real examples help demonstrate your process and outcomes.
Is this proposal legally binding?
No — this is a proposal. You can attach a formal contract or scope of work separately.
Can I export this as a PDF or DOCX?
Yes — once customized, you can instantly download your proposal in either format.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.