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 offer, the client’s goals, and the type of research required. 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 qualitative and quantitative studies, customer insights projects, or competitor analysis. Whether you’re creating proposals regularly or occasionally, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.
What is a market research proposal?
A market research proposal is a document used to outline a structured plan for gathering insights on a market, audience, or competitive landscape. It typically includes the research objectives, methodology, deliverables, timeline, and pricing — and explains how the findings will inform decision-making.
Often shared after a scoping call or intake session, this proposal helps align stakeholders on what will be studied, how, and why.
A good market research proposal helps you:
- Clarify the research scope and purpose.
- Demonstrate a rigorous, tailored approach to data collection and analysis.
- Set expectations on timelines, sample sizes, and outcomes.
- Move the client toward approval with confidence and clarity.
Use this proposal when you want to deliver structured, insight-driven research that leads to smart business decisions.
Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal
Cobrief gives you a faster, smarter way to customize and polish your proposal directly in your browser — with built-in AI to support your writing.
- Edit the proposal directly in your browser: No setup or formatting required — just click and start working.
- Rewrite sections with AI: Highlight any sentence and choose from smart rewrite options like simplify, rephrase, or change tone.
- Run a one-click AI review: Get actionable suggestions to improve flow, fix vague language, or fill in missing detail.
- Apply AI suggestions instantly: Review and accept individual AI suggestions, or apply all improvements across the proposal in one click.
- Share or export instantly: Send your proposal via Cobrief or download a clean PDF or DOCX file — ready to share with clients.
No formatting headaches, no guessing — just a clean, guided experience from start to finish.
When to use this proposal
This market research proposal works well in scenarios like:
- Launching a new product and needing target audience insights.
- Entering a new market and analyzing competitive positioning.
- Validating demand for a new service or offering.
- Understanding shifting customer behavior or preferences.
- Supporting a business strategy, branding, or pricing decision.
Use this proposal when you want to provide a clear, credible research plan that leads to informed choices.
What to include in a market research proposal
Each section in this template helps you communicate your offer clearly and professionally. Here's what to include — and how to tailor it:
- Executive summary: Briefly state the client’s objective and your proposed research approach.
- Research objectives: Define the key questions the research will answer and why they matter.
- Methodology: Describe your approach — surveys, interviews, focus groups, desk research, or mixed methods — and justify why it fits the brief.
- Sample and segmentation: Outline who you’ll study, how many participants, and how they’ll be selected.
- Deliverables and format: Detail what you’ll deliver — e.g., raw data, presentation, executive summary, recommendations.
- Timeline and phases: Break the work into stages (planning, fieldwork, analysis, reporting) with rough durations or target dates.
- Pricing: Clearly explain your fees and what’s included — from recruitment to reporting.
- Terms and conditions: Include payment terms, cancellation policy, and confidentiality details.
- Next steps: Provide a clear CTA — confirm scope, schedule kickoff, or request approval.
How to write an effective market research proposal
This proposal should feel precise, grounded, and decision-oriented. Use these tips to write more effectively:
- Start with the business problem: Make it clear how the research links to real decisions.
- Avoid research jargon: Say “20 customer interviews” instead of “qualitative deep-dive initiative.”
- Emphasize what’s useful: Clients care about insights and implications — not just data.
- Be concrete with deliverables: Name specific outputs and how they’ll be presented.
- Show your logic: Explain why your methodology makes sense, not just what it is.
- Close with a confident next step: Always end with one clear CTA — don’t leave them wondering how to proceed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do I adapt this proposal for different types of research?
Tailor the methodology and sample plan depending on whether the goal is exploratory, evaluative, or comparative.
What pricing models work best?
Fixed project fees tied to scope and deliverables are most common. Clarify what's included at each stage.
Can this include both qualitative and quantitative methods?
Yes — you can propose a hybrid approach depending on the client’s timeline, budget, and depth of insight needed.
How do I handle recruitment and incentives?
If applicable, include participant sourcing, screening criteria, and incentive costs in the pricing section.
Can I export this proposal for client review?
Yes. After editing, export a professionally formatted PDF or Word document ready to share.
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