Online Survey & Panel Research Service

Conduct online surveys and build research panels for market insights

Startup Cost
$30,000-$200,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
12-24 months
Profit Potential
$12,000-$167,000/month

Overview

Online research firms generate $150,000-$2,000,000 annually with 50-75% margins.

In 2025, online research provides fast affordable insights.

Revenue from online survey projects ($3,000-$50,000), panel access and sample ($5-$50 per completed survey), DIY survey platform subscriptions ($99-$999 monthly), omnibus survey questions ($1,000-$5,000 per question), and consumer panel recruitment.

Successful firms build quality online panels, ensure representative samples, use survey best practices, provide fast turnaround on studies, and leverage technology for efficiency.

Businesses and researchers as clients.

Marketing through survey platforms and technology, panel quality and size, research speed and pricing, online research expertise, and self-service options.

Required Skills

  • Survey Methodology
  • Panel Management
  • Survey Programming
  • Data Quality Control
  • Research Technology
  • Statistical Analysis

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Online research faster and more affordable
  • Can scale with technology and panels
  • Multiple revenue streams (projects, panel, platform)
  • Growing online research adoption
  • Lower costs than traditional research

Cons

  • Significant investment in panel recruitment
  • Survey technology platform costs
  • Panel quality and fraud challenges
  • Competitive online research market
  • Lower margins than custom research

How to Get Started

  1. Invest in survey platform technology
  2. Recruit and build consumer research panel
  3. Develop online research methodologies
  4. Market online survey services
  5. Program and field online surveys
  6. Ensure data quality and analysis
  7. Deliver fast online research insights

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