You're ready to tear into the market. But is the market ready for you?

Many entrepreneurs are so excited about their business plans that they don't fully consider that others might not be. As a startup pitching your new business or new product for the first time, market research can help you hone your business plan and target a niche where there is the strongest demand.

Your idea can only grow in a market with fertile ground for it. Market research for startups helps you test the waters at an early stage before you dive in headfirst. Effective research reveals the extent to which there is real market demand for your product, by gauging potential interest and the performance of your competitors.

This article breaks down market research for startups into six steps. Read on and you'll walk away knowing how to measure potential customer interest and also how to track your performance in an ever-evolving digital world, so you can continually improve and optimize your strategy for maximum success.