What Is Product Research?
Product research means finding the right products that people are searching for and willing to buy online. It is the first step to building a successful online store.
Without good product research, you might waste time and money selling items that no one wants.
Why Product Research Is Important for E-commerce
- Helps you understand customer demand
- Saves you from choosing products that won’t sell
- Shows you what’s trending in your niche
- Helps you beat your competition
- Increases your sales and profits
How to Do Product Research (Step-by-Step)
1. Check Online Marketplaces
Start by exploring top e-commerce websites:
- Amazon Best Sellers
- AliExpress Hot Products
- eBay Trending Deals
- Daraz (if you’re in South Asia)
Look for:
- High ratings
- Positive reviews
- Fast shipping
- Many orders (means high demand)
2. Use Google Trends
Go to Google Trends and search your product idea.
It shows whether the product is gaining popularity or not.
Example:
Search “wireless earphones” – if the graph is going up, it means people are searching for it more.
3. Use Product Research Tools
Here are some free and paid tools:
Tool | Use For |
---|---|
Sell The Trend | Finding winning dropshipping products |
Ecomhunt | Daily list of trending products |
Zik Analytics | Best for eBay product research |
Jungle Scout | Amazon product research |
AliShark | Find AliExpress trending products |
Glorify or Canva | See how others are designing product listings |
These tools help you see:
- Sales volume
- Profits
- Competition
- Suppliers
4. Spy on Competitors
Search your product on:
- TikTok
Check:
- What kind of ads are running?
- What features are they showing?
- What are customers saying in comments?
Use tools like:
- Facebook Ad Library
- PipiAds (for TikTok ad research)
5. Look for Problem-Solving Products
The best products are those that solve a problem.
Ask:
- Does this product save time?
- Does it make life easier?
- Is it something new or unique?
Examples:
- Posture corrector belt
- Portable blender
- Scratch remover for cars
- Phone holder for car dashboard
6. Use Social Media for Ideas
Search TikTok or Instagram using hashtags like:
- #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt
- #AmazonFinds
- #TrendingProducts
These show real products people are excited about.
7. Read Customer Reviews
Go to Amazon or other stores. Read reviews of similar products.
You’ll learn:
- What customers like and dislike
- How you can improve or offer better service
- What problems the product solves
8. Validate with Keyword Tools
Use free tools like:
- Ubersuggest
- Google Keyword Planner
- Ahrefs (free trial)
Search the product name and check:
- Monthly search volume
- SEO difficulty
- CPC (cost per click)
If people are searching for it, it’s worth testing!
Final Tips
- Test products with low cost and high demand
- Avoid seasonal items unless you have a marketing plan
- Choose lightweight products (easy to ship)
- Always calculate profit margins
Bonus: Trending Product Categories in 2025
- Home & Kitchen gadgets
- Health & fitness accessories
- Phone accessories
- Eco-friendly items
- Pet products
- Baby care items
- Self-care & skincare tools
Final Thoughts
Product research is the secret to finding winning products for your online store. Take your time, use the tools mentioned, and always look for products that solve a problem or make life easier.