Audience research is crucial for effective marketing strategies, and this guide explores its importance and methods. It distinguishes audience research from market research, emphasizing its people-centric focus. The guide addresses common myths about audience research, such as relying solely on surveys or customer data. It outlines twelve different methods for conducting audience research, ranging from social listening and competitor analysis to AI-powered insights. These methods help marketers understand their audience's behaviors, preferences, and pain points. The podcast from an article in SparkToro advocates for a diversified, agile approach to audience research that is continuously adapted.