The Ä¢¹½AV Methodology
Our method is based in rigorously vetted and transparent data using our industry-renowned AFOA process. The results? A less than 2% variation in our forecasts against company reported earnings.
Rigorously Vetted and Transparent Data
Ä¢¹½AV forecasts provide a holistic perspective because of our unbiased, multi-source methodology. We analyze over 3,000 sources to minimize the restraints of each research methodology to the lowest degree. Refined over 20 years, our methodology, AFOA, stands for Aggregate, Filter, Organize, and Analyze.
- Define
Our forecasting team selects a topic based on market developments, client demand, and data availability, then details the parameters such as audience size, technology, or devices included.
- Normalize
After collecting data, our team normalizes it (or weighs it) based on how well it fits within the defined area of analysis. Heavier weighting is given to sources with more complete data and sound methodology, as well as frequency of reporting. This step is critical as it accounts for inherent differences in sources’ methodologies, inclusions, exclusions, and definitions.
- Review
Next, our forecasters work with researchers and analysts to gather additional feedback on newly completed forecasts through a meticulous internal review process.
- Re-evaluate & Update
Finally, our team engages in a forecast update process that occurs at least twice per year for most forecasts. This process repeats the steps above to yield an update to our forecast estimates based on multiple factors that could affect our outlook, including new data; feedback from the market/industry; and any other shifts at the market, company and consumer-level.
- Collect
Next, the team works with our researchers, interviewers, and analysts to collect data that can be quantitative or qualitative, gathered from thousands of sources, including research firms, audience measurement companies, industry associations, academic institutions, major media platforms, government issued data and more.
- Analyze & Build
Our team then analyzes the data and records trends across numerous related activities and/or spending categories to identify both historical and future growth patterns, as well as properly framing the relationships between our existing and new forecasts.
- Contextualize
Upon approval, forecasted numbers are put into larger context through analysis across our different research formats, press releases, and industry presentations.
- Define
Our forecasting team selects a topic based on market developments, client demand, and data availability, then details the parameters such as audience size, technology, or devices included.
- Collect
Next, the team works with our researchers, interviewers, and analysts to collect data that can be quantitative or qualitative, gathered from thousands of sources, including research firms, audience measurement companies, industry associations, academic institutions, major media platforms, government issued data and more.
- Normalize
After collecting data, our team normalizes it (or weighs it) based on how well it fits within the defined area of analysis. Heavier weighting is given to sources with more complete data and sound methodology, as well as frequency of reporting. This step is critical as it accounts for inherent differences in sources’ methodologies, inclusions, exclusions, and definitions.
- Analyze & Build
Our team then analyzes the data and records trends across numerous related activities and/or spending categories to identify both historical and future growth patterns, as well as properly framing the relationships between our existing and new forecasts.
- Review
Next, our forecasters work with researchers and analysts to gather additional feedback on newly completed forecasts through a meticulous internal review process.
- Contextualize
Upon approval, forecasted numbers are put into larger context through analysis across our different research formats, press releases, and industry presentations.
- Re-evaluate & Update
Finally, our team engages in a forecast update process that occurs at least twice per year for most forecasts. This process repeats the steps above to yield an update to our forecast estimates based on multiple factors that could affect our outlook, including new data; feedback from the market/industry; and any other shifts at the market, company and consumer-level.
Building Forecasts
We build our forecasts using unbiased data to create estimates and projections that assess the size or direction of digital topics, markets and consumer behavior. This process enables us to create thousands of forward-looking estimates with near pinpoint accuracy.
Become a client
Find out how Ä¢¹½AV research, data and insights empowers you to make informed strategic decisions for your company and teams.
Call Us: + 1-800-405-0844
- Rigorously sourced and vetted data
- Proprietary and transparent, research methodology
- Timely, insightful and unbiased analysis
- Citable and reusable charts, insights, forecasts and datasets
- External credibility and validation for projects and initiatives