Skip to content
HOOGResearch & Advisory

Professional Services

Buyer Journey Research for an HR Consulting Practice

Understanding how HR leaders research, shortlist and select consulting partners.

Example engagement
Client
HR and people advisory firm
Industry
Professional Services
Geography
India
Duration
6 weeks
Capabilities
Customer & Consumer Insights, B2B Research

Research design at a glance

How the work is structured

India · 6 weeks

  1. 1

    HR leader interviews

    CHROs and HR heads.

  2. 2

    Buyer survey

    Information sources and decision criteria.

  3. 3

    Content audit

    Competitor thought leadership and digital presence.

  4. 4

    Journey mapping

    Stages and touchpoints.

Qualitative depth

Interviews, groups & observation

  • HR leader interviews~20

Quantitative scale

Surveys, audits & measurement

  • Survey responses~150

Sample sizes are indicative of a typical design for this type of question; real engagements are scoped to the decision.

01

Client context

The practice relied on referrals and wanted to build a more predictable pipeline.

02

Business challenge

It was unclear where buyers looked for advisors and what content influenced them.

03

Research objective & questions

Map the HR buyer journey and identify the most effective marketing and sales touchpoints.

  • What triggers HR leaders to seek external advice?
  • Where do they look for advisors?
  • Which content and proof points influence selection?
  • Who else is involved in the decision?

04

Methodology & approach

HR leader interviews
CHROs and HR heads.
Buyer survey
Information sources and decision criteria.
Content audit
Competitor thought leadership and digital presence.
Journey mapping
Stages and touchpoints.

05

Sample & geography

  • ~20 HR leader interviews
  • ~150 survey responses
  • Geography — India

06

Key findings

  • Peer networks and industry events were primary discovery channels.
  • Practical frameworks and benchmarks were the most valued content.
  • Finance leaders joined decisions for larger engagements.
  • Buyers searched online to validate firms before shortlisting.

07

Business implications

  • Invest in peer events and HR leader communities.
  • Publish practical frameworks and benchmarks.
  • Equip proposals with a business case for finance.

08

Outcome

The practice received a buyer journey map and a demand generation plan.

Example engagement — Shows how Hoog approaches this type of question. Not a specific client project. Findings are directional.

Start a conversation

Facing a similar question?

Tell us about the decision you are facing. We will come back with a clear view of how research can help — and what it would take.