Anyone beginning the franchise discovery process is bound to be met with internet clutter, and it’s only natural to become frustrated by the inability to decipher where to turn. With so many different websites spouting all kinds of different information, how can anyone know what’s truly correct? Luckily, there are several tried-and-true digital (and print) publications out there where those looking to invest in a franchise can get accurate, up-to-date information on different brands and opportunities, as well as the latest industry news and trends.

If you’ve landed on this article, you’re already on the right track—these are the best sources of information when doing franchise research.

1851 Franchise

A newer player in the franchise information and education space, 1851 Franchise is a digital trade publication that tells the stories of the latest happenings in the franchise industry, sharing insights from all kinds of different industry players to provide its audience with a diverse set of perspectives on a multitude of topics and trends.

Interview subjects—and as a result, audience members—come from all corners of the franchise industry, from industry advisors and suppliers to established and emerging franchisors to single- and multi-unit franchisees, and everyone in between. Since its inception in 2015, 1851’s readership has grown to more than 300,000 unique visitors per month, a testament to its content serving as a great resource for everyone in the franchise game.

The platform also houses a franchise opportunity directory in which 1851’s partner brands have digital newsrooms flush with content on their respective opportunities for franchise prospects to peruse.

Franchise Business Review

Franchise Business Review is a franchisee-driven publication with a mission of bringing transparency to the industry. The publication’s comprehensive ranking of franchise opportunities is based solely on franchisee satisfaction reviews from within each brand’s existing system, bringing FBR’s content a level of authenticity every prospect can derive value from in their respective searches,

Another useful feature on Franchise Business Review’s platform is its special buyer’s guide, which functions as a resource for franchise prospects to discover the right brand fit for themselves more efficiently. The publication also helps to bring light to new and emerging brands in franchising, giving those who are looking the chance to dive into opportunities they may not have heard of anywhere else a great opportunity to dig in.

Entrepreneur Magazine

While recognized as one of the premier business publications in existence today, it may be lesser-known that Entrepreneur Magazine dedicates a substantial portion of its content to exploring and ranking franchise brands. Each year, Entrepreneur publishes its Franchise 500 Ranking, a comprehensive list that uses available data to highlight the top-rated franchise opportunities in the industry. It’s a great resource for any franchisee looking for more information on brands they’re considering across different sectors of the industry, as the overall list ranks compares brands across sectors, while specific secondary lists rank opportunities within each sector for a deeper look. It’s also a great place to find articles on franchise brand founders, CEOs and executives.

There you have it, the top picks for franchise research. Be sure to take a look at all three during your research to ensure you’re getting the most robust set of information possible.

The Best Places To Do Franchise Research

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Hannah Rogers