How MSG is Enhancing the Gold Standard in Survey Research

Address-Based Sampling (ABS) has been a trusted method in survey research for nearly 20 years. As technology and data sources have advanced, so has the power of ABS—solidifying its place as the industry standard for reaching virtually every residential household in the U.S.

At the forefront of this evolution is Marketing Systems Group (MSG). By taking the foundational USPS address file and transforming it into a dynamic, data-rich resource, we have turned ABS into much more than a list of addresses—it’s now a strategic tool for targeting even the most hard-to-reach populations.

Taking ABS to the Next Level

We have spent years refining and enhancing the ABS frame, and the result is a smarter, more powerful sampling solution. At the heart of this innovation is MSG’s consumer graph, which uses the ABS frame as its backbone while layering in multiple ancillary data sources. These enhancements enable researchers to build more precise and effective stratified sample designs.

Here’s What Sets Our Approach Apart

• Linking Third-Party Consumer Data: By integrating data from reputable and commercially available data sources, we are able to enhance the vast majority of residential addresses with household-level insights. This includes details about household composition, lifestyle, and more—giving researchers a clearer picture of who lives where, and how best to reach them.

• Cell Phone-to-Individual Linkage: In today’s multi-modal communication landscape, reaching respondents through various channels is key. We have made significant strides in accurately linking cell phones to individuals and their residential addresses, allowing researchers to reach participants via phone, text, email, digital ads, and traditional mail. This level of connectivity opens the door to more responsive, representative sampling.

• Enhanced Geocoding Accuracy: Properly placing an address within the correct Census geography—such as blocks, tracts, or block groups—is crucial for aligning survey data with demographic benchmarks. Our improvements in geocoding precision ensure that researchers can confidently design geographically-stratified samples and accurately interpret population-level estimates.

Why It Matters

These innovations mean that ABS is no longer just a reliable starting point—it’s a highly refined engine driving smarter sampling strategies. Whether you’re aiming to engage niche populations, improve response rates, or design methodologically sound surveys, MSG’s enhanced ABS frame offers the flexibility and depth today’s research demands. Contact us here to book time with one of our ABS experts.

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