I've started writing a report to help built a list. I used yahoo answers to start my research and I was surprised at how much valuable info I got by asking a simple, open ended question towards my target niche.
Then I started doing some keyword research I actually found some more commonly asked questions that I'm going to simple answer in this free report I'm writing.
Is this a good method for finding info to include in a ebook?
What kinds of research do you guys use for coming up with good information to include in a report or ebook?
In my experience I find it best to first research exactly what the visitor will get/receive from the information. It depends on the subject really. Solutions to supplementing personal income for example. Age and demographics also work into the target market. Where a low cost "car wash" business would be a way to supplement an income it would be best to offer the report to all age groups except for the elderly. The elderly may be perfectly able, but a bigger response to your list will come from young adults to middle aged adults.
A free report is nice and I always research the possibilities of future volumes. The first two or three reports may be free and future volumes demand a price. In this way your free report generates an income as your list grows.