6 Steps to a Successful Online Survey

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Jim Herrera

 

 

We’ve been conducting surveys – consistently – for a little over a year and a half. We’ve gleaned a lot of information about our users. The practice has reminded me that there are a few fundamental principles you need to follow to build your business.

 

Here are the 6 steps we’ve used here, and I’ve used in other companies:

 

1. Determine Your Survey’s Purpose: First, nail down your main reason for conducting your survey — Do you need a clear profile of your typical customer? Are you looking to gauge customer satisfaction with your products or services? Or are you seeking to “test” a bunch of new product ideas? Follow this first step closely to guide your entire survey effort.
2. Choose the Best Online Tool: There are many online survey tools for you to choose. We’ve done all the research for you, so you’ll know which is right for your budget and needs. We’ll present the top online survey tools in a ratings and review format, so you can easily make your decision.
3. Create an Email Database: Maybe you already have a database of email addresses for your customers — that puts you ahead of the game. But learn here best ways to segment your file for optimal results. Or, if you lack an email database for your customers, learn quick and cheap ways to build one.
4. Set Up Your Survey and Send It: Learn how to create your survey questions in a logical order … and how to design the survey so it’s user-friendly. With the accompanying handout, you’ll have suggested sample questions you can use, and you’ll even learn some clever ways to get maximum response to your survey.
5. Analyze Your Survey Results: Once you’ve collected survey responses, it’s time to dig into the data and analyze your findings. In this step, you’ll learn best ways to compile results so anyone can understand them, and you’ll discover how to interpret tricky responses and when to discard useless answers.
6. Act on Your Survey Results: The biggest mistake of all is to conduct a survey and do nothing with the results! You’ll get examples of how to act … and when not to. And learn the best way to handle individual customer complaints, too.

Let us know what you think…