Tips for Engaging & Effective Surveys

Dan Blank -- Expert Business Source, 3/21/2007 2:06:00 PM

Brian Henderson of MarketingProfs.com shares “Twelve Tips for Conducting Effective Surveys.”

1. Define the survey's purpose.
   Figure out exactly what you want your customers to tell you, and actionable steps you can take with the results.

2. Keep it short and sweet.
   Ensure it only takes a few minutes to complete the survey, and communicate this to your respondents.

3. Keep it simple.
   Don't use jargon and don't make the questions too complex.

4. Save demographic questions for last.
   Keep people engaged with interesting questions up front.

5. Keep it specific.
   Be wary of open ended questions which are difficult to analyze.

6. Make it consistent.
   If you choose a rating scale (such as 1-5), ensure that all questions with rating scales conform.

Check out MarketingProfs.com for the other 6 tips for conducting effective surveys!