10 steps to create a successful online survey
Step 1: Clearly define the survey scope
Clearly define your objectives. What is it that you want to learn? Set goals that are clear and specific.
Step 2: Define participants
Who are you going to target and what information are you going to collect from them?
Step 3: Develop your survey
A good survey should not take longer than 10 minutes to complete. Ensure each question relates to your defined goals. Include an introduction to your survey. Questions should be clear and to the point, that don't suggest any answer (not leading). Put your most important questions at the top. use single-choice, multi-choice and drop downs etc to gather accurate, consistent data where appropriate. Thank respondents at the end and include your contact details.
Step 4: Survey design
Group related survey questions together and work out a logical question order. Include some simple consistent branding (use your logo etc) and a easy to use format such as a white background.
Step 5: Survey incentive
People are more likely to complete the survey if they are motivated. Consider offering a gift that is relevant to your target audience such as a voucher, cash or entry to a prize draw.
Step 6: Get your survey out
You will typically distribute your survey as a link in an email message (or place a link to your online survey on your web site). Using an email marketing system you can send a personalised message to each of your participants with a link to the survey. This allows to you personalise the email and with an interesting personalised subject it is more likely to be completed.
Step 7: Test your survey
You should at least test the survey yourself or with other staff. if possible test it with a small groups of colleagues or friends to get feedback on areas that could be improved (or any errors). Test that the data is being collected correctly by reviewing your survey reports.
Step 8: Make it live
Once tested, launch your survey (by sending that email out etc).
Step 9: Analyse results
When the survey is completed or closed, retrieve your results (typically in a CSV or Excel file) and analyse your results with your objectives in mind.
Step 10: Take action
Draw conclusions from your survey and make use of this information by taking action.
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