Setting up a survey can be super useful whether you’re gathering feedback, doing market research, or just trying to understand your audience better. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you going:
1. Define the Purpose
Ask yourself:
- What do you want to learn?
- Who is your target audience?
Example:
You’re running a furniture store and want feedback on customer satisfaction.
2. Decide the Survey Type
Choose based on your goal:
- Customer feedback (e.g., after a purchase)
- Market research (e.g., what products people want)
- Employee feedback
- Event or service evaluation
3. Choose a Platform
Here are some easy-to-use tools:
- Google Forms (free & simple)
- Typeform (great for interactive design)
- SurveyMonkey (professional, analytics-heavy)
- Microsoft Forms (if you’re using Microsoft 365)
4. Create the Questions
Keep it short and sweet. Common formats:
- Multiple choice
- Rating scales (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
- Yes/No
- Open-ended (for comments)
Tips:
- Start with easy/fun questions
- Use logic branching if needed (skip to a specific question based on answer)
- Avoid leading or confusing wording
5. Test the Survey
Send it to a friend or teammate to make sure:
- Everything works
- It makes sense
- It’s not too long
6. Share It
Distribute through:
- Social media
- QR code (for in-store surveys)
- Your website
7. Collect & Analyze Responses
Most survey platforms provide:
- Graphs
- Response summaries
- Export options (CSV, Excel)
8. Take Action
Use the data to:
- Improve products/services
- Make business decisions
- Follow up with customers