
People love the animosity of surveys. They can say their spiel, whether it’s good or bad, submit it and walk away. Personally, it motivates me to be more honest in the surveys I take because whoever is on the receiving end won’t know who said what. But, I do suggest having a part on the bottom where recipients can fill out their information if they’d like. This way, you can address some of their specific concerns and display stellar customer service. If you receive a good review that’s worthy of sharing to the public and they leave their email address, contact your client and ask for permission of sharing their opinions on your website.
Surveys provide the perfect opportunity to receive constructive criticism. Remember to take all advice positively. This is supposed to help you understand your target audience better and improve your business. You’d be surprised at how many ideas can be created from reading what your audience has to say about you. It could spark a new business campaign or way to run a certain part of your business.
By asking for your client or customer’s opinion on your business, they will feel important. You’re showing that you care about how your business affects them and if you’re performing in the way that you should to help them out. Businesses are a two-way street. If you’re not making them happy, they go elsewhere and you start to lose business.
Now you can conduct surveys in a couple of different ways. You can mail out paper surveys for clients to mail back or you can create an online survey. In my humble opinion, online surveys are the best and most efficient way to conduct surveys in today’s Internet driven society. I suggest, and use, Survey Monkey. It’s free (unless you wish to upgrade) and you can create different types of questions (multiple choice, check box, ratings, open-ended, etc.). The survey can also be as long or short as you wish. But, typically, you get a better response rate with shorter surveys. I recommend no more than 10 questions.
The beauty of creating online surveys is the analytics that show your responses. They’re so easy to read. You and your co-workers will be able to gather the information and figure out what your first priority is.
If you’re worried that no one will take your survey, dangle an incentive in front of their face! Set a timeline for them to take the survey, let’s say a month, and then at the end of the month, say every person who submitted a survey with an email address attached will be entered to win a prize! People love to win free things so it could be a service, like a free oil change, or a gift card to a restaurant.
Just like mom, if your clients aren’t happy, no one’s happy! Happy Surveying, Members! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email me!