Back in “the old days,” programming a survey was a monumental task–IF you could afford the expensive software to do it.  As a result, doing surveys often lay beyond the financial reach of small- to medium-sized companies. Now, however, inexpensive, easy-to-use survey software programs ensure that even the smallest company can integrate surveys into the systems and processes of its business, which means they can “get inside their customers’ heads” as well as a Fortune 500 firm.

That means EVERY entrepreneur should be thinking about how to integrate surveys into his or her business.  Here are some tips on places to target:

• Write surveys to evaluate customer satisfaction with your major products.  Send a suvey link to EVERYONE who purchases the product, within 2 weeks after purchase.
• Periodically survey your customer base to get ideas for product creation.
• Survey your list regularly to gauge their satisfaction with your communications–newsletter, e-mails, etc.
• Use surveys to generate evidence that your products work.
• Use surveys to generate referrals.
• Use surveys to elicit testimonials.

These are just a few of the ways you can integrate surveys into your business.  Online survey software packages can be obtained for as little as $200–which means if you’re not doing surveys in your business, you should start doing so, right away.

Start integrating surveys into all aspects of your business and watch your profits soar.

In a recent survey, we were shocked to learn that nearly half of the Internet marketers who responded had never written and administered a customer survey in their businesses.  Those business people are missing a vital opportunity not only to “get inside their customers’ heads” but also to build a bond with those customers.

Customer surveys provide a critically important tool for your business.  There’s a REASON that big companies spend millions of dollars conducting customer surveys and ensuring that they conduct them well.

The good news is that you don’t need a huge budget or the knowledge of an expert to do customer surveys well.  With some solid principles, and a little help, you can get the information you need to produce the products your customers want and ensure that your products and services are meeting their needs.

Haven’t started the conversation yet?  Check back here for more information, tips, and products, so that you can start doing customer surveys, right away.

A:  One of our clients asked this week whether he should limit a survey to one response per IP address or permit multiple responses.  With few exceptions, it’s generally best to set a survey restrictions so that it accepts only one response per computer.  This ensures that a given respondent won’t try to “load” the results.

Have a question?  Ask it by posting a comment.