Don't Assume You Know What Your Audience is Thinking or What They Need

Developing printed and/or online surveys should be an element in your marketing plan development. Surveys are a great way to capture trends, collect data, or assess client, supplier or employee satisfaction. You really should never assume that you know what your audience is thinking or what they want. With many of the online tools available, it is quite simple and cost-effective to put together an online survey. Print surveys might cost you a little more and take a little more time, however, depending upon your audience, you might prefer this route. You might not always like the information you get back, but it's necessary to make adjustments to your marketing message, tools and activities often to enable you to move forward.

How can you get started?

1. Identify required information for collection
2. Define your audience
3. Develop questions
4. Design and administer your survey
5. Collect and analyze data
6. Prepare a final report of your results
7. Identify what you can do to make necessary changes
8. Share your results and your plan of action
9. Develop a timeline and get buy-in
10. Move forward and make a positive difference