Ten Good Reasons Why Online Surveys
Are the Future of Marketing

Online surveys reinvent the traditional format and offer a unique way of interaction - all the benefits of the internet without the programming. Here are ten reasons why they may be the silver bullet marketeers' need, complete with examples supplied by Martin Day, managing director of Survey Galaxy - one of a new breed of websites making online surveys quicker and cheaper.

1. Anyone can play

Once the survey is online it's a simple step to promote it, either through email (with a link enclosed), via a link from a website or referenced by other forms of advertising. Anyone who has the link can be connected instantly to the survey, at a time that's convenient to them, 24x7.

2. Subtly does it

Surveys can be used to associate a product with positive attributes.

By listing the many features of a product and asking the respondent how important they are, regardless of their response, the product will be associated with the features; if they are rated as important the positive impact is endorsed by the customer.

3. It's easy peasy

Anyone can develop an online survey.

Survey sites allow people who are interested in the benefits of surveys, rather than technicalities, to side-step the required programming skills and create relevant up-to-the-minute surveys, instantly - surveys that are even easier to complete than they are to make.

4. It's cheap as buttons

Select the right survey website and creating surveys can be free of any charge and the cost to publish is minimal.

Useful information harvested from surveys can be reused and repackaged in other marketing and PR for use in press outlets making it a very efficient form of information gathering.

5. We've all got an opinion - and we like to give it

Customers like surveys - they're not seen as spam, but as an empowering opportunity to make their voice heard and a chance to have an impact on a brand.

They can be particularly good for broaching sensitive subjects with concerned employees; a survey asking a workforce on their opinion of change allows the key issues to be raised in a positive manner and encourages employee participation. Online surveys allow the message to reach each individual and invite feedback in a manageable form.

6. Fresh topics engage interest

Thinking laterally a lively and imaginative approach to surveys can provide the 'hook' to engage respondents. The survey subject can be focused towards a particular group on a subject close to their hearts. The survey's marketing message can take the form of a simple brand awareness message by stating that 'this survey was sponsored by brand name', or by finding a link from the subject matter to the product - something that is surprisingly easy and highly effective.

Discover the benefits of including in your website a Public Survey section as many people who enjoy completing crosswords and doing word puzzles enjoy completing surveys. Having a public survey notice board as part of a website is a low cost and automated method that helps to increase traffic and establish a loyal and returning following. Unlike discussion boards there is no opportunity for people to disrupt the site by inappropriate remarks as the survey results are displayed in summary form enabling them to dispense with moderators and maintenance.

7. Get inside their heads

You can lead a customer to an advertisement but you can't make them think. Surveys actively engage the respondent, who thinks about the question before giving their response.

8. It's not just about selling

A survey is an effective, quick and easy method to promote and gain acceptance for a difficult proposal; maybe a public body trying to gain acceptance and support for a particular scheme.

Take the example of a city trying to gain support from the general public for their bid to host a future Olympic Games. A survey can explain each benefit putting the respondent in a much better position to appreciate what the real advantages are that might just combat any negative headlines. As well as promoting the cause, useful feedback is gained that can be used to fine tune the overall marketing strategy.

9. If you like this, you'll love...

Perhaps one of the strongest elements in a survey is the ability to make inspired or useful connections instantly to other areas. By including links within the survey to websites that offer detailed information you are able to reinforce the marketing message.

10. Beautiful relationships start here

It needn't all end at the end of the survey - while you have their attention and they are in the mood you can ask if they want to sign up for more information or a regular newsletter - making the most of the window when you have their interest.

Many of the techniques and a few more are contained in the following sample survey.

Marketing to the Online Generation

For more information or to discuss how online surveys can help you please contact surveys@surveygalaxy.com or visit www.surveygalaxy.com - the quick, easy and cost effective way to do online surveys.