Eduardo E Sierra You’ve taken care of both the survey design and calculating the sample size. Plus, you’ve already defined your target audience.
So, what’s next? Distributing your survey.
Let’s take a look at 5 different survey distribution channels. The key thing is to determine which one works best towards reaching your target audience.
E-mail is a good way to distribute surveys. No matter the target audience and sample size, creating survey groups from your contact list is much more practical.
Not only is it easier to track responses, but sending reminders to participants is faster. If you want more data on e-mail and link performance, some survey platforms can give you access to analytics.
Before you sending out the survey invite, make sure you:
- Add an introductory text and include the survey’s purpose and link. Also, be straightforward about the survey’s length and disclose any information regarding any incentives.
- Personalize the invite using your branding guidelines and address each of the recipients by their names.
- Don’t forget to use a friendly tone throughout the message, including the subject line.
Website/Blog
Embedding a survey link to your website/blog is another solid option.
Unlike e-mail, this method opens the door to a wider target audience. It allows you to gather additional and useful insights.
Website/blog visitors are more likely to have an existing interest towards your brand. Therefore, they’ll be more inclined to participate in your survey.
Plus, you can also embed the survey link on industry-related forums and discussion websites to gather data from potential customers.
Social Media
Think of all the informal polls and questions that you see on Twitter, Facebook and other networks. Conducting surveys through social media is common nowadays.
Just like the website/blog distribution channel, followers/fans already have an interest in your brand; therefore, they are likely to respond and even share the survey link among their networks.
Social media gives you access to your brand ambassadors. They are loyal and influential and help to promote your brand online. Talk to them and ask them to share your survey among their followers and friends.
Also, don’t forget to tap into Facebook and LinkedIn groups. Make sure that they are industry-related, though.
Social media gives you access to advertising. Why not promote your survey through optimized campaigns to reach specific target audiences? Most social media networks allow this.
Phone
The good thing about phone surveys is that you can contact respondents quickly.
There are software platforms that simplify the data collection process. Also, the moderator can clarify any confusion rapidly; as well as, respondents can expand on their answers which can give you higher quality data.
Paper
Paper surveys are a good choice when your target audience is local and in a high-traffic commercial area. Also, it is a solution when respondents have limited access to Internet connectivity.
Similar to telephone surveys, the paper version also allows you to clarify any confusion. Since the respondent is present, you can read the body language to determine interest. It allows you to go in depth and gather detailed responses.
The methodology is still used today and can provide useful data.
Before choosing any of these 5 survey distribution channels, you must first identify your target audience.
The right distribution channel can give you high response rates.
Which of these survey distribution channels have you used? Share your experiences in the comments below.
