Internet survey research can be imperative in discovering your customer’s wants and needs and, in turn, offering them the best service. Surveys have long been a common way to get that feedback but Internet surveys have become a better, faster and easier way to gather those opinions.

Depending on the information you’re hoping to gather, a number of survey research companies and survey research firms are available to help create and conduct Internet survey research.

When preparing to choose a survey research firm, ask these questions:

1. What is the ultimate objective of the Internet surveys?
2. What kind of features should be included?
3. How do you see your relationship with the survey research company?
4. How much money are you willing to invest on online survey research?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare several different survey research companies

Choosing an online survey system is a sometimes frustrating task. Don't be afraid to seek the specific information you need to make the wisest choice in choosing a survey research firm. Have a clear picture of the information you seek and see how it matches the Internet survey services offered by a variety of companies.

I recommend: The survey selector tool offered by Inquisite, a survey software designer, aims to make the selection process a little easier by narrowing the pool of options.

Make internet surveys work for you

Have a clear picture of the survey research information you hope to glean. This will help you decide which questions need to be asked and what kind of Internet survey services to look for. What data will validate whether or not you have achieved your goals? You have to envision what results you want the survey to yield. It is also critical to understand the position of others who will be reviewing the results so pertinent questions are included.

I recommend: Draft a sample survey, like the one offered by Constant Contact, and run it by a test market both externally and internally.

Check the price before making a decision on survey research firms

Producing online surveys may be cheaper than conducting paper surveys, but prices still vary a great deal from one survey research firm to the next. Make sure you're getting what you pay for.

I recommend: Many survey research companies will let you view a demo version like this one from SurveyMethods before signing on or downloading software or templates for free. Others will give you an instant quote. Options vary from a basic free package to a pay-per survey system to a multi-dimensional Internet market research. Just as the options vary, so do the prices. Be sure to shop around.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure the survey research firms ensures the information garnered is confidential and secure.
• •  Choose an Internet survey research firm that takes into account your time needs. The results should be timely and available in a variety of formats.