Learning from our customers equips us with information to better our business. In a previous article we discussed using analytics as a tool to understand our customers’ online behavior. Now let’s talk about reaching out to those customers to get their feedback.
One of the best and easiest ways to engage with your customers is to create a survey for them. Surveys are easy to make and you can customize them to ask broad questions or get very specific – it all depends on what your company needs from it.
Here are some key points for you to consider before you start your survey:
- Determine your goal for the survey, and what you want to get out of it.
- Compile your customer list, preferably emails, to which you can send the survey.
- Consider offering an incentive (coupon, freebie, discount) if they take the survey.
- Come up with your questions. Keep it simple and neutral, don’t lead your customers toward a particular answer. Stay completely objective. Consider questions like: How do they like your product or service? Where did they learn about you? What else would they like to see your company offer? What is your strength / weakness?
- Keep it short and tell them up front how long it should take to complete the survey. Everyone’s busy, don’t get greedy with their time.
- Be sure to follow-up at some point so your customer doesn’t think their time and feedback was wasted.
- Consider asking some of the tough questions, even if you’re worried about receiving criticism. Remember, you’re not looking for a testimonial; you want to understand how you can improve. Customers might appreciate it.
Once you figure out your questions, then you can find the survey tools. PSPinc has an online form program, so if you need any help, contact us! We would be happy to assist you.