7 Rules for Writing Efficient Surveys

A survey is one way of gathering consumer information. Surveys are important benchmarks to know the pulse of the general consumer. They reveal changes in consumer taste and help in generating in analysis and conclusions, such as in formulating innovation. When designing a survey, remember to follow the seven basic rules.

First, you must state what you are looking for. Only by knowing what you want can you create relevant questions. The more specific you are with your survey goal, the better. An example of a specific goal is: To find what kind of meal can boost my restaurant sales.  

Second, you must keep your questions simple. Do not create kilometric questions since this will only lead to survey fatigue. Your respondents will not take your survey sincerely, which leads to inaccurate results. Your questions must only have five to seven words.

Third, you must integrate blanks into your survey. The option of "others" is the only way you can understand a customer's perception of your product. Blanks allow respondents to share their opinions. With more opinions, the closer you are in achieving your survey goal.

Fourth, you must choose your respondents wisely. Do not ask a six-year-child about meal benefits and budgets. Ask both loyal customers and new ones to answer your survey. It is advisable that you give them a small token of appreciation after answering. This act builds rapport and indicates that you appreciate their time and opinion.

Fifth, you must take more time in survey data analysis than survey distribution. Do not just take note of what the majority answered. Pay attention to the respondent comments because those reveal more about your customer demands. Try your best to understand their handwriting since every opinion counts.

Sixth, you must make your survey data analysis presentable. You can do away with the answered forms; just carry the synthesis reports to your product developers. It pays to insert charts and other visuals to facilitate quick understanding.

Finally, you must be aware that one survey data analysis leads to another. Once your product developers have come up with a meal, you must design another survey to check customer satisfaction. Surveys must keep coming until the goal of boosting restaurant sales is achieved.

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