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

8. Subtly does it

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

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

10. Fresh topics engage interest

Thinking laterally a lively and imaginative approach to surveys can provide 'hook' to engage respondents. The survey subject can be focused towards a particular group on a subject close to theirs hearts. The survey's marketing message can take form of a simple brand awareness message by stating that 'this survey was sponsored by brand name', or by finding a link from subject matter to product – something that is surprisingly easy and highly effective. Discover 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 site by inappropriate remarks as survey results are displayed in summary form enabling them to dispense with moderators free and maintenance.

Many of techniques and a few more to boot are contained in following sample survey:-

http://www.surveygalaxy.com/surPublishes.asp?survey_id=956

For an example of a Public Survey area please click on following link:-

http://www.surveygalaxy.com/surPublic.asp

Step 4: Third column, title "M/S/D/U"=married, single, divorced, unknown. Continue down column.

Step 5: Continue making columns for additional categories you know about your clients. Create a column for age or age group. Location, US, UK, Australia. If all same, skip column. Number of children. How long a client. Total revenue for past year. Service type. How did they find you?

Step 6: Add new distinctions and details over next few days or week as you remember. Set aside first five minutes of day to add to list or as you remember.

Step 7: If you find some information missing, contact client or past client and ask.

Step 8: Look for similarities, for instance, 90% males, single, or divorced. Some of these patterns are going to be obvious and some aren't.

Step 9: Place a "*" or highlight your ideal client or clients.

Many times, and without knowing it, because you are just glad for business, fish pick you.

Step 10: If you couldn't find "the ideal client" then for some reason you aren't attracting them. There are some things you need to change, either inside yourself or out, probably both. Find gap between two? What do you need to do or be differently in order to attract preferred type of clients?

Describe type of ideal client you want. Place as much detail to them as possible, including revenue. What do they want that you aren't expressing you have? What do they want that you don't have and need to change?

At some point during this process you will want to convert this to a spreadsheet for ease of use. Start when information feels it needs too.

This isn't a requirement, you may want to stop as soon as you see that you aren't expressing what client is willing to buy or some characteristics or type of service you don't provide that client must have in order to do business with you. If this is case, you can stop here and work on what needs to shift or change.

Feeling some reluctance in taking time to do so? You will not be first.

Jim, an insurance agent from Arizona, sent me an e-mail after his attendance on a teleclasses with this exercise.

"Darn, Catherine, you're good. The exercise ate at me all night. I gave in and did exercise this morning, even though last night I was convinced that I already knew all answers. Today, I discovered major holes in my marketing. Just by closing one of these holes today sales increased. I look forward to continuing exercise. Thank you for your patient e-mail and letting me move through my denial and seeing that thinking its all in my head and writing it down is two different things."

This exercise deserves repeating regularly. You can use results of this exercise as a measurement when reviewing your yearly goals. Or comparing one year to another.

For first year businesses, I recommend completing this exercise once every three months. After first year, shift to twice a year. After three, once a year. Or before and after a new service or product is introduced.