Web Based Survey Software

A web based survey software program is an invaluable tool for a variety of businesses. Surveys collect valuable data about people's opinions, beliefs and behavior regarding particular matters. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish. (Luke 14:28-30) This information can influence decisions and actions taken by a business. Creating and sending out surveys can help to achieve goals set by a company. Surveys are also useful for determining customer or employee satisfaction levels and evaluating the programs of healthcare and nonprofit agencies.

Most Internet survey software is available in several formats. Licenses can be obtained to download programs, or the web based survey software can be hosted using a provider's servers. Many companies prefer the latter option so that details such as installation, maintenance, and administration do not get in the way of the purpose of obtaining the software, which is to determine the best course of action to take so that a business or organization continues to prosper. They wish to avoid getting mired in technnical details and focus on interpreting and utilizing the results of the questionnaire. There are a number of different providers of survey services, and these can be easily found with an Internet search. Take the time to examine the features of the various programs, as compared with their overall cost. Many offer free trials of the program, which can help determine their usefulness.

The first step in using a web based survey software program is to create the survey. Most programs are entirely web based. To build this research tool, one can start from scratch or make use of the many templates provided by the service. The interface of the Internet survey software is usually easy to use. Complete creative control is often given over color, size, style and other elements. Logos or other custom elements can be uploaded. These can be saved for use in future questionnaires. The option to adapt existing surveys is also available.

One aspect of the Internet survey software features a variety of question formats. One company offers twenty different styles of questions. Aside from the fact that it is nice to have choices, this feature allows the designer to pick formats which are most appropriate to the audience which will be completing the questionnaires. Some formats are extremely simple: 'pick an answer'. Others leave room for personalized responses. One type of survey may ask a participant to 'check all that apply', while others urge the respondants to rank choices on a scale, or enter numerical information, such as income level or salary requirements. Drop-down boxes leave space for additional details. Any or all of these question formats can be utilized in the creation of the survey.

Next, an email invitation is sent to the desired contacts. A customized message invites the recipient to participate in the questionnaire, which is hyperlinked within the e-mail. The message can be adjusted to promote the desired look. The presentation is uncluttered with advertisements, resulting in a professional appearance. In fact, some providers of web based survey software take pride in the fact that there is little trace of their own company's presence on these materials. Instead of plastering materials with the name of the provider, they realize that making a client's company look professional can result in far wider word-of-mouth advertising for their own internet survey software business.

The organization is able to view the results in real time with some types of web based survey software. Response rates can be tracked and reminders can be sent to slow responders. Questions can even be changed mid-survey if some type of adjustment is required. Surveys can be obtained via text, fax, scanning, and the use of PDA's, phones and other handheld technologies. Even kiosks in public places can be employed to collect data.

Live graphs and colorful charts assist managers in communicating the results of the Internet survey software to others. Interested individuals may dig further into reports to obtain more detailed information. Filters allow individuals to display only elements or responses which are relevant to their interests or responsibilities. Of course, security parameters can be set to restrict elements of the results to particular departments. However, the information can be directed to and utilized by various departments as needed to accomplish company goals. Professional reports can be constructed to share the results in a meeting, and paper copies of surveys can be obtained for a supervisor's information, or for use when requesting participation offline. Be sure to put the results of the surveys to practical use, or the efforts of this exercise will have been in vain! Target one or two areas for improvement and set measurable steps to accomplish the goals. Assign specific jobs to individuals, or employees may tend to rationalize that 'someone else will do it'. Also, this helps to fairly distribute the workload. Otherwise, conscientious individuals may give up in frustration or end up being resentful over the fact that others seem to expect them to do everything. It does not take a survey to figure out that this behavior is not going to help the company accomplish its goals. Instead, make good use of the knowledge which has been obtained, and supervise carefully to be sure that each individual within the company is assisting the organization reach common goals.


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