Simple surveys provide the fastest way to collect the information and marketing intelligence you need to make more sales.



Whether you sell gift baskets, software, custom homes, ebooks, DVDs, personal services, or even antiques, accept the fact that surveys pave the way to increased sales online.

First, by doing a survey before trying to sell people anything (or even create it in the first place), you don't guess on what they want to buy. They will flat out tell you!

Second, if you use a simple survey in the correct way, it can help you compile your own best prospect list.

Run the survey and compile a list of people who respond favorably to certain key questions regarding a product or service, just make sure the people taking your survey understand that you will contact them later.

Then offer them a special deal or advanced access to the product because they responded to the survey questions.

A simple survey also operates with several hidden psychological benefits for boosting your sales.

On the subconscious level for existing customers or prospects it shows them that you actually care about what they think.

Conducting a survey demonstrates your concern for what they really want, instead of just trying to force-feed them a on-size-fits-all product or service! People appreciate that type of attitude and it shows up in increased sales for you down the road.

A simple survey also gets the audience thinking and wondering about WHY you did the survey in the first place. "Will he bring out something really different and good?" "How can I get it?" "How much will it cost?" "Will it help me?"

The survey also builds anticipation for a product or service, even if you don't offer it yet!

Doesn't it sound great to get people mentally waiting in line so they can buy?

It all comes from just running a simple survey which asks their opinions.

Make sure you structure your survey questions properly to find out what you need to know, but avoid getting answers that will actually throw you off track.

You need to take a three pronged approach in designing your survey so you get the meaningful information you need.

First ask if they fall into a certain specialized group or interest like Realtor, gourmet chef, or thoroughbred racehorse trainer?

Then, if they do fall into your target niche, ask them what they specifically want to buy.

For example: a software developer could ask Realtors about their specific needs for prospecting software and if certain features were important or not.

The third type of question pinpoints the level of interest: very interested, kind of interested, or just barely interested.

By conducting your surveys this way, you not only get the valuable marketing intelligence you need, but you build goodwill and anticipation in the marketplace, along with a targeted prospect list to boot. What a deal!

Copyright (c) 2007 Jim Edwards