Issue 41: Reader surveys that actually get answers
Seven questions, two minutes, one week. How to run a survey that shapes the next season.
Surveys only help if readers fill them in. Ours gets the best response when it is short and part of a normal issue.
Keep it to seven questions
Ask about what helped, what is missing, how people read, and whether they would pay for more. Leave room for free text.
Send it inside an issue
A survey as the main item of a regular issue does better than a separate email, because readers are already paying attention.
Close the loop
Share what you learned two issues later. When readers see their answers used, they answer again next time.
The full set of questions is in our reader survey template.