We know running a forum isn’t just about keeping the lights on - it’s about creating a space where people actually wan
t to be. But how do you know if you’re doing it right? You could guess, or you could just ask. And that’s where surveys come in.
I've just witnessed how Forum Promotion has done one, which inspired me to this article and at the same time makes me want to do something similar. It was a great success, giving some good insights how the members feel about Forum Promotion.
A well-timed survey can give you some real insights into what your community enjoys, what’s frustrating them, and what they wish was different. It’s direct feedback, straight from the people who matter most - your members. Instead of assuming you know what works, you get actual data to back up your next steps.
A member will often feel more comfortable with a survey that's posted anonymously rather than spilling their thoughts in a feedback forum where their name is in the open.
A good survey can help you:
Here are some tips to make your survey effective:
I've just witnessed how Forum Promotion has done one, which inspired me to this article and at the same time makes me want to do something similar. It was a great success, giving some good insights how the members feel about Forum Promotion.
A well-timed survey can give you some real insights into what your community enjoys, what’s frustrating them, and what they wish was different. It’s direct feedback, straight from the people who matter most - your members. Instead of assuming you know what works, you get actual data to back up your next steps.
Why should I bother with a Survey?
First off, your members already have opinions about your forum. Whether they love it, feel ‘meh’ about it, or think certain things need changing, they’ve got thoughts. A survey gives them a chance to share those thoughts in a structured way, instead of just grumbling in random threads or, worse, leaving quietly.A member will often feel more comfortable with a survey that's posted anonymously rather than spilling their thoughts in a feedback forum where their name is in the open.
A good survey can help you:
- Spot features people love (so you can focus on improving them even more)
- Identify pain points (so you can fix what’s not working)
- Find out what kind of content, events, or features people actually want
- Gauge overall satisfaction and engagement
How do I get the most out of a Survey?
Not all surveys are created equal. A long, tedious form with dozens of questions? That’s a fast track to people ignoring it. But a well-thought-out, concise survey? That’s gold.Here are some tips to make your survey effective:
- Keep it short and to the point - Five to ten questions max is a good rule of thumb.
- Use a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions - This makes it easy for people to respond while still allowing deeper insights.
- Ask the right questions - Instead of vague questions like “Do you like the forum?” try “What feature do you use the most?” or “What would make your experience better?”
- Make it anonymous if possible - People are more honest when they don’t feel watched.
- Actually act on the results - There’s nothing worse than a survey that leads to… nothing. If members take time to give feedback, show them it matters by making real changes where needed.
