How to Create an Survey With Google Forms

Google Forms is a simple, yet versatile tool for creating and managing surveys.

In this guide, we’ll go through each step in detail to help you create professional-looking surveys, engage respondents and collect actionable results.

Step 1: Go to Google Forms

Getting Started

1. Go to the Google Forms: Sign in to your Google Forms account.
2. Choose a Template: Click on the blank form to create a custom survey, or select a pre-designed template that fits your survey type, such as event feedback, customer satisfaction, or exit survey.

Step 2: Name and Customize Your Survey

Title and Description

Title and description are the first things respondents see, so make them clear.

• Form Title: This should be concise yet descriptive.
  • Example: Instead of “Survey,” use “Customer Feedback Survey” or “2024 Annual Employee Survey.”
• Description: Explain the survey’s purpose and how the data will be used.
  • Example: “Your input helps us improve! This survey will take about 3 minutes to complete. Your responses are anonymous and will be used solely to enhance our services.”

Tips for Customization

• Keep the language in your description friendly but professional.
• Add specific instructions if necessary (e.g., “Please select one option per question.”).

Step 3: Add and Organize Survey Questions

Types of Questions

Google Forms offers a variety of question types to help you meet your survey needs. Click the plus sign in the right-hand toolbar to select your question type. Here are a few examples:

1. Multiple Choice: Ideal for single-answer questions.
   • Example: “How satisfied are you with our service?”
2. Checkboxes: Use when respondents can select multiple answers.
   • Example: “Which of the following services do you use or would like to use? (Select all that apply).”
3. Dropdown: Compact and clean, perfect for long lists of options.
   • Example: “Select your gender.”
4. Linear Scale: Lets you measure attitudes or satisfaction levels.
   • Example: “On a scale of 1 to 5, how likely are you to recommend us to friends or family?”
5. Short Answer and Paragraph: Best for open-ended questions.
   • Example: “What suggestions do you have for improvement you would like to see in the near future?”

Organizing Your Questions

• Group Questions into Sections:
  • Example: Start with demographics (name, email, etc.), followed by specific questions about feedback or preferences.
• Use Conditional Logic: Direct respondents to specific sections based on their answers. For example, if they select “No” to a question, they can skip irrelevant follow-ups.

Step 4: Customize the Design

Google Forms provides customization tools to make your survey look professional:

1. Themes and Colors: Click the palette icon to select a color or theme that matches your branding.
2. Logos and Images: For branding consistency, add your logo or visual cues.
   • Example: Include a header image that reflects the purpose of the survey, such as an event banner or company logo.
3. Fonts: Although the options are limited, choose a font style that is appropriate for your audience.

Step 5: Configure Settings

Fine-tuning survey options

• Make questions mandatory: Use the toggle to ensure that essential questions can’t be skipped.
• Control Multiple Submissions: Decide whether respondents can complete the survey multiple times.
• Response Validation: Add criteria for certain responses (such as numeric limits for age fields).

Advanced Settings

• Shuffle question order: Randomize the order of questions in quizzes or surveys.
• Progress Bar: Enable this to show respondents how much of the survey they’ve completed at every step.
• Confirmation Messages: Personalize the thank you message that respondents see after they submit.

Step 6: Share Your Survey

How to Share Your Survey

1. Email: Send the survey directly via email with personalized messaging.
2. Link Sharing: Use the shortened URL for easier sharing on social media or through messaging apps.
3. Embed: Integrate the survey into your website for seamless interaction.

Maximizing Reach

• Post the survey on social media platforms or send it through newsletters to reach your audience.
• Use QR codes for offline distribution, such as posters, flyers, or event programs.

Step 7: Analyze Responses

Viewing and Exporting Data

• Responses Tab: Monitor results in real-time within Google Forms.
• Google Sheets: Export responses to Google Sheets for more in-depth analysis and visualization.

Tips for Analysis

• Look for trends and patterns in the data.
• Use filters in Google Sheets to segment responses based on demographics or other variables.

Why Consider An Alternative to Google Forms for Surveys?

While Google Forms is a good tool for basic surveys, software like Survey Monkey and Activity Messenger offer advanced features that can improve your data collection.

Benefits of Activity Messenger

1. Multi-Channel Distribution: Send surveys via email and SMS to boost response rates.
2. Automation: Schedule surveys to be sent automatically after classes, events, or programs.
3. Custom Branding: Get fully customizable designs with full Canva integration to reflect your organization’s branding.
4. Much more than Surveys: Combine surveys with registration forms, attendance tracking, and newsletters—all in one platform.

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