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Using Google Docs to make a survey
May 18, 2009 in Hosted "Office", TipsDid you know you can make a free, and rich survey or poll using Google Docs? It’s simple to set up, and as a bonus it drops all your results into a spreadsheet where you can slice/dice/analyze/chart/graph or whatever.
To create a survey, inside Google Docs go to New then click on Form as shown at right.
Go through and create your questions, set the response type (multiple choice, checkbox, text, drop down, etc.) where you’ll enter in the possible answers and if the question is required or not.
When you’re done, select a theme (the look of your survey) and save it and a link to your survey will appear at the bottom of your screen. You can then copy/paste that link into your website, Twitter or whatever to publicize your survey. You can also embed the survey right on your site if you wish.
The results are then fed into a spreadsheet that you’ll find in your Google Docs document area.
Here’s an example I whipped up for this post. Enjoy!
Comments
Carson, I knew this could be done, but I did NOT realize we could change the look of the form. I love this tip. Thanks.
Posted by: Andrew Warner | May 18, 2009 2:06:58 PM
Thanks for sharing this. I wasn't aware that Google even had Documents as a option and will try this today!
Awesome!
Posted by: Jennifer | May 19, 2009 10:54:16 AM
Fantastic Tip! They made it very easy now... I feel sorry for the form app companies, even through Google Forms can't do it all like payments, file uploads, it can sure help one out of a jam!
Posted by: Gianni D | May 19, 2009 6:12:00 PM
Great information! Thank you. I can see how useful this method is when you're already using Google Docs and Spreadsheets.
Posted by: Kara Hiltz | May 20, 2009 10:35:31 AM
I love Google Docs but have never used it to make a survey. I have always used Survey Monkey but look forward to doing it through Google next time! Thanks for the info.
Posted by: Leigh Anne Wilkes | May 27, 2009 7:08:35 PM
I just love Google docs. I have been using the form builder for the interviews on my blog and it works great. I love that you can embed the form into your own website too.
Posted by: Stephanie | May 28, 2009 10:17:27 AM
Hey that's pretty cool. Found your site through StumbleUpon. I tweeted your article.
Thanks.
Posted by: John Hoff - WpBlogHost | Jun 2, 2009 8:31:43 PM
I surely didn't know you could create a survey using Google Docs. Would be nice to embed that into a Joomla and Mambo Module. Thanks for the tip.
Posted by: RedHotFranchises | Jun 5, 2009 8:39:31 PM
This is exactly what I was looking for. The summary with the pie chart is a nice touch. Perfect if you are using this for clients. Thanks.
Posted by: Jodi Gaines | Jun 21, 2009 2:48:18 PM
Here's some more detail if you want it: http://bit.ly/docsforms
You can also embed these forms in a blog post easily...
Have fun!
Posted by: JR | Jul 10, 2009 7:02:43 PM
Thank you. This is great information, I didn't know about it. I'm glad I dropped onto your site. I've bookmarked you; you put together a great site.
Posted by: Paul | Aug 4, 2009 12:46:28 PM
I think Google docs is a great way to quickly and easily collect data from a variety of sources. It can also be used for basic simple surveys which for most DIY’ers will suffice. Wouldn’t recommend it for business applications. I just had a quick run through so I could get a feel for the process and have documented it here if you want to have a look. http://www.rockresearch.co.nz/blog/2009/09/01/using-google-forms-for-online-market-research/
Posted by: Jared | Aug 31, 2009 7:15:02 PM
Great information with useful tips!
Posted by: Diiver | Sep 5, 2009 10:45:57 PM
Oh, I remember when Google Docs first came out, I fell in love with it and used it whenever I can. As a consultant online and offline to friends and families, I let them know that this service by Google is available for as long as they have an Internet Connection.
Posted by: Bryan Agoncillo | Sep 22, 2009 10:05:33 AM
Thank you very much !! It helps a lot !
Brazilian Regards,
Posted by: Aline | Sep 25, 2009 7:59:53 AM
Thanks for the tips, like the comment above i wasn't aware that google had documents! - ah you learn something new everyday!
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Posted by: RM - InBoundMarketingPR | Oct 21, 2009 11:12:33 AM
Good Information..., I just know this trick from your website, thanks a lot
Posted by: Pelabuhan | Oct 30, 2009 10:50:52 PM
Yhanks for this, it's just what I've been looking for. I had no idea it existed. Great post.
Thanks
Posted by: Paul | Dec 4, 2009 4:44:14 AM
