What are Online Surveys?

Online surveys are a way that market researchers survey their panelists. The process is as follows:

1. A market research company is contacted by a company or individual who wishes to conduct a survey. The survey can be about a new or existing product or service, a movie trailer, etc. The client typically knows who their target audience is. Ex. Females from Vancouver, 24-36.

2. The survey company puts together the survey questions and e-mails the individuals on their panel who fit the target demographic. The e-mail states what the incentive will be for completing the survey. For example, $25 for a 10 minute survey.

3. The panelists click on a link in the e-mail which brings them to a website where they answer questions about the client's product or service.

4. After they have successfully completed the survey, the market research company tabulates the results, and creates a report for the client outlining the panelists responses and sends out the incentive to their panelists via cheque, paypal, points payment, etc.

When you become a panelist for a market research company your participation helps shape the products, services, and advertising of the future.