Last week I participated in the kick off chat for #InfoBoMo. This was the second question Ashley asked during the chat:
Q2: What are your favorite ways to find out what your audience needs from you? #infobomo
— Ashley Brooks (@BrooksEditorial) April 30, 2015
Here’s the convo I jumped in on:
@redheadrachel What do you use for surveys? — Regina Anaejionu (@byReginaTV) April 30, 2015
@blogambitions @byReginaTV @redheadrachel Oooh, GREAT idea! #InfoBoMo
— Jenna Arak (@jennanicole) May 1, 2015
There were a few other replies to that loved the idea of using a giveaway to collect survey questions. So today I want to share with you how to use a giveaway to conduct a survey, directly within the giveaway. Each answer is an entry.
Using a giveaway to conduct a survey is a great way to entice your readers to participate! If you want really long in-depth answers, this might not be the best option for your giveaway. For most questions though, I think this method is perfect.
Before we get into the “how-to” let’s talk about the why.
Why should you conduct a reader survey for your blog?
A few reasons. The more you understand your audience, the better you will be able to provide an awesome experience for them on your blog. Knowing what your audience wants, what their struggles are, or what they are interested in can help you push delicious content on your blog.
Nikki Brown, the communication stylist, points out in her free mini course that by surveying your readers you can discover how they use their words. You can then use their words to write killer copy on your blog that your readers can relate to. If you haven’t yet, you should definitely take her free course about copy. (the tips about knowing your reader are in video #2).
As a “thank you for taking my survey” give your readers a chance to win something sweet that you know they’ll love.
How to conduct a reader survey directly within a giveaway.
I’m going to show you how to conduct a reader survey within a giveaway using two different giveaway platforms: Gleam and Rafflecopter. Gleam is my personal favorite tool for hosting giveaways, while Rafflecopter tendst to be the most popular one amongst blogs right now. I will be using the free option for both tutorials. Check out both instructions and see which tool you like best.
Using Gleam
Gleam is my current favorite platform to host giveaways. There are so many more entry options for their free plan than with Rafflecopter! If you want to go up to their paid options, I also feel like it is a better bang for your buck. Anyway, on to the instructions.
Go through the regular steps of setting up your giveaway. On the entry options page, select Questions. You can choose between Answer a Question, Choose Image, Single Choice List, and Multiple Choice Checkboxes.
Here is an example of the multiple choice checkboxes option:
When you’re done, your giveaway will look something like this:
When your reader clicks on a question, it will prompt them to answer it in order to get an entry. 
Using Rafflecopter
Rafflecopter has additional entry options in their paid subscriptions for asking questions, but you can also do it with the free plan. Simply select the Invent Your Own! option.
Next, change the title and the pose the question you want your readers to answer in the section Briefly describe what entrants should do:
Do this for each question and post your giveaway.
When you’re done, your giveaway will look something like this:
When your reader clicks on a question, it will prompt them to answer it in order to get an entry:
What should you ask your readers?
Who are they? Why do they read your blog? What are their hobbies? What are their struggles? How would they describe themselves? Demographics. What type of posts do they like reading? Ask them questions specific to your blog, but also make sure to ask them general questions about themselves.
Alright, go find out what about your audience and give them a change to win a sweet prize!
Let me know when your giveaway/survey is live, I love entering giveaways. 😉
Side note, if you’re thinking about writing an ebook for your blog, you should totally hop on board with the Info Book Month I mentioned at the beginning of this post. Check out all the yummy details here ->infobomo.com
Hi Kristie, thank you so much for sharing this. I’m planning to host a giveaway and also do a reader survey for my blog soon, but I’d like to make sure that people answer all questions in the survey before they’re allowed to enter the giveaway, not just one. Is there a way to accomplish that with Gleam or Rafflecopter? Thank you!
Just make sure to select required entry on each question. Either service has this option.
Kristi, I am going to do a reader survey soon on my blog. I will keep you updated about the result.
Good luck with your survey! What kind of questions do you plan on asking?
I love this idea! I’ve always been hesitant to do a survey but I love the idea of giving something in return. Perhaps I could even do this with a freebie. Like, get this free workbook if you answer these 5 questions or something. Either way, great post! Thank you!
A freebie is another great way to reward your audience for completing your giveaway.
Thanks Kristie…I look forward to doing this! I always appreciate all your hard work!
You’ll have to let me know how your survey goes Janelle!
I did a survey last year and it was the best thing I’ve ever done! I was able to get a brand to donate a $100 gift card, which made sure I got a great turn out. The feedback I received helped me as I was planning my blog’s direction.
That is awesome that you were able to partner with a brand to do your giveaway/survey Kimberly. Glad to hear that the feedback really helped you with your blog’s direction.