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We often spend a lot of time sending “stuff” to customers, telling them all about our products and services and why they should buy from us. Of course, a large part of our business here at Highland Marketing is based on providing services in these areas and there is no doubt that we have to keep clients informed.

But, how often do you ask your customers what they think and what they might like? I believe that, in reality, many of us could listen more and then use that knowledge to ensure that we are really meeting customer needs.

Only a few years ago, market research of any type required a printed survey and usually mail prep and postage costs to get the surveys into the hands of the respondents. Then, we had to contract people to enter the data into some type of system. Oh yeah, and we usually had to supply a postage paid envelope to get the surveys back, which added even more expense.

Today, we can set up an online survey or run a contest on our web site and people key the information in for us. That certainly cuts down on our print and other associated costs!

You might be thinking that there are significant expenses involved in setting up an online survey. However, nothing could be further from the truth. There is a new app out there called Survd that allows anyone to set up surveys in minutes. Once installed, you just have to supply the questions. Plus, you can set up as many surveys as you like on a given web site. With a tool like Survd, everyone can set up and use surveys  – with minimal effort and expense.

Do your customers like your products and services? Do they think that your price points are fair? Are there other products or variations that they might like to see in your product mix? Do they enjoy working with your customer service personnel? These are all very important questions and having the answers can go along way in helping you to retain your valuable customers!

So, if you thought that setting up a survey and gathering information was clumsy and expensive, think again. With today’s technologies, we can all be in the know and stay in the know at little or no cost.

Of course Highland Marketing will be here to look after your direct marketing needs. However, through the effective use of client surveys, your marketing materials could be better honed to truly satisfy your customer needs.