How do you get surveys "out there" and filled?

PPC is the fastest way to do it. Try Google Adwords, and you can even start with one of the many $50 free coupons you can find all over the net. Just Google it.

If you are looking for a FREE way to do it, I suggest Craigslist, but this isn't going to be very effective.

Either way you do it, if you want more results you are going to have to give away something for the people taking their time to fill it out. I'd suggest a quick "free" report.

Here's what I would do.

1.) Set up the survey on your own domain. Quit using third party sites.. it instantly makes you lose credibility with your traffic.

2.) Create a free report. Something like "How To Lose 10 Pounds In 5 Days, Guaranteed!" should do the trick. It doesn't need to be long... 5-10 pages would do wonders, and you could create this in a couple of hours.

3.) Start sending traffic by using PPC or by posting ads on Craigslist. I'd post something like this in the "volunteer" section on Craigslist with ad copy that read something like "Are You Interested In Losing 10 Pounds?" and then lure them to your site by telling them you have a two minute survey about fitness, and after they fill it out they'll get a free copy of your "bestselling guide". And then leave the link to your site.

4.) After completing the survey redirect them to an opt-in for your email list. Tell them that you'll send them their free guide via email, so make sure to enter the correct email address.

5.) Don't send the guide! Instead, send them a link to another page on your site which features an upsell. This upsell can be a product you've created, an affiliate product, or even phone coaching... whatever you'd like. If they buy, you just made some cash, and got them to fill out your survey!

6.) Leave a link at the bottom of the upsell page (not in tiny print) that says "No thanks, give me my free guide".

7.) If they click that.. give them the guide.

Instead of stopping with them filling out a survey, you've now introduced them to your sales funnel. If they buy your upsell, you've made cash, on top of accomplishing your original goal.

And let's not forget... now you've got them on a list. You may be able to make cash from them in the future, or at least notify them when you launch your new site.

This may seem like a bigger process than you wanted... but this is truly how money is made online.

Dave, if you build up a list in your niche you can then
ask your subscribers sort of information they want...

Use what ever free method to start building a list of
subscribers or if you have a buyers list, just ask them
what area of the product they think needs more info
on and you just create it...

I've asked my list what they want and have create
product for them it is awesome...

--David

Bryan,

Thanks for that great post. I don't have a list, I don't have an upsell, I don't have a funnel. But I want one, and the first step is to find out what people want. I want to truly find out what they want before creating a product that nobody wants.

I agree, giving them something for their time is best pratice, but what? A PLR product? Seems fair.

Hosting a survey on my own domain is good too. However, I don't do PPC, and already have accounts with G,Y, and MS, so I don't qualify for freebies.

Good tips anyhow.

Dave, same thing. Good to have a list, but you need to start one first.

Does the free report/audio have to be in the same niche as your survey?