The Buzz Bin

Need a place to create and conduct surveys? Meet Survs, a collaborative tool that allows you to build, deploy and analyze online surveys. Currently in private beta, this web application provides an array of features, which include the customization of surveys (look at feel), creating survey questions and selecting from four types of response formats (from single to multiple choice answers, one-ended text, and a matrix).

You can also select which direction your want your choices to appear in, horizontal, vertical, or a drop-down menu. Add as many choices as you want, randomize your answers; decide which questions require a mandatory response, and even edit the language of the survey (the next, exit the survey, etc. type buttons). Do you want to send a survey via email or a URL link? You can even embed a survey as an iFrame, a popup, or a popup with an invitation.

Sure it’s simple to make a survey, but what about the results? The analyzing feature is very useful and easy to comprehend. Each questions’ responses are calculated based on the percentage of completed surveys. The respondents tab provides a list of the respondents in order of completion. It also provides the amount of time it took the respondent to finish the survey and allows you to view the individual’s question responses. The filters allow you to focus on two types of subsets: simple and expression. When Survs is out of private beta mode, they will provide a free plan, a $20-$60 a month (depending on number of users and responses) for their services and offer a special fee for yearly subscribers.

Buzz Meter Ranking: 3 out of 4 Buzz Bees

Positive: Survs is very easy to use. I created my first survey without viewing the eight minute video tutorial they provide you when you sign into your profile (the video will always be provided to you until you “turn off” the welcome tab). The contextual help buttons are very helpful. If you plan to email your respondents with your survey, you can send a test email of the survey to yourself.

Negative: To email your survey, you have to manually input all of the email addresses separately. It takes five minutes to send a survey – even to an individual. I assume this is part of the private beta and the amount of time it takes to send a survey will be less than five minutes.

Conclusion: Businesses and individuals keen on market research will really enjoy this tool. Each survey can be catered to really fit the needs of any type of survey. From extensive to simple surveys, Survs delivers. SurveyMonkey better watch out!