Using Google Docs to make a survey
May 18, 2009 in Hosted "Office", TipsDid you know you can make a free, and rich survey or poll using Google Docs? It’s simple to set up, and as a bonus it drops all your results into a spreadsheet where you can slice/dice/analyze/chart/graph or whatever.
To create a survey, inside Google Docs go to New then click on Form as shown at right.
Go through and create your questions, set the response type (multiple choice, checkbox, text, drop down, etc.) where you’ll enter in the possible answers and if the question is required or not.
When you’re done, select a theme (the look of your survey) and save it and a link to your survey will appear at the bottom of your screen. You can then copy/paste that link into your website, Twitter or whatever to publicize your survey. You can also embed the survey right on your site if you wish.
The results are then fed into a spreadsheet that you’ll find in your Google Docs document area.
Here’s an example I whipped up for this post. Enjoy!
Carson, I knew this could be done, but I did NOT realize we could change the look of the form. I love this tip. Thanks.
Posted by: Andrew Warner | May 18, 2009 2:06:58 PM
Thanks for sharing this. I wasn't aware that Google even had Documents as a option and will try this today!
Awesome!
Posted by: Jennifer | May 19, 2009 10:54:16 AM
Fantastic Tip! They made it very easy now... I feel sorry for the form app companies, even through Google Forms can't do it all like payments, file uploads, it can sure help one out of a jam!
Posted by: Gianni D | May 19, 2009 6:12:00 PM
Great information! Thank you. I can see how useful this method is when you're already using Google Docs and Spreadsheets.
Posted by: Kara Hiltz | May 20, 2009 10:35:31 AM
I love Google Docs but have never used it to make a survey. I have always used Survey Monkey but look forward to doing it through Google next time! Thanks for the info.
Posted by: Leigh Anne Wilkes | May 27, 2009 7:08:35 PM
I just love Google docs. I have been using the form builder for the interviews on my blog and it works great. I love that you can embed the form into your own website too.
Posted by: Stephanie | May 28, 2009 10:17:27 AM
Hey that's pretty cool. Found your site through StumbleUpon. I tweeted your article.
Thanks.
Posted by: John Hoff - WpBlogHost | Jun 2, 2009 8:31:43 PM
I surely didn't know you could create a survey using Google Docs. Would be nice to embed that into a Joomla and Mambo Module. Thanks for the tip.
Posted by: RedHotFranchises | Jun 5, 2009 8:39:31 PM
This is exactly what I was looking for. The summary with the pie chart is a nice touch. Perfect if you are using this for clients. Thanks.
Posted by: Jodi Gaines | Jun 21, 2009 2:48:18 PM
Here's some more detail if you want it: http://bit.ly/docsforms
You can also embed these forms in a blog post easily...
Have fun!
Posted by: JR | Jul 10, 2009 7:02:43 PM
Thank you. This is great information, I didn't know about it. I'm glad I dropped onto your site. I've bookmarked you; you put together a great site.
Posted by: Paul | Aug 4, 2009 12:46:28 PM
I think Google docs is a great way to quickly and easily collect data from a variety of sources. It can also be used for basic simple surveys which for most DIY’ers will suffice. Wouldn’t recommend it for business applications. I just had a quick run through so I could get a feel for the process and have documented it here if you want to have a look. http://www.rockresearch.co.nz/blog/2009/09/01/using-google-forms-for-online-market-research/
Posted by: Jared | Aug 31, 2009 7:15:02 PM
Great information with useful tips!
Posted by: Diiver | Sep 5, 2009 10:45:57 PM
Oh, I remember when Google Docs first came out, I fell in love with it and used it whenever I can. As a consultant online and offline to friends and families, I let them know that this service by Google is available for as long as they have an Internet Connection.
Posted by: Bryan Agoncillo | Sep 22, 2009 10:05:33 AM
Thank you very much !! It helps a lot !
Brazilian Regards,
Posted by: Aline | Sep 25, 2009 7:59:53 AM
Thanks for the tips, like the comment above i wasn't aware that google had documents! - ah you learn something new everyday!
Posted by: matt | Oct 10, 2009 2:26:46 PM
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Posted by: RM - InBoundMarketingPR | Oct 21, 2009 11:12:33 AM
Good Information..., I just know this trick from your website, thanks a lot
Posted by: Pelabuhan | Oct 30, 2009 10:50:52 PM
Yhanks for this, it's just what I've been looking for. I had no idea it existed. Great post.
Thanks
Posted by: Paul | Dec 4, 2009 4:44:14 AM
Great post, I've been looking for something like this!
Posted by: John | Feb 13, 2010 2:14:59 PM
Fabulous post, it really let me knew the purpose of Google docs. Thanks.
Posted by: Email Marketing Service Providers | Mar 8, 2010 11:05:00 PM
does the survey tool have unlimited questions?
Posted by: Rob | Mar 25, 2010 10:25:19 AM
It's ridiculous how often Google brings out another bit of software, I can't seem to keep up. I am aware that Google Apps exist but I really have no idea about what you can do with it. It will require a tinker about I think at some point.
Posted by: fitness geek | Apr 12, 2010 9:25:46 AM
I didn’t know it before but now I do and it’s definitely going to help everyone around. Thank you Google and you too.
Thanks once again.
Posted by: Sara Dalton | Jun 29, 2010 5:49:52 AM
Okay I love the google docs as well...but I have a problem and a question...I want to add the google doc INSIDE one of my blog posts for a giveaway on my blogspot blog...and I can't seem to make it work inside the post. I know it can be done b/c I have seen other blogs do this. I can add it to the bottom of my blog but if/when we have multiple giveaways - this won't work and its easier for our followers to find the form and everything if it is located in the actual post. Any tips? Thanks!!
Posted by: Caity Pevey | Sep 22, 2010 9:51:14 AM
Thanks for your kind information.. I realy enjoy it.. keep it up.
Posted by: Bubble Shooter | Dec 23, 2010 11:28:20 PM
After reading your blog. I am realy enjoy so much..... THanks for sharing your's knowldge.
Posted by: Manga | Dec 24, 2010 1:51:54 AM
Create your own survey for free on http://www.oursurvey.biz/en
Posted by: George | Jan 30, 2011 1:48:01 PM
Very helpful tip...thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Wynn Taylor | Apr 25, 2011 1:11:29 PM
I don't get it. After I created the survey form and saved it, I can't seem to get the link for the form. When I click on the file name to open it, it always opens in a spreadsheet. It's driving me nuts! I can't share it because when I tried to click on the link I shared in facebook, it went straight to the spreadsheet and not to the form. I'm at the point of giving up.
Posted by: jon | May 3, 2011 9:36:28 AM
Thank you for the simple steps to creating a Google Doc. So easy when you know where to go to create it.
Posted by: Debbie | Oct 30, 2011 7:48:37 AM
hi! I tried out the form for a asurvey. However, my respondents say that they cannot access the questionnaire directly by clicking on the link. Instead they absolutely have to sign in on their gmail account to be able to fill in the questionnaire. Is that normal procedure? is there any way to counter this problem? thanx:)
Posted by: Nadia | Nov 3, 2011 6:53:34 AM
Hi,
can I use radio buttons with Google Docs?
Posted by: מסיבה לי | Nov 6, 2011 1:08:15 AM
I agree in this one,its ridiculous.
Posted by: goldbet | Nov 7, 2011 9:19:55 AM
I was looking to create a form for gathering requirement from my customers and this post has come at the absolutely correct time. Another great tool from google.
Posted by: Payroll Processing in 15 Minutes @ Only Rs. 10 Per Employee | Nov 14, 2011 10:11:21 AM
How many Questions can we put in the Google doc survey ?
Posted by: sangeetha | Nov 16, 2011 9:37:54 AM
Thank you for sharing the information. That's all I needed
Posted by: Joe MJV | Dec 24, 2011 6:09:07 PM
it is vrey helful...Thanks google doc.
Posted by: shailendra | Feb 2, 2012 1:45:30 AM
Thanks. It should be a great tool for us at LCHS!
Posted by: PJ | Mar 20, 2012 7:12:38 AM
How reliable is google docs. Can someone else who we have given the link delete information. Can everyone see who else has given what response.
I am planning to buy Survey Monkey package, saw this post and thinking of trying this out.
(Note: I am in China and I am unable to open google docs, hence the above questions)
Posted by: Devraj | May 21, 2012 1:33:50 AM
Hi, Could you tell me how can I do a survey in 2 lenguages? English and spanish
Posted by: Lesdy | May 25, 2012 4:45:32 AM
Quick, swift and simple! Thanks a lot mate
Was looking for this to create some forms ;)
Cheers!
Posted by: Bruno | Jul 31, 2012 1:14:01 PM
thank for this apps...this is really usefull
Posted by: RJ Li | Aug 15, 2012 8:18:01 AM
thank for this apps...this is really usefull
Posted by: RJ Li | Aug 15, 2012 8:18:02 AM
thank for this apps...this is really usefull
Posted by: RJ Li | Aug 15, 2012 8:18:03 AM
thank for this apps...this is really usefull
Posted by: RJ Li | Aug 15, 2012 8:18:05 AM
Hi,
Survey Face is a free online Survey tool, offers unlimited surveys, responses, Address book maintenance, Track responses and reminders, Automatic response alerts, PDF, EXCEL, CSV, HTML and XML Reports, Share Results, Password Protection and much more. You can visit Survey Face at http://www.surveyface.com
Posted by: ranjith | Oct 29, 2012 5:20:29 AM
can someone help me..
i made a survey..but forgot to copy its link. Now it only shows the spreadsheet and not the link to the actual survey.please help me.
thanx in advance
Posted by: Pawas | Nov 4, 2012 1:44:37 PM