-NRC Q&A-
Gathering resident opinion in community decision-making is the first step to open and transparent governance. One of the best ways to do begin gathering that opinion data is to conduct a survey. To get the most out of your survey, you’ll need to get the word out about it.
If you are already in the habit of sending out press releases, consider sending one out about your survey. A strong press release gives local newspapers, television and radio stations a jumping-off point to report about the survey and drive awareness.
Does your community have a monthly or even quarterly newsletter? Use that as a vehicle to promote the survey, what its purpose is and where residents can go to ask questions or take the survey.
Your website is the first place people go to get more information about your community. Make the survey announcement visible and the details easy to find.
Many residents follow their city on social media and use their feeds as a source of news. So it's a good idea to post about the survey on social media. Share details such as when to expect the survey and how the results will be used. If you conduct an online survey open to all residents, you can share that link on social media too.
Do you have a big community event on the horizon (like the county fair or a barbeque festival)? You’ll probably have a booth set up to engage with residents. Make sure to mention the survey, or even print up a handout for a quick reminder to take the survey.
Don’t forget the use of city signage to promote the survey. This may include banners throughout the city or billboards along major commuter routes in your area.
Video is a major form of information sharing and driver of digital engagement right now. Having city management elaborate on camera how the survey will help the community can be beneficial for garnering participation.
Your communications professionals are in-tune with how to best share important information with your audiences, so utilize the experts within your organization.
If you are an NRC client, you’re granted exclusive access to The Playbook of Strategies which contains several case studies and in-depth tips on publicizing your survey.
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