Build a Better Survey

Step-by-step instructions to launch your survey with confidence

Conducting surveys and publishing "State of" or trends reports can work remarkably well when you answer your audience's most pressing questions.

And, in the age of AI, it's even more important because you're publishing something new and meaningful.


But, original research only works well if you ask the right survey questions.

I can't tell you how many marketers I've talked to who told me a similar story: "We spent all of this time developing a survey and getting responses, but we didn't learn anything interesting."


Others ask me how to fix a research project after they realized they made mistakes with how they asked survey questions. (Spoiler alert: you can't fix a survey after it's been fielded.)

And the thing is: Asking the right is far more difficult than it seems. But it's also very doable if you have a process to follow.

This new course from Mantis Research provides step-by-step instructions that walks you through how to build a survey that works. The steps you'll learn are the same steps I have used -- and continually refine -- with all of my clients for the past 5 years.

You'll learn how to create a survey that is rooted in credible data, will offer loads of stories to tell and make a big impact for you and your audience.

This course is a combination of practical process and exercises. With each bit-size lesson you'll:

  • Walk through the step
  • See an example of how this works
  • Use the workbook to complete the exercise for your project

By the end of the course, you'll have a research plan and survey.

More specifically, you’ll learn how to:

  • How to find the right research topic
  • The 5 types of questions you can ask that will result in interesting stories (not just stats)
  • The types of questions you should avoid asking
  • The 8-step process to writing, programming and testing your survey
  • How long your survey should be – and a simple idea to shorten your survey if needed
  • The one thing you need to keep your survey on track
  • The questions you should ask at the beginning of your survey
  • 6 types of survey questions to ask to give you better stories
  • (Very) common survey mistakes – with solutions for each
  • How to find the stories in your research findings


Want personalized feedback?

I'm confident the course will get you well on your way to having a survey that's rooted in credible data and that will offer loads of stories to tell.

But, oftentimes, it can help to get personalized feedback on your survey to spot issues you may not see. If this is something of interest, check out the Survey Review. This service includes:

  • Two rounds of survey review
  • A 60-minute call with Mantis ($250 value)
  • Access to Build a Better Survey ($199 value)

Your Instructor


Michele Linn
Michele Linn

Michele Linn is the founder of Mantis Research, a consultancy focused on helping marketers publish and amplify original research.


Not only does Michele work with clients directly, but she also teaches marketers and community managers how to conduct and publish survey-based research. She's the instructor of the MarketingProfs course, "Using Research for Content Marketing and Thought Leadership" and regularly speaks at marketing conferences.


Before starting Mantis, Michele was head of editorial at Content Marketing Institute, where she led the company's strategic editorial direction, helped build their email list to 200,000 subscribers and wrote hundreds of articles. One of her favorite projects (and the inspiration for Mantis) was working with the research team on their annual, leading content marketing research.


She is regularly cited as a content marketing influencer and was named one of Folio's Top Women in Media (Corporate Visionary).


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
This course is on-demand, so you get immediate access as soon as you sign up -- and you can take it at your own pace. The goal of the course is to be comprehensive but short, so it only takes about 90 minutes to complete (plus additional time to complete the exercises).
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If, after watching the course and following the steps outlined, you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!