Survey · Marketing
Online community needs assessment survey template
Starts with how long someone has been around and how they take part, so a quiet lurker and a daily poster can be read separately. Members who feel they don't belong are asked what would change that, and anyone who offers to help run something is asked for an email and gets their own thank-you.
Try it live
Try it as a respondent
Every question, and where it leads
The conversation
What a respondent is asked, in order.
You make this community what it is. Help us decide what to build next? It takes about four minutes.
How long have you been part of the community?
Which of these sounds most like you?
What did you join for? Pick all that apply.
How well does the community meet each of these needs today?
If we could add more of one thing, what should it be? Put your top pick first.
What makes it harder to take part?
How much do you feel you belong here?
What would help you feel more at home here?
If you could add one thing to the community tomorrow, what would it be?
Would you be up for helping run something, like hosting a session or welcoming new members?
Great! What's the best email to reach you on?
Endings
Thank you for helping shape the community
You're a star 🙌
The flow
Where each answer leads. Every route here is editable once the form is yours.
Single select
Single select
Multi select
Matrix
Ranking
Multi select
Opinion scale
Long text
Long text
Yes / No
What this template uses
- Single select
- Multi select
- Matrix
- Ranking
- Opinion scale
- Long text
- Yes / No
- 3 branches
- 2 endings
Questions to consider
- Do you want to hear from quiet readers as much as active posters, and how will you reach the ones who never open announcements?
- Which options in the priorities list can you actually deliver in the next six months?
- Should newcomers and long-time members get the same survey, or does one group need extra questions?
- Who will follow up with the members who volunteer, and how quickly?
How to use the responses
Split the answers by how long people have been members and how they take part, because newcomers and hosts often want different things. Treat the barriers question separately from the wishlist: a time-zone or confidence problem is about access, and fixing it can matter more than the most popular new idea. Post a short summary back to the community saying what you will do first and why.
How to customize and share it
- 1Replace the ranking items with activities you could realistically launch, and remove any you can't staff.
- 2Adjust the participation options to match your platform, such as a forum, a chat server or a paid membership.
- 3Share the link in your main channel and send it by direct message to quieter members, so the results aren't only the loudest voices.
Frequently asked questions
What is a community needs assessment survey?
It asks members what they need from a community, what stops them taking part and what they'd like added. You run it before deciding on new events, content or programs.
Who should answer a community needs survey?
Current members first, including the ones who only read. If you are trying to reach a new group, invite them too and keep their answers separate.
How often should I run a community needs assessment?
Once a year works for most communities, plus a shorter check after a big change such as a new platform or a new membership tier.
Can I make the survey anonymous?
Yes. Only members who offer to volunteer are asked for an email, so everyone else can answer without leaving contact details.