Microsoft 365 is one of the most popular cloud platforms in the world, with about 345 million paid seats. Microsoft cloud tools numbers were up 32% in Q3 2022 compared to the previous year.

One of the reasons for the continued growth is the suite of cloud tools offered in the service. Users get a access to more than 20 different apps, including the core MS Office suite.

With so many different apps, it’s not uncommon for some to go unused. Companies may not even be aware they have access to these other helpful tools. In our opinion, one of the more handy apps included in this suite of apps is Microsoft Forms.

From sending year-end customer surveys to assessing change readiness, Microsoft Forms makes it easy. This online survey and form-building tool has a lot to offer organizations.

If you have a subscription to Microsoft 365, then you already have access to Microsoft Forms included..

What Is Microsoft Forms?

Microsoft Forms is a drag-and-drop form, quiz, and survey creator. It’s simple to use and allows you to send out surveys via a link. Recipients can fill out your form online from any device.

Once recipients fill out the survey, the results come into the software instantly. You can see the collated results charted in the software. You can also export the results to Excel.

How to Get Started in Forms:

1. Visit Forms.office.com and log into your Microsoft account.
2. Choose “New Form” or “New Quiz: from the top menu

3. OR you can choose to explore the built-in templates.

4. Click “Add New” to add a new form field. You can choose from field types:
   • Choice (i.e., multiple-choice question)
   • Text
   • Rating
   • Date
   • Ranking
   • Likert (a scale that records attitudes/opinions about a topic)
   • Net Promoter Score® (a scale from “not likely” to “extremely likely”)
   • Section (separator that can include a title and image)
5. Enter your questions.
6. Once finished, click “Send” at the top. You can distribute the survey using the following options:
   • Link to a web form
   • Email
   • QR code
   • Embed in a web page
   • Via Facebook or Twitter
7. View responses on the “Responses” tab

 

Advantages of Using Microsoft Forms

It’s included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions

If you already subscribe to Microsoft 365, then it makes sense to use Microsoft Forms. It can save you money if you’re using a separate survey tool, like Survey Monkey. You can easily access Microsoft Forms by signing in with your Microsoft account.

It saves time

Sending a survey by email is time-consuming. You have to worry about emails bouncing due to an attachment. You also need to spend time collating all the results as they come in.

Using MS Forms can save you a lot of time. People don’t need to download anything or open an email file attachment. The recipient simply follows your link and fills out the form online. As soon as the survey is filled out, you get the result. Microsoft Forms also collates all the answers for you.

Get charted results automatically

You can quickly see the results of the survey in meaningful graphs. Microsoft Forms makes it simple to export to Excel if you want to upload the survey results into another platform.

On the “Responses” tab, you can hover over the result graphs to see the details.

It’s easy to use

There’s a very low learning curve with Microsoft Forms. The interface is intuitive and simple, so just about everyone can jump in and start using it.

 

Leveraging Microsoft Forms

Annual customer satisfaction survey

Using a web-based survey can increase your response rate from customers. They can fill out your satisfaction survey from any device, making it quick and easy for them. If the user experience is simple and easy to understand, the more likely the person is to complete the survey.

You can see results instantly. Then, chart them to gain insights into what your business is doing right, and what you can improve upon.

Employee security awareness quiz

Send a security awareness quiz to your employees using Forms. It can be easily integrated into your cybersecurity awareness training. The platform also tells you the average response time per person.

Change readiness survey

Change management is a growing focus of many organizations. This is due to the speed of technology-driven transitions. You can use Forms to improve user readiness for change adoption. Create and send out a change readiness survey to affected groups.

Event registrations

Are you hosting an event? You can easily gather registration details. Send out a Forms link via QR code, social media, text, or email.

Volunteer registration form

Embed an MS Forms registration form on your web page to sign up volunteers. The platform will automatically collate different talents or other volunteer information. This helps you better match people’s talents to your needs.

And so much more

You’ll find more ideas from the Microsoft Forms templates. These templates include:

• Competitive analysis study
• Post-event feedback survey
• Office facility request form
• Employee satisfaction survey
• Product pricing survey
• Food catering request form
• Save the date form
• Course enrollment form

Would you like to get more out of Microsoft 365?

There is a good chance that your business may be leaving some value on the table with M365. Give Daniel at Indy’s IT Department a call today to learn more about our Microsoft 365 support services.

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This article has been edited and republished with Permission from The Technology Press.