Want to make your local newspaper even better? The Record is asking readers to help the newspaper gather information to help serve the community in the best possible manner.

The South Whidbey Record and Sound Publishing are launching a readership survey that will measure the shopping patterns and media habits of local readers. People who fill out the survey will also be able to suggest changes to the news content of the twice-weekly paper.

Sherry Mays, Record publisher, said the information collected from the survey can help local businesses shape their marketing plan.

“We partner with businesses in the area and help them market their products and services,” Mays said.

“Knowing our readers’ buying habits helps our local businesses to be successful,” she said.

While the survey will help the Record staff serve the community better, it will also be helpful to potential advertisers who want to be advised on habits of their customers.

Terri Tinker, Record marketing representative, said the survey allows her to advise her clients to market their products and services effectively.

“The great thing about the Pulse survey is that it asks the same questions our customers would ask their clients if they could,” she explained.

The survey will be included in Wednesday’s edition as a pink pullout section. It will offer valuable feedback to the Record staff to understand newspaper-reading patterns, and it will also gather suggestions and insight from readers about improving the newspaper. Responses will be kept confidential.

It pays to take the time and fill out the questionnaire. People participating in the survey will have a chance to win a $1,000 cash drawing and a $100 gift certificate from Gordon’s on Blueberry Hill.

Sound Publishing owns the South Whidbey Record along with 15 other community newspapers in Puget Sound.

Pulse Research of Portland, Ore., an independent firm that works with media and retailers nationwide, will conduct the survey.