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Often times, online survey creators focus more on the quantity of their responses instead of the quality of their responses. They do this usually because they assume the more responses they receive, the more likelihood of receiving more accurate conclusions. But, this isn't necessarily true. A good survey tool will provide you with reliable, clear and actionable insight to help you with more informed decision-making. It also has a greater response rate and you’ll collect more quality data.
Here are seven tips to improve your survey software practices.
1. Define the Purpose of Your Online Survey Clearly
Unclear goals lead to unclear results and what you don't want to end up with is data that doesn't provide you with any real decision-making value. A good online survey has a clear focus that respondents can easily understand.
2. Keep It Short
Ensure the surveys in your online survey software are short. Don't load your survey up with unnecessary questions.
3. Offer an Incentive
Whether or not you offer an incentive will depend on your survey audience and the type of survey you're sending out. However, offering an incentive for participation in your survey can be extremely effective in improving your response rate. Not many people turn down something free in exchange for a little bit of their time. But, there is one caveat to this.
Don't make your incentive so big that it leads to undesirable behavior. For instance, some people may lie about their demographics so they won't be screened out from being able to take part in the survey and receive their incentive.
4. Keep Your Online Survey Consistent
For instance, rating scales are an ideal way of measuring and comparing sets of variables. If you decide to include rating scales (i.e. from 1 to 5), make sure you keep it consistent throughout your survey software. On your scale, you'll want to use the same number of points and you'll also want to ensure your meanings of low and high stay consistent as well throughout your survey.
To make data analysis simpler, consider using an odd number in your rating scale. When you switch your rating scales around, it can make your survey takers confused and this could result in untrustworthy responses.
5. Make Your Questions Direct
Poorly worded or vague questions can confuse your respondents, making your data less useful. Instead, try to keep your language precise and clear which will make it easier for your respondents to answer your questions.
6. Pre-Test Your Survey
Send your survey out to co-workers before your target audience to pre-test it and identify any unexpected question interpretations or glitches.
7. Send Out a Few Reminders
While sending out reminders may not be appropriate for all types of surveys, a friendly reminder or two can help encourage individuals who haven't responded yet to take the time to fill out your online survey and this can boost your response rate considerably.
Follow these tips to get the most out of your online survey tool.
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