Do you plan to take part in the world of online surveys? Designing and developing web surveys takes a lot of skill. Check out these valuable tips to ensure your online surveys hit the mark:
Utilize upfront survey screeners
Don’t madden the panelists by using screening This way we will avoid the situation where the participants spend time filling in the survey in the hope that later they will qualify.
Deliver clear and concise instructions
Preferably, use a precise language like ‘select one’ or ‘select all that apply’ to give participants precise directions on how to complete the survey.
Integrate a progress bar
Maintain the respondent’s involvement by giving a visual indicator of the progress of the questionnaire. It increases the retention rates (i.e., “dropout rates”), as a result explaining the method of survey and why each measure is required to contribute to a better experience of the survey.
Be transparent about survey length
Honesty is key. If you say a survey will take time of 15 minutes but it actually takes 25, then you are running a risk of respondent attrition. Accuracy of the message increases trust.
Respect respondent attention span
Surveys greater than 15 minutes could end up being dull. In case it is impossible to avoid, include exercises or games to be used as minute breaks between the activities to prevent boredom.
Tailor design to your audience
Think about the demography of the audience you have to address. Among teen studies, animated graphics will be better while for business-to-business polls the rewards would be more appealing.
Use web technologies wisely
Take advantage of programs like the Flash to improve the survey questionnaires, but offer an alternative for people who do not have this program or its enabling tools. A list of software required can be included in the link for downloading.
Employ data collection methods
Make use of offline communication like phone reminders that can be used to increase interaction with the possible panelists, in turn, boosting the survey response rate.
Ensure relevance and engagement
Write and design surveys that ensure deep participant involvement. Identifying the lack of relevance and engagement may lead to the panelists’ withdrawal from future participation.
Put yourself in the participant’s shoes
The main question now is: ‘Would I really like to fill out this web-based survey?’ If you cannot answer this question positively, you should redesign your survey.
Consider filling out someone else’s survey first given the fact that experience is the ultimate teacher!