Surveys are powerful tools that provide valuable insights into various aspects of businesses, organizations, products, services, and even societal trends. Conducting a survey requires careful planning, execution, and analysis to ensure accurate and actionable results. In this blog, we will explore online survey best practices, as well as survey design best practices, that will help gather relevant data and drive informed decision-making based on accurate feedback.
1. Define your objectives
Before designing a survey, it is crucial to clearly define objectives. What specific information do you want to obtain and how do you plan to use the data? Clearly outlining research goals will guide the entire survey process and ensure relevant questions are asked.
2. Know your target audience
Understanding the target audience is essential in the crafting of a survey that will resonate with respondents. To follow survey development best practices, tailor language, tone, and formatting to match user preferences. If surveying a diverse group, consider segmenting questions to cater to different demographics or user personas.
Want to know more about the different demographics encompassed in a survey? We recommend our blog “How to use demographic survey questions,” which includes examples and phrasing guidelines.
3. Keep it concise
Time is valuable. Respondents are more likely to participate if a survey is concise and focused. Avoid long-winded questions or irrelevant topics. A shorter survey increases completion rates, reduces the risk of respondent fatigue, and leads to more accurate responses.
Here are a couple of resources that will help make a survey concise: “How long should your survey be?” and “Tips on how to make surveys more engaging.”
SurveyPlanet Pro users can use our Survey Length Estimator feature, which provides the estimated amount of time participants will need to take the survey as questions are created and deleted. This provides a better overview of the number of questions needed for an optimal survey length to be achieved.
4. Use clear and unambiguous language
Write questions in clear and straightforward language to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. Ambiguous questions can lead to skewed data and invalidate the survey’s purpose. Initially pilot-test a survey with a small group of participants to identify potential issues before administering it to a larger audience.
5. Utilize a mix of question types
Different question types gather different types of data and are survey development best practices. Use closed-ended questions (multiple-choice, rating scales) for quantifiable data and open-ended questions for more in-depth responses. A balanced mix allows for capturing both quantitative and qualitative insights.
6. Be neutral and unbiased
Maintain objectivity throughout the survey. Phrase questions in a neutral manner. Bias can inadvertently influence respondents’ answers, resulting in inaccurate results. Avoid leading questions that steer participants towards a particular response.
We’ve written about the importance of avoiding biased survey questions and shared some tips and insights that ensure that phrasing is as neutral and unbiased as possible, a vital part of following survey writing best practices.
7. Use the SurveyPlanet Online Survey Tool
Based on the target audience and objectives, choose the right host platform. This is the easiest way to ensure online survey best practices. It should be noted that online surveys are convenient and can reach a broader audience, though in-person surveys might be more appropriate for specific contexts.
Our goal is to make survey research a task that anyone can carry out in a professional manner. Start your survey-making journey by signing up for a SurveyPlanet today.
8. Ensure mobile compatibility
With the increasing use of mobile devices, optimizing surveys for mobile users is essential. Ensure that a survey’s layout and design are responsive, which will make it easier for respondents to complete the survey on smartphones or tablets.
To boost participation, consider offering appropriate incentives to respondents. These could be discounts, vouchers, or a chance to win a prize. However, be cautious. Do not provide incentives that might bias responses or attract irrelevant participants.
9. Test before launching
Before launching a survey:
- Conduct a thorough review to identify any errors or glitches.
- Test it on different devices and among a small sample group to assess its efficiency and ease of use.
- Make necessary adjustments based on feedback received during the testing phase.
10. Ensure anonymity (if necessary)
If a survey deals with sensitive topics, consider ensuring respondent anonymity. Assure participants that their responses will remain confidential, which will allow them to provide honest feedback without fear of judgment.
Conducting anonymous surveys is one of the best practices used in research. Here is a detailed guide on how to create an anonymous survey.
11. Analyze and interpret results
Once the survey is complete, it’s time to analyze the gathered data. Utilize appropriate data analysis tools to grasp trends, patterns, and correlations. Interpret results in the context of your objectives and use insights to make informed decisions or improvements.
At SurveyPlanet, we appreciate the importance of analyzing and interpreting results.
Our resource hub—SurveyPlanet blog—proves that! Here are just some articles of interest when diving into the topic of survey interpretation and data analysis:
- How to analyze survey data: Learn what to do with survey responses
- The ultimate guide to survey data collection: Methods, examples, and analysis
- Top 5 survey data analysis tips for better insights
12. Prioritize UX: Best practices for survey design
User Experience (UX) and design play a pivotal role in the success of a survey. A well-designed survey not only enhances a respondent’s experience but also increases the quality and accuracy of the collected data. Here are some best practices for survey design to prioritize:
Intuitive and user-friendly interface
When it comes to survey design best practices, clean and intuitive survey interfaces, which guide respondents seamlessly through the questionnaire, are a must. Use a logical flow and organize questions in a coherent manner. Consider using progress indicators to show how much of the survey is left to complete.
Brand consistency
If the survey is an extension of your brand or organization, ensure consistency. Incorporate brand colors, logos, and fonts to make respondents feel familiar with the content and engaged.
Readability and formatting
Use clear and legible fonts, including appropriate font sizes, for easy readability. Be sure to follow survey development best practices. Ensure that there is enough white space to avoid visual clutter and distractions. Consistent formatting across questions contributes to a polished and professional appearance.
Visual aids and media
When relevant, integrate visual aids like images, charts, and videos to enhance understanding and engagement. Visual elements can convey complex information more effectively than text alone.
Mobile optimization
As already mentioned, optimize surveys for mobile devices. Test a survey on various screen sizes to ensure it is accessible and visually appealing on smartphones and tablets.
Interactive elements
When appropriate, consider incorporating interactive elements like sliders or drag-and-drop functionality to make the survey more engaging and enjoyable for respondents.
Managing errors
Implement error handling to guarantee respondents submit complete, correct responses. Provide clear instructions or error messages when necessary.
Responsive design
Ensure that survey design adapts to different screen sizes and devices so respondents have a consistent experience, regardless of how they access the survey.
Preview and test
Before launching the survey, preview it both as an administrator and a respondent to identify any design issues or user experience hiccups. Test the survey with a small group to gather feedback on the UX and design aspects.
Accessibility considerations
A survey should be accessible to all respondents, including those with disabilities. Ensure compatibility with screen readers and offer alternative formats for those who might have difficulty using the standard survey.
A well-designed and user-friendly survey can significantly impact the quality of responses and the overall research success. Prioritizing UX and design ensures that respondents have a positive experience, which increases completion rates and the reliability of the data collected. By incorporating these considerations into a survey’s design, a commitment to providing a seamless and engaging survey experience is demonstrated to recipients.
Find out more with this article on how UX surveys can help provide valuable product insights.
Use SurveyPlanet to conduct surveys in accordance with survey best practices
Conducting a survey can be a valuable endeavor—but only when done correctly. By following these survey best practices, you can ensure that a survey yields meaningful and accurate data. Remember to set clear objectives, design a well-structured questionnaire, and be considerate of respondents’ time and preferences. With a thoughtful approach, surveys can be transformative tools for businesses, organizations, and researchers.
Explore SurveyPlanet pricing and features to better understand how we can help create the perfect survey that follows best practices. Our three simple plans are made to meet all surveying needs. With just a few clicks, you can sign up and start exploring limitless online survey possibilities.
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