User's Manual

Smart Survey Design
Page 22
3. Maximizing Response Rate:
Here are some tips for maximizing the Response Rates (Taken from:
http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/teaching/gather/method/survey-
Response.php?task=research):
1. Request participation in advance.
2. Include information regarding the following in the Introduction of the survey or in the
cover letter:
 State the purpose of the survey.
 Give a reason for participation.
 Give the terms of anonymity and confidentiality and how the results will be
used.
3. Allow enough time to complete the survey. With our tool you can set a cutoff date
and time if you do not want to collect responses after a specific date and time.
4. Provide Survey Instructions - Explain how to navigate through and submit the survey
plus include instructions for each section if applicable.
5. Design a survey that is easy to follow with clear and direct questions/instructions:
 Designate sections by creating „pages‟ to the survey.
 Group similar questions together.
6. Send reminders during the survey period for those that have not completed the
survey.
7. Offer a gift or incentive for participation. Be sure to deliver the promised gift.
 Gift Certificates, coupons, etc. Do not offer money as an incentive.
 Offer to share the summary of the results if you are a Professional subscriber.