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We fill out surveys all the time, but that doesn't necessarily mean we're experts at designing them. Whether you're gathering feedback after an event, assessing employee engagement, or collecting input for strategic planning, a well-designed survey can make all the difference.
The goal isn't just to ask questions. It's to ask the right questions in a way that encourages people to respond and gives you useful information. Here are eight practical tips to keep in mind when creating your next survey.
1. Start with a clear purpose
Before writing a single question, ask yourself: What do I want to learn? Who will use this information, and how? A clear purpose helps you stay focused and avoid asking questions that don't serve your goals.
2. Keep it short and focused
Respect people's time. Only include questions that directly support your purpose. A shorter, focused survey is more likely to be completed than one that feels like a lengthy assignment.
3. Use simple, clear language
Avoid jargon, acronyms, and complicated wording. Write questions that are easy to understand and don't require respondents to guess what you're asking.
4. Ask one question at a time
Avoid double-barreled questions that ask about two things at once. For example, instead of asking, "How satisfied were you with the event's content and networking opportunities?" split it into two questions. This gives you more meaningful feedback.
5. Avoid leading or biased questions
Questions should be neutral and give respondents room to share honest opinions. Instead of asking, "How much did you enjoy our successful event?" try, "How would you rate your overall experience?"
6. Choose the right response options
Make sure answer choices are clear, balanced, and cover the range of possible responses. Include options like "Not applicable" or "Other" when appropriate, and offer an open-ended question when additional context would be helpful.
7. Test before you send
Before launching your survey, ask a few people to complete it. Check for confusing questions, missing answer choices, technical issues, and overall length. A quick test can save you from collecting data that doesn't answer your questions.
8. Close the loop and share what you learned
Don't let the survey be the end of the conversation! Make every effort to share the results, key takeaways, or actions taken based on the feedback. When respondents see that their time and input made a difference, they're more likely to participate in future surveys. Closing the loop also helps reduce survey fatigue by showing people that their feedback is valued and leads to meaningful action.
A final thought
A good survey isn't about asking more questions; it's about asking better ones. With a clear purpose, thoughtful questions, and respect for respondents' time, you can create surveys that generate meaningful feedback and support better decisions.
