Over the last decade working at Duuzra, I think it’s fair to say that I have seen and analysed the data from tens of thousands of surveys and feedback forms. In the world of event technology, where measuring ROI is crucial, gathering comprehensive and accurate feedback is vital.
The more responses you collect, the better your insights will be, enabling you to fine-tune your strategies, improve attendee experiences, and ultimately drive greater success in your events. With this in mind, I’ve gathered some key tips to help you create effective surveys that not only boost response rates but also provide valuable insights to enhance your event tech strategies and maximise ROI.
Manage Expectations from the Start
I think it’s fairly obvious to say that surveys which are really long can be very off-putting for the recipient, so it’s essential to let your respondents know upfront how long the survey will take. A simple statement like “This survey should take no more than 2 minutes to complete” can go a long way in reassuring participants that their time won’t be wasted. This small step can significantly increase completion rates.
Keep Questions Meaningful and Necessary
Every question in your survey should serve a clear purpose. Before adding a question, ask yourself what you’re trying to discover. This approach helps eliminate unnecessary queries, keeping your survey concise and focused, which in turn improves the quality of the responses.
Give People What They Want in Return
Offering something in return can greatly improve your response rate. Consider providing a tangible benefit, such as a CPD certificate, a discount, or access to exclusive content like presentation slides. People are more likely to complete a survey if they know they will receive something of value in exchange.
Make Timing Work for You
The timing of your survey is crucial. Sending it just before the end of an event or webinar increases the likelihood of a response. At Duuzra, our platform’s ability to instantly push out feedback forms ensures that you capture respondents’ thoughts while they’re still fresh, leading to more responses, increased accuracy and insightful data.
Send a Reminder
Not everyone will complete your survey on the first try, and that’s okay. A well-timed, personalised reminder can be effective in boosting response rates.
Embrace Closed-Ended Questions
To make your survey easier to complete, include a healthy mix of closed-ended questions, such as rating scales or multiple-choice options. These types of questions not only simplify the process for respondents but also make it easier for you to analyze the data and draw meaningful conclusions.
Avoid Unnecessary Demographic Questions
Keep your survey as streamlined as possible by avoiding redundant demographic questions. If you already have this information, there’s no need to ask for it again. At Duuzra, we can help integrate existing demographic data with your survey results, ensuring you get the insights you need without overloading your respondents.
Leverage the Power of Benchmarking
A well-designed question isn’t just useful once—it’s a powerful tool for benchmarking. By asking the same questions in multiple surveys, you can track progress over time and measure improvements. This is especially valuable for recurring events, allowing you to continuously refine your strategies.
Act on Individual Feedback
Don’t let valuable feedback go to waste. Whether a respondent’s comments are positive, negative, or neutral, reaching out to acknowledge their input can strengthen your relationship with them. It shows the respondent that they have been heard and you have the chance to foster some meaningful dialogue. It may even lead to a new sales opportunity!
By applying these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating surveys that not only collect data but also drive meaningful improvements in your event and marketing strategies. If you need any help with your surveys or feedback forms, feel free to reach out to us at Duuzra. Good luck with all your future ‘feedback gathering’ endeavours!
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