Online surveying offers numerous benefits. You can build surveys quickly, simply, and often at no cost. You can monitor initial results almost immediately after inviting respondents or sharing the survey on your website or social media. However, you shouldn't jump into research blindly if you want to gain actionable insights. We have prepared some tips for creating an effective online survey.

1. A short survey is better than a long one Most people are willing to spare a few minutes (up to 10 minutes) to complete a survey. If the survey is engaging and user-friendly, they might take more time, but generally, a survey with 20 or more questions is considered too long. It is best to stick to the rule of including 3 to 5 questions, though the final number obviously depends on your research goal.

2. Questions must be clear and easy to answer Short questions in language the respondent understands are best. If you offer multiple-choice answers, keep them short, clear, and neutral. This means you shouldn't lead the respondent toward the answer you want to hear. If the answer options are a scale (e.g., satisfaction), make sure you evenly cover the entire possible spectrum of satisfaction.

3. Group questions regarding the same topic together Ask general questions first, then move to more specific ones. Group detailed questions by content topic or by the set of possible answers. If respondents need to rate several features on the same scale, they can do so faster, increasing the likelihood that they will complete the survey.

4. Place sensitive questions at the end There are two reasons to place sensitive questions, which a respondent might be reluctant to answer, at the end of the survey. First, by the time they reach them, you have already established a connection with the respondent through the previous questions, making them more willing to answer. Second, even if they refuse to answer and exit the survey, you have still captured useful data on other topics.

5. Irrelevant questions have no place in a survey Partly because surveys need to be as short as possible, eliminate any questions that aren't relevant to your research goal. Respondents will be confused if you bombard them with questions that, in their opinion, don't belong in the survey. This also means they may not give you honest and credible answers to the remaining questions.

6. Respondents need assurance that their data is safe Ensure respondents are aware of the purpose of your research. Assure them that their personal data and other sensitive information are stored securely and will not be shared with third parties. If your survey is anonymous, guarantee that you are not storing any data that could link answers to the respondent. Include a data security statement in the survey to gain the respondents' trust so they will provide honest answers.

7. Survey design affects response rates and data quality Attractive and user-friendly surveys get a better response. If it appears to the respondent that the survey is well thought out and allows for easy answering, they will be more likely to complete it. Break the monotony with an image or even a video, as respondents will focus more on the answers, and visual impulses are remembered longer.

8. Only launch a tested survey Before opening the survey to the public, test it. Test it yourself first, then ask a friend or colleague to do the same. Make sure it works flawlessly, that the questions are understandable, and that it will actually provide the answers you set as your research goal.

You can apply the tips above to create your survey today. Take advantage of online surveying to quickly check what your market or community thinks about a specific topic. Get results that will make your business decision-making easier.