In times of economic crises, conducting surveys can be an effective tool to gauge the exact impact of a situation, like COVID-19, on businesses. Mandated social distancing and lockdowns have made physical surveys a challenge, and these physical limitations are likely to remain in place for a while. Online surveys, in this regard, make for an ideal alternative. Researchers are working to design surveys that are easy and short, so they do not put undue stress on respondents.
It is important that companies and businesses take special considerations when conducting surveys during these unprecedented times. If you are planning a survey, knowing some simple do’s and don’ts can help you obtain critical information with minimal trouble.
Do’s
Keep It Precise and Concise
Keeping surveys precise and concise is the rule of thumb, regardless of the scenario you are conducting it in. Even though people may have more time to answer questions as they are quarantining or working from, generally, people don’t want to spend more than ten minutes on filling out surveys.
That means this general rule of “precise and concise” surveys remains applicable even during the pandemic. Make sure your questions are spot-on, short and properly structured to help you get maximum information from the participants.
Make Use of Mobile Survey Apps
Social distancing and health protocols have made in-person interviews, surveying and focus groups difficult if not impossible to conduct, but these are not the only means to collect data. The ubiquity of smartphones has made reaching people in even the most remote places possible. Due to that mobile survey applications provide researchers and companies with a critical tool to collect data from around the globe. Not only is this new method quicker, but is often more cost-effective.
Ensure Cyber Security
If you are approaching participants via an online application, it is essential to ensure that their information remains confidential. Using a verified application can help to instill more trust with your respondents. During this pandemic, many questions may be in relation to health or sensitive topics and it is critical that respondents feel safe providing their information. One option when dealing with sensitive questions that a respondent may feel uncomfortable answering is providing an “I prefer not to answer” option. It is vital to reassure respondents that you will maintain strict confidentiality and comply with data regulatory acts, such as CDPA and GDPR, as well as other regulations like HIPPA.
Don’ts
Make Surveys Complex
Only an easy and fun survey that flows logically gets valuable insights. Difficult or complicated surveys do not generate positive outcomes. Not only this, when people are given long surveys, they generally do not complete them.
Ask Irrelevant Questions
To elicit information, it is always better to ask relevant and substantial questions. Keep in mind that your customers are already coping up with difficult times. That is why you need to be cautious about what you are asking and how are you asking it.
Forget to Add these Questions
Remember that you need to ask the right questions to conduct a survey that brings useful information about your product or services. The questions like these may help customers provide their suggestions.
- How essential are our services for you?
- What improvement do you want to see in our services?
Bottom Line
Overall, surveys are a great source for getting valuable insights. They can provide a great deal of information about how customers perceive the services of a business. Now is the time to conduct surveys to understand how this crisis is impacting your business. Customers are willing to complete surveys but these do’s and don’ts will help you collect actionable information in an empathetic manner.
Want to learn more about how Premise can help you collect real-time information? Email us at [email protected].