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Increasing Response Rates

With every survey, it's important to get as many people responding as possible. However, it's also necessary to take a balanced view - sometimes it's better to improve the quality of the information rather than the quantity of responses.

The Survey Centre have an excellent track record in maximising response rates by considering factors such as:

    - the survey methodology used
    - the length of the survey and complexity of the questions
    - the target audience
    - the extent to which the survey process is considered to be independent
    - the timing of the survey
There are also a number of techniques we use to increase response rates. These include:

Good communication

  • We promote the survey amongst your management team, ensure their involvement in the survey design and encourage them to take responsibility for their departmental response rate.
  • We tell respondents to expect the questionnaire, make it clear how important their feedback is and the confidential nature of the survey. (Having the survey run by an independent company helps).
  • We promise, on your behalf, to share - and act on - the results.
  • We send out regular reminders to your audience so they don't forget the survey closing date.

Clear Questionnaire Design

  • We can run Focus Groups in advance to ensure the survey researches the most relevant issues to your audience.
  • We tend to use short, unambiguous multiple choice questions. (To view and complete a brief example of an online questionnaire click here).
  • We group questions into `themes` - e.g. all 'Communication' related questions will be grouped together.
  • We ensure a `cleanly` designed questionnaire with an easy-to-read font, a sensible font size and a white background with no clutter. (Here are some other tips on Good Questionnaire Design).
  • Online surveys have a `progress bar` showing the respondents how far through the survey they are so they don't give up before the end.

Effective Distribution

  • We make the questionnaire available online to as many people as possible.
  • We provide a helpline number for respondents who have queries regarding the survey.
  • We can offer an incentive where all respondents are entered into a prize draw.
To discuss how The Survey Centre could increase your survey's response rates, call us on 01444 240249.

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