Five Ways to Increase Customer Survey Response: Web or Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
May 17, 2011-
A concise survey invitation increases response rates. Basics such as good grammar and correct spelling are obvious, but companies also need to consider brief wording. Companies should partner with the survey provider to develop a unique invitation that will capture customer’s attention and encourage them to respond.
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Communicate how long it will take to complete the survey– and deliver as promised. Differing opinions exist about survey length, and it can be challenging for companies to balance the need for customer feedback in many areas while offering a survey that is not too lengthy. Many times the invitation asks customers to complete a “short” survey, however, when customers dial in or access the link to the survey, they discover that survey completion takes longer than expected. With a long survey, customers may abandon the survey before completion. And worse, they probably will not participate in a future survey based on this one experience.
Our experience shows that surveys with a maximum of 10 questions receive the best response rates. Conduct trials internally and make note of how long the IVR or web survey takes to complete. After completing the internal tests, include how long it will take customers to complete the survey on the invitation.
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A concise survey invitation increases response rates. Basics such as good grammar and correct spelling are obvious, but companies also need to consider brief wording. Companies should partner with the survey provider to develop a unique invitation that will capture customer’s attention and encourage them to respond.