Know-how
Get up to speed with the latest insights and news from SmartSurvey.
![Taking notes during a participant observation](jpg/658073dfd5a6966071a0d4af_observational-data-exploring-what-it-is-and-where-it-can-be-useful.jpg)
From business analytics to scientific research. The collection and analysis of data is at the heart of today’s critical decision-making. We explore how observational data fits in with this.
![Man taking notes on how to improve his writing of survey titles](jpg/65771aea58c6fdd8236b8a60_how-to-title-a-survey.jpg)
Given that your survey title is the first thing potential respondents see, it needs to be as compelling as possible for them to participate. We show how to devise a good survey title name.
![Man conducting secondary research from a range of sources](jpg/65730036fdedb42a2d748412_secondary-research-how-it-can-supplement-primary-research-and-surveys.jpg)
By focusing on the analysis and interpretation of existing data and information collected by others secondary research offers a quick and invaluable source of insights. We explore it in more detail.
![Picture depicting the concept of randomness in probability sampling.](jpg/656713df51b8b63ffc10f7e2_probability-sampling-exploring-the-options-available.jpg)
Probability sampling runs on the principle of randomness, where every individual within a population has an equal, but low chance of selection, for unbiased and more accurate results. We reveal more.
![Picture depicting the concept of usability testing](jpg/654cd4bd950341d9ee399e5d_usability-testing-how-surveys-can-improve-it.jpg)
If you’re to build a successful product or service, you either need to be solving some sort of problem or meeting a specific user need. We explore how surveys can improve usability testing.
![Picture depicting the representative sample method](jpg/6540cad4e582e8845d52628f_representative-sample-exploring-why-its-essential-to-surveys.jpg)
Surveying everyone in large populations is impractical. Survey sampling can help, acting as a magnifier for studying large populations in more manageable slices. We explore the representative sample.
![Man running a training workshop](jpg/65292066081c89c6a9e2ec54_training-surveys-how-to-run-them.jpg)
Whatever your type of training and its aims, it’s likely to be a significant investment, so you’ll want to get it right. We show how running training surveys can help you with this.
![Getting feedback from customers both good and bad](jpg/6523c49ea8fd757a148047a3_nps-surveys-how-to-use-negative-feedback-more-positively.jpg)
The Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a popular metric that people are always looking to get more value from. Yet many people don’t appreciate the benefits of negative NPS feedback in helping them improve.
![Picture depicting the survey errors that can result from nonresponse bias](jpg/651bf4b7edea07c0c0e2a6e1_what-is-nonresponse-bias-and-how-can-you-minimise-it.jpg)
Left unchecked nonresponse bias can be a major source of error in your survey data, harming its accuracy and quality. We show how to reduce it in your surveys.
![Busy man with only time to skim read a survey](jpg/65006a517ed5deed44bbf66c_how-to-make-your-survey-more-appealing-to-skim-readers.jpg)
While keeping your survey clear and concise is important for any respondent audiences, it’s even more vital for skim readers. We offer tips on making your survey more appealing to skim readers.
![Employees discuss possible survey questions for a questionnaire.](jpg/64ee07a742233c705ea1429d_employee-onboarding-survey-questions.jpg)
It pretty much goes without saying that quality survey questions are the basis for the success of your online questionnaire. If your objective is to f...
![Woman answering a Likert scale survey question to rate her satisfaction.](jpg/64d4cdc6d91453353f36ac79_likert-scale-using-and-getting-more-value-from-these-survey-questions.jpg)
Good customer feedback is the key to helping organisations shape experiences that will keep customers coming back for more. We show how Likert scale survey questions can help you on this journey.
![Picture depicting the range of biases that can lie in the minds of the survey creator and survey taker](jpg/64cb927650319a2e7ddddb29_survey-bias-knowing-the-different-types-you-need-to-avoid.jpg)
From the bias of those creating your survey, to the preconceived opinions of those taking it. There’s probably a lot more types of bias than you might realise. So, we help investigate them for you.
![Scanning a QR code to access and complete a survey](jpg/64b6af7a580de7f25a509f89_qr-code-surveys-a-great-way-to-reach-more-respondents.jpg)
QR code surveys are growing more popular, as they extend the use case options for survey distribution, helping you to reach more respondents. We show why it’s a great survey distribution alternative.
![Thinking about the sample size for your next piece of research](jpg/64ae60300e3560cd8b33816d_what-is-convenience-sampling.jpg)
For times when random sampling isn’t possible or practical, a non-probability sampling approach like convenience sampling can be hugely beneficial. We explore everything you need to know about it.
![Picture depicting some tools to help grow your business](jpg/649d9436c75d2cf5add1c55d_business-metrics-essential-measurements-to-keep-you-moving-forward.jpg)
While many businesses can successfully build a product range and nurture a core customer group; taking their business to the next level can be more challenging. That’s where business metrics can help.
![Picture depicting a survey optimised for a smartphone user](jpg/649ae8c1e650cbee6e240c93_mobile-first-surveys-tips-to-design-more-mobile-friendly-surveys.jpg)
With 30% of people already filling out surveys using a smartphone and that figure only set to grow further, creating a mobile first survey is now a necessity, rather than a nice to have.
![An audience asking to participate in a survey](jpg/648afbc48c57ced6d2d87d0f_how-to-get-survey-participants.jpg)
Given the time and investment you put into writing surveys, you’ll want them to achieve the best possible results. That’s why it’s vital to identify the right survey respondents.
![Man starting to write a new survey](jpg/6487204b9185c5f6956fb366_how-to-write-a-survey.jpg)
When it comes to gathering responses from different audience groups to help ascertain their thoughts, feelings and opinions, there’s nothing better than a survey.
![Pic highlighting how important all question types are to your response rate](jpg/6478a9bd7ee8050819896f33_mandatory-questions-in-surveys-yes-or-no.jpg)
Having spent lots of time designing and fine tuning your survey, you’ll want to generate as much engagement with it as you can when it comes to launching it.
![Respondent answering survey questions on their mobile device](jpg/646cc6141a9c3c98614cc223_survey-question-types-useful-options-for-your-next-survey.jpg)
It can be overwhelming trying to choose between a wide array of survey question types each with their own strengths and uses. So, we explore some options for you.
![Picture depicting an anonymous survey respondent](jpg/645e111f023655728bae1922_how-to-create-an-anonymous-survey.jpg)
When it comes to your survey, one of the biggest questions you’ll be faced with is should I collect my respondents’ names or let them remain nameless and anonymous?
![Woman views a range of infographic images](jpg/644a90ef0a5d861a7c8f1d2d_survey-data-using-infographics-to-enhance-your-survey-insights.jpg)
Having created your survey, and then distributed, gathered and analysed its data, you’ll be looking to report on your findings.
![A picture that depicts routing a respondent through a survey](jpg/6442a89673969d5e433ab024_skip-logic-keeping-surveys-relevant-for-those-completing-them.jpg)
The higher your response rate, the more valid and reliable your survey insights are likely to be. Skip logic offers the tools you need to achieve this.
![Picture that depicts the components that make up a good NPS score](jpg/643d5ac46e81551c47275de5_nps-surveys-how-do-i-know-when-ive-got-a-good-score.jpg)
While a good Net Promoter Score is technically anything above zero, which implies that you have more promoters than detractors, it’s not quite as simple as that.
![Research team reviewing their data collection processes](jpg/6417b34d181646346e0028e6_data-collection-methods-in-research.jpg)
When it comes to data, we’re essentially talking about a collection of facts, figures, feedback and events gathered from different sources. And it’s t...
![Man filling out an online questionnaire](jpg/6417b403643564c0009f58c1_structured-or-semi-structured-questionnaire.jpg)
Whether you’re looking to gather insight about a specific topic and back this up with statistically supportive data, or your research is more explorat...
![Man running a focus group](jpg/6417b3797a2ef25eaa16ccf2_focus-groups-vs-surveys.jpg)
From knowing what you’re doing well and not so well, to getting the information to make the changes you need. When it comes to your business, the feed...
![Man completing an SMS survey](jpg/6417b40e18164624df00eb86_surveys-via-text-message-all-you-need-to-know.jpg)
From your survey sample size to the demographics of the audience you’re trying to reach, when it comes to your survey and distribution choices there i...
![Picture depicting how easy it is for bias to creep into your thinking](jpg/6417b4486b9a655b7cb8c059_what-are-loaded-questions.jpg)
The way you ask questions can influence the sorts of answers you receive and the quality of those responses.
![Man completing rating scale satisfaction survey featuring star graphics](jpg/6417b3e918164679eb00c9d2_rating-scales-for-surveys.jpg)
When it comes to survey questions, the choice is wide and varied, with each having their own advantages and disadvantages.
![Image depicting the building blocks of trust](jpg/6417b3b60bb1464c3fee6790_how-to-measure-trust.jpg)
As humans we’re hardwired to connect with and trust others. In fact, without this we would struggle to survive as a species, as we rely on trust in or...
![Woman checking out some resources to help improve her next survey](jpg/6417b39f3ca3646655e37bc6_how-to-improve-a-survey-three-simple-tips.jpg)
The amazing thing about surveys is that there’s always something new to learn and even more so when you’re just starting out. As a survey newcomer, be...
![Individual holding up sign to promote simple language](jpg/6417b45d298251793f9d0bcf_what-is-plain-language-and-why-is-it-used.jpg)
When it comes to using plain language, think about your own experiences, especially when you’re meeting someone for the first time and don’t know thei...
![Researcher thinking about how to analyse open ended questions](jpg/6417b3932aee0173dea1a257_how-to-analyse-open-ended-questions.jpg)
When it comes to your research and what you’re trying to find out, the research process behind it will generally fall into two camps quantitative or q...
![Highlighting the importance of the Survey Thank You message](jpg/6417b429e86a9a2c2e3d81d4_the-survey-thank-you-message.jpg)
Having meticulously planned your survey, taken time to choose the right question types and carefully crafted the wording of your questionnaire, you’ll...
![Picture depicting female and male genders](jpg/6417b3c4bf7f912e5cec59ad_inclusive-gender-options-for-surveys.jpg)
When it comes to survey questions, people often shy away from asking anything about gender or sexuality. This can be for a variety of reasons, whether...
![Desk research ready for longitudinal study](jpg/6417b44d6b9a65106ab8c063_what-is-a-longitudinal-study.jpg)
When it comes to conducting surveys, generally you’ll be looking to get a snapshot view of the feelings of a group of people at single point in time.
![Man in deep thought about choosing the right survey platform](jpg/6417b397cfe7ca0965e8fe21_how-to-choose-an-online-survey-provider.jpg)
Whether you’re a student or micro business, an SME or a much larger sized organisation. There’s lots of reasons why you might want to conduct a survey...
![Trying to think of qualifying questions to use](jpg/6417b3e6f0981fde61c01cfa_qualifying-questions-use-cases-and-examples.jpg)
If you’re to maximise the validity of your survey data and gain reliable feedback with which to take decisive actions, you need to ensure the right ca...
![Customer leaves feedback at kiosk survey stand](jpg/6417b370f0981f372ebf9e04_examining-kiosk-surveys-and-when-to-use-them.jpg)
Whether it’s customers leaving your store or restaurant, or those using public services such as hospitals, trains, buses, leisure services and more. W...
![A survey invite arrives in a recipients mail inbox](jpg/6417b427181646f65e00ff58_the-survey-invitation-how-to-get-it-right.jpg)
Having the taken the time to carefully prepare your survey and craft some compelling questions, you’ll want to achieve the best possible response to i...
![A random population sample that you may decide to survey](jpg/6417b3babf7f912e28ec4d7d_how-to-reduce-bias-in-surveys.jpg)
When it comes to your survey, you’ll want to do everything you can to avoid bias, which can result in inaccurate or unrepresentative data.
![Man losing focus working through a long survey](jpg/6417b433f0981f77bcc07960_survey-fatigue-and-how-to-avoid-it.jpg)
Alarmed about a recent drop in your survey’s response rates? Worried how this might affect the quality of your data and the insight you’re able to gle...
![Checking to see the best time to send your survey](jpg/6417b4603ae9d88469a1aada_when-to-send-nps-surveys.jpg)
If you’re to maximise your engagement with recipients and optimise your response rates, knowing when to send a survey can have major impact on how suc...
![Lots of survey questions to answer](jpg/6417b384089367bb185cafba_good-survey-question-tips-and-answers.jpg)
Whether you’re trying to better understand your customers, or better engage with your employees. Whatever you’re trying to achieve with your online qu...
![Man writing out his survey questions](jpg/6417b4096b9a65450eb8c01a_survey-errors-common-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them-scaled.jpg)
When it comes to writing your survey, at first thought it may seem a relatively simple task. However, without proper forethought and planning you coul...
![People completing an online survey](jpg/6417b436cca3aab1541acb90_improving-survey-response-rates.jpg)
Whatever rationale you have for conducting your survey, you’ll want to achieve as healthy a response rate as you can. The reason for this is that if i...
![A smiley face emoji survey answer option](jpg/6417b40028f930d9c3a3c829_why-using-a-smiley-face-survey-can-boost-your-response-rate.jpg)
When you consider that a growing number of online surveys are already completed on mobile, and emojis and smileys are sent in their billions every day...
![Man using best practice advice to plan his next survey](jpg/6417b4056435646a5a9f59e6_survey-best-practices.jpg)
From the initial design of your survey and question choice, to your survey distribution and reporting of results.
![Transactional experience in motion as man tries to pay with app on smartphone](jpg/6417b437f0981f731fc07ed7_transactional-nps-vs-relationship-nps.jpg)
When it comes to business success, one of the most important aspects is your relationship with your customers. If that relationship is good, they’re h...
![Team working on a customer experience strategy](jpg/6417b39acfe7ca250ae900af_how-to-develop-a-customer-experience-strategy.jpg)
Having got to grips with what a CX strategy is in the first part of our CX exploration, including how to measure customer experience, why it matters a...
![Supporting marketing activities with surveys](jpg/6417b40df0981fcfe4c04754_surveys-in-meeting.jpg)
For your business to be successful, there’s no substitute for getting to know your audience and their wants and desires.
![Showing we use the tools to improve our customer experience](jpg/6417b45b0072ae5c34ee2434_what-is-net-promoter-score.jpg)
Keeping customers satisfied and loyal is a key aim for businesses everywhere. The belief being the more satisfied and loyal they are, the greater your...
![Crowd demanding greater equality through diversity](jpg/6417b3640b16bbde9bc0ad96_diversity-and-inclusion-survey-questions-for-employees.jpg)
From rewards and recognition to professional development opportunities and leadership from senior managers, there are many things that can influence t...
![Thinking about using the right questions for your survey.](jpg/6417b3cd7a2ef232551736ff_leading-questions-in-surveys.jpg)
Bias can occur quite frequently in our everyday lives. And we are often the instigators, using bias to turn a situation in our favour. Social desirabi...
![Workstation set up for home working](jpg/6417b46f3ae9d8166ea1bd97_working-from-home-survey-questions.jpg)
When the Covid pandemic first emerged in early 2020, the world changed dramatically. None more so than the world of work. Organisations with office-ba...
![Clock indicating the best time to send a survey](jpg/6417b41d18164609a900f699_the-best-time-to-send-a-survey-1.jpg)
Having done everything to perfect your survey, you’ll want to achieve the best possible response rate after sending it.
![Individual starting their customer onboarding process](jpg/6417b45567298f971852e7c5_what-is-customer-onboarding.jpg)
When it comes to relationships, we all know the importance of creating a great first impression. Just consider all the people you’ve ever met and how...
![Putting together pilot test questionnaire](jpg/6417b324b915f19246e95968_pilot-testing-questionnaire.jpg)
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve previously built lots of questionnaires, or you’re working on your very first one. You’ll want to maximise its engage...
![Participant signing their consent to take part in study](jpg/6417b4580072ae4ff1ee21d9_what-is-informed-consent.jpg)
Whether as a result of our participation in a research study, or as a health or social care patient. No matter what walk of life we’ve come from, most...
![Woman offers her satisfaction feedback.](jpg/6417b3401816467b2f001de6_creative-ways-to-collect-feedback.jpg)
When it comes to feedback, we all consciously and subconsciously collect it from others daily. It’s why we adapt our behaviour depending on the situat...
![Young man exploring polls and surveys for his next questionnaire](jpg/6417b3dff69e150785ec12a3_polls-vs-surveys.jpg)
From the difference between surveys and questionnaires, to the variations that exist between surveys and online forms. When it comes to feedback and t...
![Manager talking new recruits through induction programme](jpg/6417b36c846e0c213d90881a_employee-onboarding.jpg)
When it comes to your company assets, staff are among your most valuable, as having the right employees, knowledge and abilities in place, can be the...
![Smiley face showing a great customer experience](jpg/6417b3d608936770595d0c48_omnichannel-v-multichannel-approach.jpg)
While many of us will be familiar with the term customer experience (CX) and its importance to driving brand loyalty and revenue, our understanding of...
![](jpg/6417b3daaf566984fc0befba_answering-open-questions-on-tablet.jpg)
Whatever survey you create, you’ll want to achieve as high a survey response rate as you can, as this will increase the reliability of your data and w...
![Person creating an email subject survey line](jpg/6417b407f69e15f98cec3ea4_email-survey-subject-line.jpg)
When it comes to survey distribution methods, email is still up there as one of the most popular ways to get your survey out. This is especially true...
![Location for survey presentation](jpg/6417b3b8559755054825eff4_survey-presentation-hall.jpg)
Having worked hard on your survey design and achieved some great results, you’ll want to maximise their value with those who matter.
![](png/6417b381089367e0bc5cad90_reporting-and-analysis-blog-header.png)
Whatever size, or type of organisation you are, having an improved understanding of your stakeholder audience has never been more critical to your suc...
![Young lady filling out online application form](jpg/6417b320f0981f8f08bf3a24_young-woman-using-online-form.jpg)
Given the increasing competitiveness of the recruitment industry and statistics, which reveal that 46% of recruiters are struggling to attract top tal...
As an organisation, we’ve been working hard on accessibility issues. And although we still have some way to go, we’re fully committed to ensuring our...
![Social desirability bias is common during interactions with new people.](jpg/6417b3bc0bb1469f83ee6f58_social-desirability-bias.jpg)
Many of us can probably relate to the following situation. When we’re in new or unfamiliar social surroundings, we will often mask our true selves and...
For Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2021 our accessibility consultant, Katherine Moonan, invited colour blind football commentator, Cameron...
![Undertaking a training needs analysis](jpg/6417b39d2edbfb1429b9136b_undertaking-training-needs-analysis.jpg)
When you consider that employees are typically the biggest contributors to a company’s overall profits and worth, it’s not hard to appreciate why the...
![Staff member arrives dressed for their onboarding day.](jpg/6417b3d9181646295e00bbaa_new-hire-onboarding.jpg)
When you consider that as many as one in every five new hires are unlikely to recommend their employer, it highlights the importance of creating the r...
While millions or nearly one in four of us according to recent statistics have been working remotely from home for many months already, there is still...
Given that employees are one of the most valuable assets that an organisation has, with those experiencing the greatest success tending to have the mo...
From unhappiness with their job role, working conditions, relationships with other colleagues or the lack of career progression opportunities, to othe...
Whether you’re looking to collect feedback on training or employee experience initiatives, or on lighter subjects such as your employees’ office snack...
Screening questions (or screeners) should be placed at the beginning of your online survey to determine which respondents are a good fit to complete y...
Over the last few years the importance of customer experience and satisfaction has grown significantly. Many organisations even consider it to be more...
In today’s competitive world the value of a strong company culture cannot be overstated with the benefits of a happier, more engaged workforce typical...
Considering that 79% of customers are more likely to make another purchase from a company that provides them with a good experience, it makes sound bu...
Capturing employee engagement data is essential to knowing how satisfied and motivated your team is at work. Motivated employees are more likely to pe...
Given that nearly four out of five (78%) of business leaders rank employee retention as crucial and the costs of replacing employees is increasing, th...
While most of you are likely to be familiar with the benefits of using surveys to gather customer feedback, how many of you have used them to improve...
According to a Gallup study, companies with engaged employees outperform those who don’t by a massive 202%. So, the ability to measure how your staff...
Once you’ve collected your online survey results, you’ll want to analyse them as quickly as you can, to see if they are producing the responses you we...
Whatever online survey you have created, when you have taken the time to research and carefully construct your questions, you’ll want to gather as muc...
Unsatisfied customers can be extremely costly to your business. According to a recent study up to 80% of customers would be prepared to switch compani...
As a quick, low cost and convenient way to obtain feedback, email is still one of the most popular channels to distribute surveys online. In this post...
From the quality of your product or service and the strength of your marketing, sales and support teams, to customer happiness with your brand, there...
SMS is a survey distribution channel that often gets overlooked. Maybe because it can feel a little old-fashioned, with thoughts of old Nokia phones a...
Given the findings of a recent Harvard Business Review study citing a 31% increase in productivity among happy employees – gauging staff morale and kn...
Open ended questions allow respondents taking your survey to include more information, giving you, the researcher, more useful, contextual feedback. O...
An employee loyalty survey is an essential tool for organisations to measure the extent of employee allegiance and to identify areas where improvement...
IKEA is the world’s largest furniture retailer offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at affordable prices. They...
Survey data analysis can help give you a better understanding of the decisions your customers make and increase the success of long-term business plan...
Cross tabulation for analysing data is very important, but only if done the right way and at the right time. Essentially, it measures how different va...
Among surveys conducted to yield data on diverse aspects of products, services etc., employee survey types are important as they establish the satisfa...