In the rapidly evolving landscape of data collection and feedback gathering, surveys have become an indispensable tool for businesses, researchers, and organizations seeking valuable insights. Understanding when to send surveys and how to optimize them for mobile users can significantly impact response rates and the quality of data collected. In their latest "2023 State of Surveys" report, SurveyMonkey delved into more than a decade's worth of survey data to shed light on the best practices for boosting survey response rates. Here are two key takeaways from the report:
1. Timing Matters: Aim for the Midweek Sweet Spot
The report reveals a fascinating trend regarding the distribution of survey responses across the week. Unsurprisingly, the workweek emerges as the prime time for surveys, accounting for a whopping 87.4% of total responses. Within the workweek, the sweet spot lies between Tuesday and Thursday, with 55.9% of surveys being completed on these days. In stark contrast, only 12.6% of surveys are completed over the weekend. The disparity is staggering, with weekdays enjoying nearly seven times the response rate compared to weekends.
A closer look at the individual weekdays reveals varying degrees of response rates. Mondays and Fridays fall in the middle, each attracting around 15.8% and 15.5% of survey responses, respectively. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays emerge as the most favorable days, with roughly 18.5% of survey responses recorded on each of these days.
2. Optimize for Mobile, Especially on Weekends
In an era dominated by mobile devices, catering to the preferences of mobile users can have a profound impact on response rates. The report highlights a notable difference in mobile device usage during the weekend as compared to the workweek. In the U.S., mobile usage increases by approximately 15 to 20% on the weekend. While this percentage is slightly lower outside the U.S., it remains significant with around 10 to 15% greater weekend usage.
To make the most of mobile optimization, it's crucial to keep surveys brief and user-friendly. Limiting complex matrix-style questions and reducing the number of images included can significantly improve survey results for mobile users. By streamlining the survey experience, respondents are more likely to engage and complete the survey, thereby enhancing response rates.
Final Thoughts: Leveraging Survey Timing and Mobile Optimization for Success
The 2023 State of Surveys report from SurveyMonkey provides valuable insights into the optimal timing for survey distribution and the importance of mobile optimization. Businesses, researchers and organizations seeking to maximize their survey response rates should follow these recommendations:
Go Midweek: Concentrate your survey distribution efforts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays—the peak days for survey responses. Mondays and Fridays are also reasonable choices, while weekends should be approached cautiously due to the lower response rates observed during these days.
Embrace Mobile Optimization: Acknowledge the prevalence of mobile device usage, particularly on weekends. To cater to the mobile audience effectively, keep surveys concise and user-friendly, avoiding complex question formats and excessive imagery.
By aligning survey distribution with the most favorable time frames and optimizing surveys for mobile users, you can significantly increase response rates and gather more accurate and valuable data. These simple yet effective survey timing tips have the potential to propel your surveys to new heights of success.
For those seeking in-depth insights into the latest survey trends, research, and principles of modern survey design, the complete "2023 State of Surveys" report promises to be a goldmine of knowledge. So, dive into the report to stay ahead of the curve in the world of surveys and data collection. Happy surveying!
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