Timing is a factor often overlooked when it comes to distributing an online survey. However, choosing the right moment to send your questionnaire can have a significant impact on the response rate and the quality of the data collected. In this article, we will explore why timing is so crucial and how to optimize it to maximize respondent engagement.
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Understanding Your Respondents’ Habits
Before determining the ideal time to send your survey, it is essential to thoroughly understand the habits of your target respondents. Who are they? What are their lifestyles and daily schedules? These factors will greatly influence their availability and responsiveness.
Analyzing Their Schedules and Routines
Depending on the target group, daily and weekly routines can vary considerably. Office employees will generally have more free time at the end of the day, while active parents will be more available in the early evening, once the children are in bed. Carefully study the work, leisure, and sleep habits of your audience to identify the most suitable time slots.
Considering Time Zones and Holidays
If your online survey targets an international or multi-regional audience, take time zones into account. Adjust the sending time according to the time zones of the main groups of respondents. Additionally, avoid sending during school holidays or long vacation periods, as many people will be less available or responsive during these times.
Choosing the Best Time to Send Your Online Survey
Despite an in-depth analysis of your audience’s habits, it can be challenging to determine with precision the best time to send your online survey. However, certain periods generally emerge as being more favorable than others. By identifying them, you will significantly increase your chances of achieving high response rates.
The Most Favorable Days and Times
According to numerous studies, the best days to send an online survey are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Mondays are often busy after the weekend, while Fridays and weekends are periods when most people are less available or focused on their work. As for the times, it is generally recommended to send between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when most people are at work and accessible by email. Avoid sending very early in the morning or late at night, when people are less likely to respond.
Avoiding Busy Periods or Major Events
Some periods of the year are naturally busier than others for many people. For example, avoid sending online surveys during end-of-year periods, major religious holidays, or important sporting events. These times are often very busy, stressful, or conducive to distractions, which can negatively impact response rates. Take the calendar into account and schedule your mailings accordingly.
Optimizing Sending Frequency to Increase Response Rates
In addition to choosing the right time to send your online survey, optimizing the frequency of sending is crucial to maximize response rates. You will need to find a delicate balance between the persistence needed to achieve your goals and avoiding harassment that could damage your reputation.
Finding the Balance Between Persistence and Harassment
While a single send is rarely enough, sending too many reminders risks annoying your potential respondents. The key is to remain persistent without becoming intrusive. A good practice is to send 2 to 3 reminders spaced about a week apart after the initial send. Closely monitor your response rates and stop sending reminders when they become unproductive.
Using Timely and Well-Timed Reminders
Time your reminders to send them at opportune moments, based on the same principles as for the initial send. Slightly vary the content and tone to avoid fatigue. Remind recipients of the importance and benefits of participating in the survey. You can also offer an additional incentive to encourage reluctant respondents.
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Polish – Znaczenie czasu w wysyłaniu formularza online, click here
French – Le rôle crucial du timing dans l’envoi d’un sondage en ligne, click here
Portuguese – A importância do timing no envio de um formulário online, click here
German – Die Wichtigkeit des Timings beim Versenden eines Online-Formulars, click here