Top Survey Types: Choose the Best for Your Business

Erica YlimäkiErica Ylimäki
Last edited: September 20th, 2024

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Selecting the right type of survey for your business can significantly impact the quality of the insights you gather.

Understanding the different types of online surveys available will help you tailor your approach to fit your specific needs.

Let’s choose a survey type for your specific need – together!

I promise to hold your hand during the process.

Top Survey Types: 11 Options

  1. Online Surveys
  2. SMS or WhatsApp surveys
  3. Email Surveys
  4. Telephone Surveys
  5. In-Person Surveys
  6. Paper Surveys
  7. Kiosk Surveys
  8. Social Media Surveys
  9. Panel Surveys
  10. Focus Groups
  11. QR Code Surveys

1. Online Surveys

Online surveys are one of the most popular and versatile types of surveys. They can be easily distributed via email, social media, or embedded on websites. These surveys are cost-effective and can reach a wide audience quickly.

Learning how to make an online survey is beneficial.

Benefits:

  • Wide reach
  • Cost-effective
  • Easy to analyze data

Best for: Customer feedback, market research, employee satisfaction.

2. SMS or WhatsApp Surveys

With the increasing use of smartphones, mobile surveys are a great way to reach respondents on the go. These surveys are optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a seamless experience for users.

Benefits:

  • High response rates
  • Convenient for respondents
  • Real-time data collection

Best for: Event feedback, quick polls.

3. Email Surveys

Email surveys involve sending a survey link directly to respondents via email. This method allows for detailed and targeted feedback from a specific audience.

Benefits:

  • Targeted audience
  • Customizable
  • Trackable

Best for: Customer satisfaction, follow-up surveys, internal feedback.

4. Telephone Surveys

Telephone surveys involve calling respondents and asking questions over the phone. This method allows for more in-depth responses and clarifications on the spot.

Benefits:

  • Personal touch
  • Higher response quality
  • Ability to clarify questions

Best for: Customer service feedback, detailed interviews, market research.

5. In-Person Surveys

In-person surveys are conducted face-to-face, allowing for a personal interaction between the interviewer and the respondent. This method is highly effective for gathering detailed and nuanced information.

Benefits:

  • Personal interaction
  • High response quality
  • Ability to observe non-verbal cues

Best for: Product testing, focus groups, in-depth interviews.

6. Paper Surveys

Paper surveys are a traditional method of collecting data, often used in environments where digital access is limited. They are useful for reaching audiences who may not be comfortable with technology.

Benefits:

  • Accessible to all demographics
  • No digital literacy required
  • Can be used in various settings

Best for: Educational research, event feedback, offline customer feedback.

7. Kiosk Surveys

Kiosk surveys are set up on digital Android or Windows kiosks in locations like stores, lobbies, or events. These surveys are convenient for collecting immediate feedback from customers.

Benefits:

  • Immediate feedback
  • High engagement
  • User-friendly interface

Best for: Retail feedback, event surveys, customer satisfaction.

8. Social Media Surveys

Social media surveys leverage platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to collect responses. These surveys can quickly reach a large and diverse audience.

Benefits:

  • Wide reach
  • High engagement
  • Real-time feedback

Best for: Brand awareness, market research, public opinion.

9. Panel Surveys

Panel surveys involve a pre-recruited group of respondents who participate in multiple surveys over time. This method is ideal for tracking changes and trends.

Benefits:

  • Longitudinal data
  • Consistent respondent pool
  • High-quality data

Best for: Market tracking, longitudinal studies, product feedback.

10. Focus Groups

Focus groups involve a small group of people discussing a topic under the guidance of a moderator. This method provides deep insights into opinions and attitudes.

Benefits:

  • In-depth insights
  • Interactive discussion
  • Qualitative data

Best for: Product development, brand perception, marketing strategies.

11. QR Code Surveys

QR code surveys are accessed by scanning a QR code with a mobile device. These surveys are convenient for gathering quick responses in a variety of settings.

Benefits:

  • Easy to access
  • High engagement
  • Versatile

Best for: Event feedback, quick polls, customer satisfaction.

One Tool for All Survey Types

Trustmary is your go-to survey tool for different types of surveys. Furthermore, it significantly improves survey data analysis when all your information is in the same system.

It offers a variety of survey forms tailored to different aspects of customer feedback and review collection.

Survey TypeDescriptionBest For
Review and Survey FormsCombine review collection with survey questions for comprehensive insights.Numerical data and customer opinions.
Feedback FormCollect specific feedback about various aspects of your business operations.Targeted feedback.
Star Rating FormSimple feedback tool where customers rate their experience on a scale.Quick feedback and overall satisfaction.
Net Promoter Score (NPS) SurveyMeasure customer loyalty by asking how likely they are to recommend your business.Tracking customer loyalty and word-of-mouth growth.
Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSAT)Assess customer satisfaction with your products, services, or overall experience.Understanding satisfaction levels and improving service quality.
Video Reviews FormAllows customers to submit video reviews for personal and engaging feedback.Leveraging multimedia content for marketing.
Google Review FormEncourage customers to leave reviews directly on Google.Improving presence on Google.
All FormsComprehensive suite of all available survey types for maximum flexibility.Businesses needing a wide range of survey tools.
Employee SurveysGather feedback from employees with employee satisfaction questions to understand their experiences, satisfaction, and areas for improvement.Improving workplace environment and employee engagement.

FAQ

What is the best survey type for customer satisfaction?

The Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSAT) is ideal for measuring how satisfied customers are with your products or services.

How can I improve my Google reviews?

Using the Google Review Form can encourage customers to leave reviews directly on Google, boosting your local SEO and online visibility.

What are the benefits of video reviews?

Video reviews provide engaging and authentic feedback, offering richer customer stories and powerful social proof.

How does NPS help my business?

The Net Promoter Score (NPS) measures customer loyalty and can predict business growth by identifying promoters and detractors.

Can I use multiple survey types for my business?

Yes, using multiple survey types can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your customers and help improve various aspects of your business.


Erica Ylimäki
Erica Ylimäki
Erica Ylimäki is a Growth Marketer at Trustmary. She is an expert in how to grow the organic traffic of a business with effective SEO strategies, and how to utilize reviews on different CMS and platforms.


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