Tips to Maximize Responses

An SMS survey is a convenient and effective way to collect data with ease. It is sent via text, where users can click on a link that takes them to a survey. This is a user-friendly way to collect customer data as compared to alternative methods, such as web, in-person, or phone surveys. Maximizing your SMS survey responses is critical. Below, you will find helpful information on how to maximize SMS survey responses.

• Get to the Point: The success of an SMS survey depends on how fast and clear your message is. Get straight to the point in your message and make the instructions very easy. One of the key factors you should include is the importance of participation. Texts have a maximum limit of 160 characters, so keep it within that range. Otherwise, multiple texts are sent, which can deter recipients.

• Make it Personal: Gone are the days when you can spam everyone with the same exact message. Customizing text messages to include the recipient’s name is beneficial. Tailor the content of the message to the recipient’s previous preferences. This demonstrates your commitment and incentivizes a response. A personal touch is a good investment as it can make a substantial difference when it comes to response rates.

• Take it Mobile: While it seems obvious, the SMS survey must be mobile-friendly. If the link fails to open, recipients have to type something in, or any other barrier, it can be detrimental to your response rate. If you want a high response rate, you have to make the process as easy as possible for the user.

• Take it For a Spin: Avoid the rookie mistake of sending out hundreds to thousands of texts without testing it out. In addition to testing the actual survey, continue to assess and optimize your survey. This includes factors such as timing, content, and incentives.

Timing is Everything

Timing is just as important as the content of your SMS text message. Sending surveys early in the morning or late at night does not result in a great return rate. Consider your target audience and their potential schedule. Sending the survey at the right time increases the likelihood of a response.

It’s also important to respect your target audience’s time. This means that you should really keep your text message surveys short. A focused survey that is just a few questions can reap better results than a longer one that requires a lot of typing. If the survey is longer than a couple of questions, add a progress bar so the recipient knows how far they are.

Still Have Questions?

Texting software is customizable and offers major benefits. This includes personalized texts based on subscriber data and responses. Businesses that use automated texting software report an increase in SMS survey response rates. Follow the practices above to improve client engagement and watch satisfaction rates soar! And check out our other articles for more advice on specific industries and use cases.