Modern researchers developed a lot of tools both for scientific and market use. When a person or organization needs to conduct a survey, a questionnaire becomes very helpful.

A questionnaire is a list of questions with answers that is inevitable when you need to ask your target audience about a product, performance, or other important issues. Along with traditional types of surveys like in-house or telephone surveys, online surveys come to life. Each survey type requires a specific questionnaire.

An Online Questionnaire Is the Most Flexible Type

The online survey uses internet and computer devices (like laptops, tablets, or smartphones) to ask respondents questions that are mostly in written form. Questionnaires are usually sent with email letters or spread on social networks. This type of survey is cost-effective and time-efficient.

When you use this survey type, respondents shouldn’t respond immediately. They respond when they have time, so they may focus on the survey questions and pay more attention. Therefore, you may ask questions that demand personal opinions and consume more time.

The main disadvantage of online surveys is that people can easily ignore them. So, you should think about questions that may interest your target audience. Questions should be relevant to their experience, profession, or hobbies.

How Does a Telephone Questionnaire Work Nowadays?

Telephone surveys are a reliable way to reach a broad audience as you do not need to visit each respondent personally. Though, you have to create a meaningful introduction to interest people.

Compared to online surveys, telephone surveys are more expressive, so you need to think about mandatory and voluntary parts of the questionnaire. The first may contain simple questions with short answers, while the second may focus on qualitative questions with personal opinions. 

The main disadvantage is that the call may be ill-timed for many respondents, and their time may be limited by work or personal issues. Therefore, you should ask whether they have a few minutes first and then conduct the survey. 

Is an In-House Questionnaire the Most Comfortable Type?

In-house surveys are the most comfortable type of survey for the respondents, but it takes a lot of effort from your side. This survey type demands visiting the respondent’s home, workplace, or places where one used to be. 

This survey type provides greater control over respondents’ attention, though you shouldn’t abuse it. Explain the survey purpose and ask about the willingness to participate, then drive respondents through the questionnaire. Use simple questions, and offer simple answers.

The main disadvantage is that in-house surveys may demand more human resources. Nevertheless, when more employees are involved, the understanding of the obtained data can induce more fruitful insights.