55. Four tips to increase your survey completion rates
Surveys are a powerful tool for gathering input to shape your nonprofit’s strategic plan, but getting responses can be tough.
By preparing thoughtfully about each stage of the process, you can boost completion rates and collect the feedback needed to make informed decisions.
Here are four tips to guide you through the process, from start to finish.
1. Before launching the survey
Preparation is everything. Here is how to set your survey up for success:
Think about your audience: Why should they care about this survey? What is going on in their world right now? Is this the best time to ask for their input? Consider the delivery format that works best for them—paper, email, social media, or something else.
KISS it (Keep it Simple): Less is often more. Reflect on your purpose—what is the minimum input you need to meet that goal? Keep your questions concise and focused.
Minimize “oops” moments: After drafting, test your survey for clarity, context, and grammar. Make sure it is accessible and mobile-friendly to avoid turning off respondents before they even start.
Ask well: Frame your invitation thoughtfully. Share why their response matters, offer incentives when possible, and give a clear, reasonable timeframe. Prime leaders and influencers within your organization to champion the survey and encourage participation.
2. After launching the survey
Once the survey is live, it is time to keep the momentum going:
Keep track of responses: Most responses will come at the very beginning and near the end of the survey period. If engagement is low, you will need to invest time in boosting participation. If some groups are not responding as much, try to figure out why and how you can get them involved.
Send strategic reminders: Schedule reminders to go out, especially if responses slow down. Use gentle nudges and reinforce why their input matters.
3. After closing the survey
Closing the survey is not the end. Be sure to follow through:
Share a thank you: Show your appreciation for participants’ time and input.
Meet your promises: If you offered incentives, distribute them promptly. Trust is built when you deliver on your commitments.
Share what is next: Let respondents know what to expect—when you will share high-level takeaways, how their input will feed into decisions, and if there will be any further engagement.
4. After analyzing the survey
To improve future survey success, consider these final steps:
Close the loop: Where possible, share the results and actions you plan to take based on the survey. Showing the impact of their input encourages future participation.
Gather lessons: Reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Were there confusing questions? How much time was spent on each submission? Did you see drop-offs at certain points? Use this data to refine your next survey.
Appreciate the survey team: Recognize the effort of those who helped plan and manage the survey. Acknowledging their hard work motivates better execution in the future.
Apply these tips to boost survey completion rates and gather valuable insights for an effective nonprofit strategic plan.
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