How Online Surveys Compare To Offline Surveys

Online survey tools are much more cost-effective and better suited to your specific needs. Below is a comparison between online surveys and their paper based counterparts.

The Design

When considering a design for a survey, think about the layout. On a paper survey there is very limited space. However, with online surveys you can do whatever you like. Additionally, when using questions on a survey with open-ended questions, the space on paper is just too limited. Even if you write something short, the space is so limited that the writing gets squeezed and untidy- compromising the quality of the feedback you want to use. Making a survey online has no limitations as far as answers are concerned.

Time Consumption

If you have ever spoken to an experienced survey taker you will be informed that paper surveys take  significant time to complete. Speed of completion of the survey will always be an issue, whether the survey is carried out through the mail or completed on the spot. One of the great online benefits when it comes to surveys is that you can have analysis tools that aid you in tracking progress. Paper surveys require you to use a checklist manually.

Convenience and Flexibility

Paper surveys do not have the convenience and flexibility of web based surveys. This means that online surveys are much more accommodating for the survey creator and their target market. Your web survey can be made in the form of single response inquiries, multiple choice questions, list questions, grid types and more.

Additional Solutions

Online survey software just keep getting better – they now come with sophisticated logic based questions that are normally not available or can be too complicated to apply to paper surveys. Moreover, it’s very simple to attach email addresses within the survey design in order to inform organizations of any difficulties that the survey participants may have experienced.

When all is said and done the method you choose to carry out a survey depends greatly on the targeted audience. It will also depend on the type of questionnaire that you choose to use. Some companies might prefer to use a paper survey with only one page or stick with one that is on the web. Sometimes you may need to use both methods. This will allow you to reach the audience you require. Many companies will benefit more from online surveys as time goes by. But that being said, paper surveys are still not completely obsolete. Get started today and sign up for a free online survey tool.