A useful survey starts with one decision and one clear question. This guide helps you choose the right format, avoid biased wording, and make the survey easy to answer.

What You Will Create

A survey configured with the right type for your research question
A neutral question that does not push people toward an answer
Answer options that are distinct, complete, and easy to scan
A brief completion message that tells people they are done
Optional response data settings for respondent details and session data

Step 1: Pick the Right Survey Type

Match the format to the decision. A more complex method is not better unless it answers the question you actually have.

PricePoint: Find an acceptable price range with Van Westendorp or test demand at set prices with Gabor-Granger.
UserChoice: Compare product combinations with Conjoint Analysis when people must make trade-offs.
FeaturePriority: Compare features with Kano, MaxDiff, or Bradley-Terry to guide a roadmap decision.
FastPoll: Ask one single- or multiple-choice question when you need a quick directional signal.
OpenFeedback: Collect open text when the reason, detail, or unexpected issue matters.
Reaction: Capture an immediate response to content, design, or copy with expressive faces, thumbs up/down, or a heart.

Step 2: Name Your Survey

Use a name your team will recognise later. Include the location, goal, or release—for example, "Pricing page — launch research" instead of "Survey 1".

Step 3: Write Your Questions

Clear wording makes the result easier to trust. Ask one thing at a time and use words your audience already knows.

Use Plain, Neutral Language

Ask one thing at a time. Double-barrelled questions ("Do you like the price and the features?") give you answers you can't interpret.
Use plain language. If someone has to reread the question, shorten it or replace the unfamiliar words.
Avoid leading questions. "Don't you think our pricing is fair?" pushes people toward yes.

Make Answer Options Easy to Compare

For choice-based surveys (FastPoll, UserChoice):

Start with a short list. Add more options only when each one is meaningfully different.
Include an "Other" option when you're not sure you've covered everything.
Order options logically (alphabetical, numerical, or by likely preference).

Step 4: Set a Completion Message

Keep the message short and specific. Thank the person and make it clear that their response was submitted.

html

<sf-fastpoll 
  survey-key="your-uuid"
  completion-message="Thanks for your feedback!">
</sf-fastpoll>

Step 5: Configure Response Data (Optional)

You can attach extra data to each response in two ways: ask respondents for details inside supported survey flows, or pass session data from your website or webapp.

FastPoll follow-up questions are available on paid plans when you need short written context behind a selected answer.

Configuring a Survey