Many surveys fail due to small design flaws. Learn how to spot and fix them before it’s too late.
Common Survey Mistakes And How To Fix Them
Surveys are one of the most powerful tools for gathering information, whether you’re conducting market research, academic studies, or public opinion polls. But even the best intentions can result in poor data if the survey is flawed. From unclear questions to the wrong audience, survey mistakes can lead to invalid results, low response rates, and wasted effort. This article will highlight the most common errors people make when designing and distributing surveys—and how you can avoid them.
Read more about survey design essentials
Mistake 1: Starting Without Clear Objectives
The foundation of any good survey is a clear goal. Yet many surveys are launched without a precise understanding of what they’re meant to achieve. Vague or conflicting objectives lead to poorly structured questions and irrelevant data.
Fix: Define your objectives before creating any questions. Ask yourself: What decisions will this data inform? What specific insights am I trying to gather?
Mistake 2: Using Leading or Biased Questions
Questions that suggest a particular answer can skew results and compromise the integrity of your data.
Example: “How satisfied are you with our excellent customer service?”
Fix: Use neutral language and balanced wording. Instead, ask: “How would you rate your experience with our customer service?”
Mistake 3: Including Too Many Open-Ended Questions
While open-ended questions can yield rich insights, they can also lead to inconsistent data that’s hard to analyze—especially at scale.
Fix: Limit open-ended questions to one or two critical points. Use structured formats like multiple choice, Likert scales, or dropdowns wherever possible.
Mistake 4: Poor Question Flow and Structure
Randomly ordered questions can confuse respondents, increasing dropout rates and decreasing the reliability of responses.
Fix: Start with easy or general questions, and gradually move to more specific or sensitive topics. Use logic branching to guide users through the most relevant path.
Learn more about how to structure your survey in Google Forms or Microsoft Forms.
Mistake 5: Asking Too Many Questions
Long surveys increase abandonment rates. Respondents may rush through or exit halfway, affecting data quality.
Fix: Prioritize the most important questions. Test the survey yourself—it should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
Mistake 6: Choosing the Wrong Survey Tool
Each survey platform has unique strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the wrong one can limit functionality, branding, and data handling.
Fix: Select a tool that fits your needs. For advanced features, try Qualtrics. For simplicity, use SurveyMonkey or Typeform.
Mistake 7: Poor Targeting and Distribution
Even a perfectly designed survey fails if it doesn’t reach the right people. Sending it to the wrong audience results in irrelevant or biased data.
Fix: Carefully define your target demographic and use proper channels—email lists, social media, or platforms like SurveyCircle and SurveySwap. Learn more from our guide on Survey Distribution Methods.
Mistake 8: Not Optimizing for Mobile
Many respondents use smartphones, and a non-mobile-friendly survey can lead to dropouts and data entry errors.
Fix: Test your survey on multiple devices. Use responsive tools like Google Forms or Microsoft Forms.
Mistake 9: Ignoring Data Privacy and Consent
Failure to inform participants about how their data will be used can lead to mistrust and legal complications.
Fix: Include a consent statement, clarify data use, and comply with regulations like GDPR.
Mistake 10: Failing to Analyze the Data Effectively
Collecting data is just the beginning. Without proper analysis, the results are useless.
Fix: Plan your analysis early. Consider hiring a professional for help with SPSS data analysis or using platforms that export directly to tools like Google Sheets or Excel.
Real-World Example: A Mistake That Cost Time and Money
A non-profit organization spent weeks creating and distributing a public health survey. However, they failed to pre-test it. As a result, over 40% of responses had missing data or inconsistent answers due to confusing question logic. A redesign, led by a survey expert, improved the response rate and yielded clean, usable data.
Don’t let that happen to you.
How a Professional Can Help
Working with an expert ensures your survey is designed, tested, and distributed properly from the start. At My Survey Help, we offer full-service survey design tailored to your needs; whether you’re conducting academic research or running a business survey. Explore our pricing options or hire a survey expert today.
Turn Mistakes Into Insights
Survey mistakes happen, but they don’t have to derail your research. With proper planning, testing, and expert input, your survey can deliver clear, actionable insights. Don’t settle for poor data. Invest in professional guidance and get the results you deserve.