Power of popup surveys

Have you ever launched a survey, only to hear crickets? User researchers and product managers, have you faced the struggle of low engagement on your surveys? You’re not alone. Surveys are vital. They guide product decisions and enhance user experience. But there’s a catch.

The Challenge of External Surveys

• The Sound of Silence: Low response rates are disheartening.
• The Detour Effect: Users detest the hassle of clicking a link to another page.
• Missed Connections: Catching the user at the wrong time means missed insights.
• Lost in Translation: Responses lack the depth you need because the context is missing.
• The Bias Problem: Who is really answering your surveys? Are their experiences truly reflected?

How long is the feedback loop between release and getting feedback from customers? Minutes (at scale) or hours (if not at scale)?
If longer, maybe you’re not trying as hard as you could to get the feedback.

— Jason Cohen (@asmartbear) July 24, 2023

What are popup survey?

Imagine you’re browsing a website, using a new feature for the first time or reading an interesting article. Suddenly, from a corenr, a small window pops up. It’s not an annoying ad, but a friendly question asking for your thoughts or feedback. That’s a popup survey!

Unlike traditional surveys, which are often accessed via external links or emails, popup surveys appear as a small window on the user’s screen while they are engaged with your site or app.

These surveys are like quick check-ins. They ask you a question or two right when you’re experiencing something on the site. Because they’re so timely and relevant, you’re more likely to give genuine feedback. It’s like the website is having a quick, casual chat with you, wanting to know what you think right then and there. Pretty cool, right?

Benefits of Popup Surveys

• In Sight, In Mind: Popup surveys grab attention. More visibility means more responses.
• The Right Place and Time: They catch users in the act, leading to richer, more relevant insights.
• Click Less, Do More: Users love convenience. Popup surveys provide that.
• Real-Time Revelations: Immediate feedback can shape products dynamically.
• Customizable Triggers: Target the feedback you need, when you need it.

Real Stories, Real Impact

1. Udemy: This online learning platform leveraged pop-up surveys to gain insights into how new users discovered their website. The feedback obtained from these surveys allowed Udemy to optimize their marketing spend by focusing on the most effective channels, enhancing their advertising strategy and resource allocation​​.
2. Belron: Specializing in windshield repair, Belron faced a challenge with a high website bounce rate. By deploying exit-intent pop-up surveys, they asked departing visitors what information they sought but couldn’t find. The responses revealed a new customer persona, leading Belron to develop targeted strategies that successfully converted these visitors into customers​​.
3. KingsPoint: This company helps improve website conversions through tailored solutions. Using Qualaroo’s pop-up surveys on various website pages, such as checkout and product pages, KingsPoint gathered feedback directly from visitors. The questions they posed helped identify specific issues on their clients’ websites, which, when addressed, led to improved conversion rates​​.

Best Practices for Popup Surveys

1. Keep It Short and Sweet: Nobody likes a long chat when they’re in a hurry. Two or three questions are often enough to get the insights you need without scaring users away.
2. Timing is Everything: Ask for feedback right after they’ve experienced something on your site. It’s fresh in their mind, and you’ll get the juiciest info.
3. Make It Relevant: If they’re reading about dinosaurs, don’t ask about spaceships. Keep your questions related to the page they’re on.

The Power of Listening: Why Popup Surveys Are Essential

In conclusion, popup surveys are not just a method; they’re a mindset. They are about actively listening to your users at the point of engagement. The statistics speak volumes: with average conversion rates soaring above 11%, and specialized popups like feedback forms hitting even higher marks, the message is clear. Popup surveys offer a direct line to your user’s thoughts and feelings.

As user researchers and product managers, your mission is to harness the power of this tool. Use it to capture the kind of instantaneous, honest feedback that can transform your product and delight your users. It’s time to move beyond the realm of what you think your users want, to understanding what they actually say they want—real-time, on your site, with popup surveys.

Start listening. Start improving. Start now.