The research is mixed regarding the extent of the effect that prenotification letters have on survey response rates. But since most studies do show at least a modest increase in survey completion rates, it’s a good idea to send a prenotification to your sample survey respondents.
The most frequent reason cited for not using prenotification letters in mail and telephone surveys was the cost -- but you are using online survey software where the “letter” is an email, so that’s not a very good reason anymore. Yes, your respondents are receiving an extra message from you, but sending a prenotification email serves other valuable purposes as well:
1) The letter describes the purpose of the survey, to whom it is being sent, and a description of who is conducting it. Here’s a chance for you to introduce (or reintroduce) yourself to your customers. It can also serve as a notice for changes or new ways of business on which you’d like their feedback.
2) The letter provides you an opportunity to “hook” respondents, and they will then expect to receive your survey (and hence you can gather their valuable feedback). Tell them exactly why they were selected for the survey, and that their opinions matter.
3) You can let them know (in advance) the incentive that they will receive if they complete your survey. With a prenotification letter, you’re providing the proper justification for why they should give their time and effort to you.
The most frequent reason cited for not using prenotification letters in mail and telephone surveys was the cost -- but you are using online survey software where the “letter” is an email, so that’s not a very good reason anymore. Yes, your respondents are receiving an extra message from you, but sending a prenotification email serves other valuable purposes as well:
1) The letter describes the purpose of the survey, to whom it is being sent, and a description of who is conducting it. Here’s a chance for you to introduce (or reintroduce) yourself to your customers. It can also serve as a notice for changes or new ways of business on which you’d like their feedback.
2) The letter provides you an opportunity to “hook” respondents, and they will then expect to receive your survey (and hence you can gather their valuable feedback). Tell them exactly why they were selected for the survey, and that their opinions matter.
3) You can let them know (in advance) the incentive that they will receive if they complete your survey. With a prenotification letter, you’re providing the proper justification for why they should give their time and effort to you.
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