10 Best Form Software for Creating Surveys and Polls

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Consider you are a teacher preparing for a new school year. You want to get to know your new students before classes start to help with their transition and tailor your curriculum to their needs. So, you create a detailed form to collect the data you want. The only problem? Your school’s clunky student information system has a form feature that’s hard to use and looks awful. Your new students will be turned off before they even meet you! Sounds frustrating, right? And that’s just one of the many challenges of using forms. The good news is that you can avoid scenarios like this by using the best-form software.

This guide will explore 10 of the best form-building tools available today and how to use them. In addition to this list, you can also explore Notion forms, a handy tool for organizing before the new year.

10 Best Form Software for Creating Surveys and Polls in 2024

1. NoteForms: The Notion Forms Builder That's Changing the Game for Notion Users

NoteForms's Notion forms builder supercharges Notion by enabling smooth form creation that integrates directly with Notion databases. Our key features include creating forms from existing Notion DBs, storing submissions in Notion DBs, unlimited forms and submissions, full customization (custom domains, design, logic, webhooks), embeddable forms, integrations (email, Zapier, Slack), support for Notion-specific columns (relation, people), writing to page body, and database views as a sub-product.

We cater to Notion power users, SaaS startups, and educators, solving challenges like inefficient data entry, fragmented workflows, and administrative overload. NoteForms streamlines data collection, centralizes management, and simplifies workflows, boosting productivity while cutting costs for Notion enthusiasts. Create a form for free today with our Notion forms builder!

2. SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey is one of the most recognized names in the survey software industry. It offers a range of templates tailored to different industries and purposes, from market research to customer satisfaction surveys. The platform's powerful analytics tools allow users to analyze data, providing insights through charts and reports quickly. SurveyMonkey also includes advanced features like A/B testing, which helps users refine their surveys by comparing different versions. Integration with popular apps like Slack, Mailchimp, and Salesforce enhances its functionality, making it a robust choice for organizations that require sophisticated survey capabilities.

3. Typeform

Typeform redefines the survey-taking experience with its visually appealing, interactive design. Unlike traditional forms, Typeform engages users through a conversational interface that presents one question at a time, which can lead to higher completion rates. The platform supports various question types and features conditional logic, allowing creators to customize the flow based on user responses. Typeform’s analytics dashboard helps users understand respondent behavior and gather insights to improve future surveys. It also integrates with numerous applications, enabling users to streamline their data collection processes.

4. Jotform

Jotform is known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible even for those with limited technical skills. The platform offers various templates across various industries, allowing users to create forms and surveys quickly. One of Jotform’s notable features is its extensive widget library, which includes payment integrations, appointment scheduling, and e-signatures. This versatility makes Jotform ideal for various applications, from event registrations to customer feedback. Jotform’s reporting tools also allow users to visualize their data and identify trends, enhancing the overall data collection experience.

5. Microsoft Forms

Microsoft Forms integrates smoothly with Microsoft 365, making it a convenient option for users already utilizing Microsoft products. The platform features a straightforward interface that allows users to create surveys, quizzes, and polls with various question formats. Real-time collaboration is another key advantage, enabling teams to work together on surveys efficiently. Microsoft Forms automatically collects responses, which can be exported to Excel for detailed analysis. Its simplicity and integration capabilities suit casual users and organizations looking to gather feedback effectively.

6. Zoho Survey

Zoho Survey offers an affordable solution for small and medium-sized businesses, providing comprehensive features for creating surveys and polls. Users can choose from various question types and customize their surveys to align with their branding. One of Zoho Survey’s strengths is its integration with other Zoho applications, such as Zoho CRM, which enables users to synchronize data across platforms easily. Advanced reporting features, including sentiment analysis and data segmentation, allow users to derive meaningful insights from their survey results, making it an effective tool for gathering customer feedback.

7. Formstack

Formstack focuses on advanced data collection and management, catering to organizations that require more sophisticated features. The platform’s drag-and-drop form builder makes it easy to create custom surveys, while features like conditional logic and workflow automation enhance the user experience. Formstack’s emphasis on security is significant for industries that handle sensitive data, such as healthcare and finance, as it offers HIPAA-compliant solutions. Its powerful analytics tools allow users to visualize their data and track key metrics, making it valuable for organizations looking to optimize their data collection processes.

8. Wufoo

Wufoo, a part of the SurveyMonkey family, is designed to simplify the survey creation process while providing a fun user experience. Its customizable templates allow users to create visually appealing forms quickly, and its real-time analytics features enable immediate tracking of responses. Wufoo's integration capabilities with various applications enhance its usability, making it suitable for personal and business purposes. Additionally, Wufoo offers a range of pricing plans, including a free tier, making it accessible for users with different needs and budgets.

9. Qualtrics

Qualtrics is an enterprise-level platform that specializes in experience management. It allows organizations to gather feedback across various touchpoints. It offers sophisticated survey-building tools that include predictive analytics and advanced reporting capabilities. Qualtrics is particularly valuable for businesses and academic institutions conducting in-depth research, as it provides tools for analyzing large datasets and extracting actionable insights. Its ability to integrate with existing systems, such as CRM platforms, enhances its functionality, making it a preferred choice for organizations seeking comprehensive survey solutions.

10. Alchemer

Alchemy (formerly SurveyGizmo) is known for its flexibility and extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their surveys to meet specific needs. The platform offers advanced features such as custom branding, logic jumps, and powerful reporting tools, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. Alchemer's emphasis on collaboration allows teams to work together efficiently on survey projects, while its robust integration capabilities ensure that users can connect their survey data with other applications easily. With a focus on user experience and data security, Alchemer is a reliable choice for organizations looking to gather feedback effectively.

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The Importance of Survey and Poll Software

Unlock the Door to Better Decisions with Survey and Poll Software

Businesses can’t solve problems they don’t know about. Survey and poll software helps organizations figure out what’s going on—whether in a particular department, with customers, or within a specific target market. Getting this feedback can significantly improve decision-making and lead to better outcomes. For example, surveys can help companies understand customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and market trends. With this data, organizations can respond to issues and opportunities uncovered by survey results to make informed, effective decisions.

Save Time and Money with Online Survey Tools

Traditional data collection methods can be time-consuming and expensive. Scheduling focus groups or conducting in-person interviews requires a lot of resources. Meanwhile, survey and poll software streamlines the entire process, allowing organizations to gather large amounts of data quickly and at a fraction of the cost.

Reach a Broader Audience

Digital surveys can reach a far wider audience compared to traditional methods. With online survey tools, organizations can efficiently distribute their surveys via email, social media, or embedded links. This accessibility helps ensure they capture a diverse range of responses.

Get Real-Time Feedback

Survey software can deliver responses in real-time. This immediacy allows organizations to assess feedback quickly and adjust products, services, or strategies.

Customize Surveys to Fit Your Needs

Online survey tools often include features allowing customizable surveys, enabling organizations to incorporate their branding elements. This enhances the aesthetic appeal and improves respondent trust and engagement.

Analyze Data with Advanced Reporting Functions

Most survey tools have robust analytics capabilities. Users can analyze responses through various metrics and visualizations, making it easier to identify trends and draw actionable insights from the data collected.

Enjoy User-Friendly Interfaces

Modern survey and poll software is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that both survey creators and respondents can easily navigate the platform. This simplicity increases the likelihood of participation and completion rates.

Use Survey Software for Just About Anything

Survey software can accommodate various data collection needs, whether for customer feedback, employee satisfaction, market research, or event planning. This versatility makes it an essential tool for diverse industries.

By leveraging survey and poll software, organizations can enhance their data collection efforts, make informed decisions, and improve their effectiveness. The importance of choosing the right software cannot be overstated, as it can significantly impact the quality of data gathered and the insights derived from it.

Meet NoteForms: The Best Form Software for Notion Users

Features to Look for in Survey and Poll Software

A Simple Design Makes It Easy to Create and Take Surveys

An easy-to-navigate, intuitive interface is essential for both survey creators and respondents. A user-friendly design minimizes the learning curve for newcomers, allowing them to start building surveys and collecting responses right away. When respondents open a survey, a well-designed user interface encourages higher participation rates by making it simple to complete surveys quickly.

Customization Options Make Surveys Look Professional

When you create a survey, you want it to reflect your organization’s brand. Survey software offers a variety of pre-designed templates that can be tailored to fit your specific needs. Customization options, such as adding your brand’s logo and changing color schemes, can help create a cohesive and professional look, enhancing respondent trust and engagement.

Different Question Types Help You Collect Diverse Data

Effective surveys often utilize different question types, such as multiple choice, Likert scales, open-ended questions, and rating scales. Choosing from various formats allows you to gather diverse data and keeps respondents engaged. Look for survey software that offers plenty of options for different question types to enhance your survey’s effectiveness.

Mobile Compatibility Lets Respondents Take Surveys on Any Device

Mobile compatibility is essential, as users are increasingly accessing surveys through smartphones and tablets. Ensure that the software you choose provides a smooth experience on mobile devices, allowing respondents to participate easily from anywhere. You can even test your survey on mobile devices before sending it to respondents.

Logic and Branching Help Create Personalized Surveys

Advanced survey software enables conditional logic and branching, allowing you to customize the survey path based on respondents’ answers. This feature makes surveys more relevant and engaging, as participants only see questions pertinent to them. In addition, logic and branching help you collect more accurate data by directing respondents to the correct questions based on their unique experiences.

Analytics and Reporting Tools Help You Make Sense of Survey Data

Robust analytics capabilities are vital for interpreting the data collected. Look for software that offers real-time reporting, customizable dashboards, and various data visualization options. This feature allows you to analyze trends and derive actionable insights effectively.

Smooth integrations with Other Software Improve Efficiency

Consider whether the survey software integrates with other tools and platforms you already use, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, email marketing services, or data analytics platforms. This integration streamlines workflows and enhances data management.

Data Security and Privacy Compliance Protects Sensitive Information

As data privacy concerns continue to grow, choosing software prioritizing security is crucial. Look for tools that comply with regulations like GDPR or CCPA and offer features like data encryption, secure data storage, and anonymization of responses.

Automated Distribution Gets Surveys to Respondents Faster

Automating survey distribution across various channels, such as email, social media, or websites, can save time and effort. Some software even allows for scheduled sending or reminders to improve response rates.

Quality Customer Support Can Enhance Your Experience

Quality customer support can make a significant difference, especially when encountering issues or having questions. Ensure the software provider offers support options like live chat, email support, or a comprehensive knowledge base.

Meet NoteForms: The Best Form Software for Notion Users

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Best Practices for Designing Effective Surveys and Polls

Define Clear Objectives

Before creating your survey, it’s essential to establish clear goals. What specific information do you want to gather? Defining your objectives helps shape your questions and overall survey design. Ensure your objectives align with your overall research goals, whether measuring customer satisfaction, understanding market trends, or gathering feedback on a product.

Keep It Short and Focused

Lengthy surveys often lead to participant fatigue and lower response rates. Aim to keep your survey concise, ideally under 10-15 minutes. Focus on essential questions that directly relate to your objectives. If you have much information to gather, consider breaking it into multiple shorter surveys instead of one long one.

Use Clear and Concise Language

Avoid jargon, technical terms, or complex phrasing that might confuse respondents. Use simple, straightforward language, and be specific in your questions. This clarity ensures that participants understand what is being asked, which leads to more accurate and meaningful responses.

Pilot Test Your Survey

Before launching your survey, conduct a pilot test with a small group. This trial run helps identify any confusing questions, technical issues, or areas for improvement. Use the feedback from the pilot test to make necessary adjustments and enhance the survey experience.

Optimize for Mobile

Given the increasing use of mobile devices, ensure your survey is mobile-friendly. Test the survey on various screen sizes to confirm that all elements are easy to navigate, read, and respond to. A mobile-optimized survey improves accessibility and participation rates.

Incentivize Participation

Offering incentives can significantly boost response rates. Consider providing discounts, gift cards, or entries into a prize draw to encourage participation. Ensure the incentive aligns with your target audience to maximize its effectiveness.

Respect Privacy and Data Security

Reassure respondents about their privacy by being transparent about how their data will be used and stored. Follow best practices for data security, such as anonymizing responses and complying with relevant data protection regulations. This transparency fosters trust and encourages honest feedback.

Analyze and Act on Feedback

After collecting responses, analyze the data thoroughly. Look for trends, insights, and areas for improvement. Most survey software includes built-in analytics tools to help you visualize the data. Act on feedback through product adjustments, service enhancements, or communication strategies.

Follow Up

After the survey concludes, consider following up with participants to share insights or inform them of changes made based on their feedback. This follow-up fosters a sense of community and shows respondents that their opinions are valued, encouraging them to participate in future surveys.

Continuously Improve

Treat survey creation as an ongoing process. After each survey, reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future efforts. Continuously learning and refining your approach enhances the quality of your surveys over time.

Meet NoteForms: The Best Form Software for Notion Users

These best practices can help you design effective surveys and polls that gather valuable data and engage and respect your audience, leading to richer insights and informed decision-making. NoteForms's Notion forms builder supercharges Notion by enabling smooth form creation that integrates directly with Notion databases.

Our key features include creating forms from existing Notion DBs, storing submissions in Notion DBs, unlimited forms and submissions, full customization (custom domains, design, logic, webhooks), embeddable forms, integrations (email, Zapier, Slack), support for Notion-specific columns (relation, people), writing to page body, and database views as a sub-product.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Surveys and Polls

Overly Complicated Questions Can Derail Your Survey and Poll Efforts

One of the most significant things that could be improved is asking complicated or leading questions. Avoid double-barreled questions (asking two things at once) and ensure each question is straightforward and focuses on one idea. For example, instead of asking, "How satisfied are you with our product quality and customer service?" break it into two separate questions to get clear insights on both aspects.

Not Considering the Audience Can Lead to Irrelevant Survey Questions

Tailoring your survey to your target audience is crucial. Failing to understand who your respondents are can lead to irrelevant questions and disengagement. Use language and examples that resonate with your audience. Conducting preliminary research can help shape your survey to meet their needs and expectations.

Ignoring Response Options Can Skew Your Results

Providing limited or biased response options can skew your data. For example, if you ask a yes/no question without an option for "maybe," you might miss out on valuable insights. Always include a neutral or "other" option when appropriate, and consider using scales (e.g., 1 to 5) to capture varying levels of opinion.

Failing to Randomize Questions Can Introduce Bias

The order of questions can influence responses due to bias. Previous questions might affect their answers if participants see questions in a particular sequence. Randomizing the order of questions, especially in longer surveys, can mitigate this bias and lead to more reliable data.

Neglecting to Use Open-Ended Questions Wisely Can Limit Insights

While closed questions (multiple choice, Likert scales) are more accessible to analyze, open-ended questions can provide richer insights. However, using too many open-ended questions can make it easier for respondents. Limit them to critical areas where you want detailed feedback, and ensure the questions are framed.

Not Pre-Testing Your Survey Can Lead to Unreliable Results

Failing to pilot-test your survey is a critical mistake. A pilot test with a small, representative sample can help identify confusing questions, technical glitches, or any other issues that may affect the final results. Use the feedback to refine your survey before launching it to a broader audience.

Underestimating the Importance of Design Can Deter Respondents

A simple or attractive survey can deter respondents. Invest time in designing a clean, intuitive layout. Use headings, white space, and visual elements to enhance readability. Ensuring your survey is visually appealing encourages participation and leads to higher completion rates.

Ignoring Data Analysis Plans Can Lead to Confusing Results

Many creators gather data with a clear analysis plan. Before launching your survey, outline how you plan to analyze the results. Consider the tools you will use and how you will report the findings. A structured analysis plan can help you draw meaningful conclusions from the collected data.

Failing to Follow Up Can Diminish Future Engagement

Not following up with participants can diminish their engagement in future surveys. After the survey, consider sending a thank-you email or sharing critical insights from the results. Showing respondents that their opinions matter fosters community and encourages future participation.

Not Learning from Past Surveys Can Lead to Repeated Mistakes

Finally, failing to reflect on previous surveys can lead to repeated mistakes. After each survey, analyze what worked and what didn’t. Use this knowledge to improve future surveys and refine your approach to gathering insights.

Avoiding these common pitfalls can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your surveys and polls. You can create valuable tools for gathering insights and driving informed decision-making by prioritizing clarity, audience consideration, and thoughtful design.

Tips for Designing Effective Surveys and Polls

Establish Clear Goals Before You Start Writing Survey Questions

Before you begin drafting your survey, establish clear objectives. Determine what you want to learn and how the data will inform your decisions. Having specific goals helps you formulate relevant questions and keeps your survey focused.

Keep It Short and Simple

Lengthy surveys can lead to participant fatigue, resulting in incomplete responses or dropouts. Aim to keep your survey concise, ideally taking 5-10 minutes to complete. Consider breaking the survey into shorter sections if you have multiple topics to cover.

Use Clear Language, Avoid Jargon

Avoid jargon or overly complex language that might confuse respondents. Use straightforward wording and ensure that questions are easy to understand. This clarity improves response accuracy and encourages higher completion rates.

Mix Question Types for Engagement

Utilize a mix of question types to keep respondents engaged. Combining multiple-choice questions with rating scales and open-ended questions can provide a richer dataset and make the survey more dynamic.

Ensure Anonymity and Confidentiality

If your survey collects sensitive information, assure participants that their responses will be confidential. Anonymity fosters trust and encourages honesty, leading to more authentic responses.

Incorporate Visual Elements

Visual elements such as images, icons, or infographics can enhance the user experience. Visual aids can clarify complex questions or provide examples, making it easier for respondents to engage with your survey.

Optimize for Mobile Devices

Many users access surveys on mobile devices, so ensure your survey is mobile-friendly. Use responsive design techniques to adapt to different screen sizes, making it easy for respondents to participate from their smartphones or tablets.

Include a Progress Indicator

A progress bar or indicator can enhance the user experience by letting respondents know how much of the survey is left. This feature can motivate them to complete the study, reducing dropout rates.

Test Your Survey

Before launching, conduct a thorough test of your survey with a small group. This testing phase can help identify any confusing questions or technical issues, allowing you to make necessary adjustments before the full rollout.

Plan for Distribution

Consider how you will distribute your survey to reach your target audience effectively. Whether you choose email, social media, or embedded website forms, ensure that the distribution method aligns with where your audience is most active.

How To Distribute Your Surveys and Polls

Targeting Your Audience With Precision

Identifying your target audience is a crucial first step in survey distribution. Who do you want to reach? What demographics, interests, and behaviors align with your survey objectives? Understanding your audience can help you tailor your approach to specific segments, enhancing response rates.

Selecting the Most Effective Distribution Channels

After identifying your target audience, choose your distribution channels. Select options that resonate with your audience. Common survey distribution channels include:

Email

This direct and personalized approach is ideal for engaging existing contacts or customer bases. Email surveys can achieve high response rates if your audience recognizes and trusts the sender.

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can help you reach a broader audience. Sharing your survey through social media can encourage participation and allow users to share easily.

Websites and Blogs

Embedding surveys on your website or blog can capture feedback from visitors. Use calls to action or pop-up surveys to engage users while they explore your content.

SMS Text Messaging

For a more immediate approach, consider sending surveys via SMS. This method can be particularly effective for engaging users often on the go.

The Power of Incentives

Offering incentives can significantly boost participation rates. Consider offering rewards, such as discounts, gift cards, or raffle entries, to encourage respondents to complete your survey.

Personalizing Survey Invitations For Greater Engagement

Personalization can increase engagement. Tailor your invitations based on the recipient's preferences or past interactions with your brand. Personalized messages make respondents feel valued and more inclined to participate.

Timing Your Survey Distribution

Timing is critical in survey distribution. Consider sending your survey during peak engagement times for your audience. For instance, weekends work better for consumer audiences, while weekdays are more effective for business-related surveys.

Monitor Responses and Adjust As Needed

After launching your survey, monitor response rates and feedback. If you need to receive the desired engagement, be prepared to adjust your distribution strategy. This might involve changing the messaging, offering a different incentive, or exploring alternative channels.

Follow Up To Increase Completion Rates

Please consider sending a gentle reminder if you haven’t received responses after the initial distribution. A follow-up message can prompt potential respondents to complete the survey, especially if they overlooked the original invitation.

Analyzing Response Data For Future Improvements

After the survey closes, analyze the response patterns to evaluate the effectiveness of your distribution strategies. Understanding what worked well and what didn’t can inform future surveys and enable you to refine your approach.

Create a Form for Free Today with our Notion Forms Builder

NoteForms is the best software for Notion users. Its NoteForms's Notion forms builder supercharges Notion by enabling smooth form creation that integrates directly with Notion databases. Our key features include creating forms from existing Notion DBs, storing submissions in Notion DBs, unlimited forms and submissions, full customization (custom domains, design, logic, webhooks), embeddable forms, integrations (email, Zapier, Slack), support for Notion-specific columns (relation, people), writing to page body, and database views as a sub-product.