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Online surveys - easy way to learn what people think

Online surveys are a fast and free way to find out what lots of people want or need.

  • You can ask yes or no questions, multiple choice, or let people write their own answers.
  • Use both types: structured questions (like tick boxes) and unstructured questions (like writing in a box).
  • Keep it short! Ask no more than 10 questions, so people don’t get bored.
  • Make sure your questions are clear and not repeated.

How Many People Should Answer?

  • The number of people you ask depends on how big your group is.
  • You should ask at least 100 people to get good results.
  • Don’t go over 1,000 people – that is usually enough.
  • This helps you feel confident that your answers are correct.

More Ideas

You can also ask open-ended questions (where people write what they think) to learn more about their thoughts and feelings.

For tips on writing good questions, check out Neilson Normans tips for Qualitative Surveys.

What is A/B Testing?

A/B testing is a way to try out two different ideas to see which one works better.

  • It helps you learn by testing.
  • It shows what people like more.
  • It helps you make better choices using real data.

How is it used?

  • You can use A/B testing to check different versions of a website or app.
  • It is often done without someone watching, but a researcher might help set it up.
  • It is great for testing how people move through a website (called a “user journey”).

Last reviewed: August 19, 2025 by Jennifer

Next review due: February 19, 2026

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