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What is considered a good response rate for a survey?

Pasquale Schifino
What is a good response rate for a questionnaire
Table of Contents
Table of contents
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The response rate is a decisive factor for the success of a survey.

It indicates how many of the people contacted actually participate in the survey.

But what actually constitutes a good response rate?

The answer depends on several factors, such as the type of survey, the target group, and the method of data collection.

In this article, we explain what response rates are considered good and how you can improve them.



🎯 The most important summarized:

  • A typical response rate for online surveys is between 10-30%, which is considered average, depending on the target group and the topic.


  • The response rate varies depending on the target group and the topic of the survey. Specific, well-defined target groups can lead to higher response rates.


  • A clearly structured, appealing survey design can increase willingness to participate and thus lead to a better response rate.


  • The use of incentives, such as discounts or prize draws, can significantly increase the response rate and encourage participation.

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Table of Contents

1. Average response rates depending on survey type
2. Factors influencing the response rate
3. How can you improve the response rate?
4. Conclusion
5. More tips & tricks for surveys

Average response rates depending on survey type

The response rate can vary greatly depending on how the survey is conducted:

  • Online surveys: 10–30%
  • Telephone surveys: 20–50%
  • Postal surveys: 5–20%
  • Face-to-face interviews: 50–80%
  • Internal employee surveys: 50–70%

A response rate of 30% or more is considered good in most cases.

Lower rates are not unusual, especially for online surveys with little personal contact.

Factors influencing the response rate

Managing Customer Engagement Success factors and strategies

Factor 1: Target group
The more relevant the survey is to participants, the higher the probability of a response.

Factor 2: Survey design
A short, understandable, and visually appealing survey increases willingness to participate.

Factor 3: Incentives
Vouchers, competitions, or small rewards often increase participation.

Factor 4: Reminders
One or more reminder messages can significantly improve the response rate.

Trust and transparency
Participants are more likely to take part if they know what the data will be used for and how their anonymity will be protected.

How can you improve the response rate?

  • Personalize the survey invitation
  • Ask clear and concise questions
  • Optimize for mobile devices
  • Use surveys
  • Offer an attractive incentive
  • Send reminders to non-participants
10 tips to increase the response rate of your survey

Are you looking for more tips and tricks to improve your response rate?

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Conclusion

A “good” response rate depends on the type of survey.

While 10–30% is acceptable for online surveys, 50% or more is considered excellent for face-to-face or internal surveys.

If you want to increase participation, you should focus on relevance, appealing design, and targeted incentives.

More tips & tricks for surveys

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  • Pasquale Schifino

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