Have you ever wanted to know what your friends, coworkers, or family think about a specific topic? WhatsApp is a great tool for interacting, but many people don't know that you can also do surveys on WhatsApp easily and effectively, as well as many other features what's wrong with it.
And for those of you who didn't know, in this article, you'll learn how to make a survey on WhatsApp, using both your iPhone and your Mac. Let's go there!
Options available to create surveys on WhatsApp
Although WhatsApp doesn't have a native poll feature like other apps, there are clever ways to accomplish this. The main options include:
- use the function Integrated surveys in groups (if available).
- Create manual surveys via text messages.
- Use third-party applications compatible with iPhone and Mac.
Below, we will explain each method so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Using the native poll feature in WhatsApp
Since late 2022, WhatsApp has introduced a native feature to create polls directly in chats or groups, but beware, it does not cover all users or uses. If you have an iPhone updated to the latest version of iOS and WhatsApp, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and select the chat or group where you want to create the survey.
- Press the + button in the lower left corner.
- Choose the option "Poll" from the pop-up menu.
- A window will appear to configure the survey. Introduce the main question, for example: "Where would you prefer to have dinner tonight?"
- Mark them answer options, where you can add up to 12 options.
- When you have everything ready, touch "Send".
How other participants see WhatsApp polls.
Group members will be able to vote by tapping on the options, and the answers will be updated in real time and visible to everyone, so they know how the poll is going.
The good thing about this method is that it is not final, as users can change their vote if they change their mind.
Create manual surveys in WhatsApp
If you don't have access to the native poll feature or prefer a more basic approach, you can create a poll manually using text messages. This method is simple and requires no installation:
- Open the chat or group of WhatsApp.
- Write a message explaining the survey. Example:
1️⃣ Monday
2️⃣ Wednesday
3️⃣ Friday.»
- Send the message and wait for the answers.
As an advantage, it is true that You don't need any additional tools and it's very fast, and that everyone can do without much difficulty. However, it has a clear disadvantage due to the “craft” of the method, which falls somewhat short: it can be difficult to collect responses if there are many participants.
Anyway. If you are in a group with few people, this method is ideal, but if you are looking for something more automated, consider the following alternatives.
Use Third Party Applications
To create more elaborate surveys, you can use external tools such as Google Forms, Typeform or StrawPoll, which are compatible with iPhone and Mac, and allow you to share survey links on WhatsApp. Let's take a look at the most popular options:
Google Forms: Free and professional surveys
Google Forms is an excellent option if you are looking for a free and easy-to-use tool.
From the iPhone
- Open Safari or Google Chrome and access Google Forms.
- Log in with your Google account.
- Create a new survey from scratch o use a template.
- Add your main question and answer options.
From the Mac
- Follow the same steps by accessing the website from a browser.
- Share the Survey on WhatsApp
- When you finish, Tap the “Send” button in Google Forms.
- Copy the survey link and paste it into the WhatsApp chat or group.
StrawPoll: Fast and without registration
If you do not want to register, StrawPoll is a great alternative to create quick surveys.
- Open StrawPoll from your iPhone or Mac.
- Create a new survey entering the question and the answer options.
- Copy the generated link and share it on WhatsApp.
Tips for creating effective surveys
Regardless of which method you choose, here are some tips to ensure your survey is clear and gets lots of responses:
- Be clear with your question: Avoid ambiguous or overly long sentences.
- Provides relevant options: Include all possible answers to avoid confusion.
- Set a time limit: Encourage participants to vote quickly so they don't forget.
- Share the results: Finally, inform everyone of the conclusions.
Use a third-party app or take surveys on WhatsApp: Which is better?
Choosing between using a survey website or app and WhatsApp It depends on your goals and the audience you are targeting.
Specialized websites or apps, such as Google Forms or Typeform, are ideal If you are looking to collect data in a structured and professional manner, since they also allow you to customize questions, include skip logic (which adapts questions based on previous answers) and generate automatic reports with graphics that facilitate the analysis of results.
They are also ideal for large or unknown audiences, as you can share them with a link and guarantee anonymity, avoiding statistical bias if they are for “serious things.”
On the other hand, WhatsApp is more practical for Informal or small group surveys, such as friends or colleagues, where the interaction is more direct and closer.
However, it lacks advanced analysis options and requires manual collection of responses, which can be tedious in large groups and, depending on who you are with, can also be intrusive, as not everyone is comfortable answering questions via this means.
Whatever method you choose, the most important thing is to tailor the survey to your needs and make sure it is clear to your participants, as well as to the use you want to give to the information you are going to get from it. And Depending on all that, you will know which option to use.
This way you can gather feedback quickly and make informed decisions. Ready to try it out? Start surveying your contacts now!