Ask the Right Questions: How to Write Polls People Actually Want to Answer

Polls are one of the best ways to connect with your LinkedIn audience. When done right, they can spark conversations, build relationships, and even help you gain valuable insights. But here’s the thing—if your poll question isn’t engaging or relevant, people won’t bother responding.

So, how can you create polls that people are excited to answer? Let’s dive into some strategies that will ensure your polls stand out and get the responses you’re looking for.

1. Understand Your Audience

Before crafting your poll, take a moment to think about who you're engaging with. Whether your network consists of marketers, tech enthusiasts, or business owners, tailoring your questions to their interests or challenges makes all the difference. People are more likely to respond when they feel the poll speaks directly to them.

For example, if your audience consists of content creators, you could ask, "What’s your biggest challenge when creating content in 2025?" This makes the question personal and relevant, encouraging a higher response rate.

2. Keep It Simple and Straightforward

When it comes to LinkedIn polls, simplicity is key. People don’t have time to decipher complicated or long-winded questions. Your poll should be easy to understand and quick to answer. Keep your questions short and your options simple. The more straightforward the poll, the more likely it is that people will participate.

In fact, research shows that polls with 2-4 options tend to generate more engagement. If you add too many choices, you risk overwhelming your audience. So, focus on providing just enough options to make the decision easy but impactful.

3. Spark Curiosity with Your Questions

Curiosity is a great motivator. If your poll question is thought-provoking or touches on something your audience is curious about, they’ll be more inclined to participate. Create questions that make people think, discuss, or even feel compelled to share their own opinions.

For instance, asking "Which emerging trend do you think will have the most impact on the industry in 2025?" invites your audience to speculate and express their views. This not only boosts engagement but also opens the door for further conversation.

4. Make It Relevant to What’s Happening Right Now

Timeliness plays a huge role in how well your poll performs. If you tie your poll to current trends or events, it’s more likely to resonate with your audience. People love sharing their opinions on hot topics or things that are shaping their industry.

For example, "How has remote work changed your approach to productivity?" is highly relevant to today’s work environment. Not only does it speak to a broad audience, but it also taps into ongoing conversations about the future of work.

5. Turn Polls into Conversations

Polls aren’t just about gathering data—they’re about starting conversations. Once your poll is complete, share the results and ask follow-up questions. This shows your audience that you value their opinions and creates an opportunity for deeper engagement.

After asking "Which social media platform has brought you the most business in 2025?", you could follow up with, "What do you think makes [Platform X] so effective for your business?" This invites further discussion, turning a simple poll into an ongoing conversation.

6. Add a Personal Touch

While polls are a great way to gather data, they’re also an opportunity to connect with your audience. Don’t hesitate to incorporate your own thoughts, experiences, or observations into the poll. This makes the question feel more human and relatable, which helps build a stronger connection with your audience.

For example, after noticing the rise in video content, you could ask, "Video content is booming, but do you think it's the future of marketing?" By including your own insight, you show that you’re tuned into what’s happening in your industry, which resonates with your audience.

7. Use Polls to Address Common Challenges

People love solutions. If you can identify common challenges within your industry and address them in your poll, you’re more likely to engage your audience. For example, you could ask, "What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to building a personal brand?" Then, offer helpful tips or insights in a follow-up post or conversation.

By highlighting a pain point, you show that you understand the challenges your audience faces, which builds trust and makes your content more valuable.

Key Takeaways:

• Know Your Audience: Tailor your poll questions to your audience’s interests and challenges.
• Keep It Simple: Make your questions clear and easy to understand.
• Spark Curiosity: Ask questions that make people think and want to share their opinions.
• Stay Timely: Connect your poll to current trends or events that matter to your audience.
• Create Conversations: Use polls as a way to start deeper discussions with your audience.
• Add a Personal Touch: Share your own thoughts and experiences to build a stronger connection.
• Solve Problems: Use polls to identify challenges and offer solutions.

Polls are a powerful tool when used the right way. By asking the right questions, you can engage your audience, gather valuable insights, and spark meaningful conversations—all while strengthening your relationships and building trust.

So, the next time you create a poll, think about how you can make it more relevant, personal, and engaging. With the right approach, your polls will not only get answers but will also deepen your connection with your audience.