How to conduct a survey using WhatsApp: Part 1

WhatsApp is popular around the globe due to its ease of use and low cost. In fact, data shows that it is currently the most popular messaging app in the world. These factors can make WhatsApp an ideal tool for reaching respondents who might otherwise be inaccessible.??

You may be aware that WhatsApp has built-in polling functionality. This tool is great for asking simple questions to a group chat, but it’s not robust enough for sophisticated data collection; most research or monitoring and evaluation projects use complex forms and advanced survey logic.?

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to run a simple WhatsApp poll and list some situations where they might be the most useful tool for your needs. Then we’ll discuss when a more robust survey tool, like a mobile data collection app, is more appropriate, and explain how to integrate WhatsApp and a data collection app.

How to use built-in WhatsApp polls

The built-in system for running polls through WhatsApp is simple.?

1. Open a chat.
2. Create a poll.?
3. Enter your question. For example: “When are you available to attend our next enumerator training session? Select all that apply.”?
4. Enter poll options/possible answers. For example: “Tuesday 5pm, Wednesday 6pm, Thursday 6pm.”?
5. Choose whether or not you want to allow respondents to select multiple answers. Click “allow multiple answers” to turn this option on or off.?
6. Send your poll.

View WhatsApp’s documentation for specific instructions on how to start a poll on desktop, Android, or iOS devices.

Want to learn more? Check in tomorrow for Part 2!

SurveyCTO is the most reliable, secure, user-friendly mobile data collection platform. Learn more at surveycto.com.