How to Take Surveys Faster & Earn More Points?

Surveys can be a fantastic way to earn cash, gift cards or rewards – but only if you are efficient with your time. The secret is to learn how to take surveys faster without sacrificing quality. This balance is crucial because the more surveys you complete accurately, the more points you will accumulate.

This comprehensive guide breaks down proven techniques to maximize your earnings. That, too, while keeping your account in good standing. We will cover everything from retaining the right balance between speed and quality to tracking your progress for continuous improvement.

So, let us get started!

Table of Contents

1- Speed Vs. Quality: Finding the sweet spot

You might think that blazing through surveys is the best way to increase earnings. But going too fast can actually cost you money. Survey platforms are smarter than you might realize and actively track:

– Time spent per question – completing too quickly triggers automated flags

– Consistency in your answers – contradictory responses lead to rejections

– Attention-check questions – missing these results in immediate disqualification

Many newcomers make the mistake of rushing through questions without realizing that survey companies have sophisticated systems to detect poor-quality responses. This approach not only wastes your time when surveys get rejected but can also get your account suspended from premium bonus survey opportunities.

The key is efficiency, not recklessness.

Ethics matter, too – market research companies rely on honest feedback to make important business decisions. When respondents provide thoughtful answers, everyone benefits: companies get valuable insights, and survey platforms can offer better rewards.

What’s the sweet spot? Aim to complete surveys about 20-30% faster than the average time. That, too, while ensuring your responses remain thoughtful and consistent. This approach maximizes your earnings from paid bonus surveys without risking your account status.

2- The science of survey speed: What research shows

Research into survey behaviour highlights the importance of comprehending completion times, attention spans and decision-making process.

Studies show that respondents often underrate the time needed to complete surveys. For instance, a 5-minute survey often takes 7-10 minutes. It is due to factors like reading instructions and processing questions.

When the completion time is too long, 47% of consumers tend to abandon the survey. This is because respondents tend to lose focus after 8-10 minutes. The results: rushed answers and reduced data quality. This phenomenon is exacerbated in longer surveys, where fatigue sets in, and participants begin “satisficing” – choosing quick responses instead of thoughtful ones.

The type of questions also impacts decision speed. For instance, multiple-choice questions generally take less time per option, making them efficient. Whereas, grid questions – due to their complexity – slow respondents down. These dynamics underscore the advantage of shorter, quick surveys.

3- Essential techniques to take surveys faster for different survey types

Different question formats require different approaches. Master these techniques to cut minutes off your completion times.

Multiple-choice questions

– Scan all the questions first rather than reading one by one. This prevents backtracking.

– Look for patterns in answer scales (e.g. “Strongly agree” to “Strongly disagree”)

– Use keyboard shortcuts instead of mouse clicking.

– Develop consistent response patterns for common questions you see repeatedly.

Grid questions

– These matrix-style questions slow down most respondents the most.

– Read all row headers first to understand the pattern before answering.

– Pick a mental default for less important items (e.g., “Neutral” or “Somewhat agree)

– Watch for reverse-worded items that might trip you up (e.g., “I never…” Vs “I always…”)

Open-ended responses

– Keep answers short but meaningful (3-5 sentences often suffice)

– Use predictive text features when available

– Develop mental templates for common questions about shopping habits, brand perception, etc.

– Focus on one clear point rather than rambling explanations

Media surveys (video/images)

– Skip intros when possible

– Take quick mental notes during viewing instead of rewatching content

– Focus on key elements likely to be based on (brand names, main messages, visual elements)

– Use faster playback speeds when available and appropriate

4- Your survey speed toolkit: technical preparation

Small technical adjustments can dramatically improve your survey efficiency. When it comes to device selection, use a PC or laptop. This is because they are faster than mobile devices for grid questions. Also, keep your device updated to prevent browser compatibility issues that can slow loading times or cause crashes.

Browser optimization makes a big difference, too. So, clear your cache regularly. This way, you can prevent loading delays that accumulate over time.

Lastly, connection reliability cannot be overstated. Use stable Wi-Fi rather than mobile data to avoid timeouts and lost progress – nothing is more frustrating than losing a nearly completed survey due to connection issues. If you regularly complete high-value surveys, having a backup connection available can save potential earnings when your primary internet fails.

5- Finding and prioritizing high-value opportunities

Look for extra surveys for money, offering good points for relatively short completion times. A survey offering 100 points for 5 minutes is better than one offering 150 points for 15 minutes. The platform might not calculate this for you, but tracking your own earnings-per-minute will reveal which survey truly pays best.

So, how to find bonus surveys? Check your dashboard for special banners or highlighted opportunities. Many platforms mark bonus survey opportunities with stars or special colors to make them stand out. Generally speaking, early mornings and weekdays typically have more surveys available, so checking during these times can help you get more surveys online before they fill up.

6- The power of focus: Concentration techniques

Distractions are the enemy of efficiency when it comes to survey-taking. To combat this, try creating a dedicated survey environment. Setting aside specific 20-30-minute chunks for survey-taking helps maintain your concentration throughout the session.

Another helpful approach is to treat surveys like a game with points and time goals to keep yourself engaged. Between longer surveys, take short breaks to reset your focus. Even a quick 2-minute break can refresh your concentration for the next opportunity. It can prevent the mental fatigue that slows down your responses.

7- Tracking your progress: measuring speed improvements

The old saying, “what gets measured improves,” definitely applies to survey-taking. By tracking your survey completion times and earnings, you will quickly identify which survey and platforms give you the best return on your time investment.

A simple spreadsheet noting the survey platform, estimated time, actual time and payout can reveal valuable patterns over time. You might discover that certain survey types or topics consistently offer better value. Thus, they allow you to prioritize these opportunities in the future.

With this data in hand, you can set realistic improvement goals. These include reducing your average completion time by 10% while maintaining your qualification rate. This balanced approach ensures you are getting to take surveys faster without sacrificing the quality that keeps the surveys coming your way.

8- Beyond basic surveys: fast-track specialty opportunities

Some surveys consistently offer significantly better returns than others. To maximize your earnings, keep an eye out for these extra surveys for money.

Flash polls taking just 1-2 minutes offer quick completion that doesn’t pay much individually but adds up nicely over time. Similarly, product testing pre-qualifiers are short surveys that can lead to valuable ongoing product tests with premium compensation.

To increase earnings and your chance of finding these opportunities, get involved with multiple reputable platforms. Also, create email filters. That way, you can stay assured of never missing paid bonus surveys in your inbox. These premium surveys often fill quickly, so being among the first to see them can make a big difference in your overall earnings.

Get Maximum from Your Time Participating in Surveys

Becoming truly efficient at quick surveys takes time. Your speed will naturally improve as you –

– Recognise common question patterns

– Develop consistent decision-making processes

– Build confidence in your responses

Start implementing these techniques today when you log in on The Panel Station to fill up surveys. Eventually, you will see improvements within your first week. Remember that consistent quality is still the foundation – speed is simply the multiplier that maximizes your rewards.

FAQ on How to Take Surveys Faster

Q- Will I get penalized for completing surveys too quickly?

Yes, if you are suspiciously fast. Most platforms have minimum time thresholds based on question count and complexity. Stay within 20-30% of the estimated completion time to avoid flags. Keep in mind: efficiency is not the same as rushing.

Q- Will certain demographics obtain better survey prospects?

Certainly. Surveys in regard to particular goods or experiences are more specifically targeted to certain demographic sections. These include working professionals, decision-makers, and regular consumers. These are sometimes lucrative and direct.

Q- How do I balance speed and quality to uphold a good account standing?

Here are certain things you can do –

– Pay special attention to attention-check questions even when moving quickly.

– Maintain consistency in your profile information and responses.

– Never use random clicking patterns or automated tools.

– Take an extra moment on open-ended questions to provide genuine value.

Q- What are the best times for taking the survey?

Morning (8-11 AM) and weekdays generally offer more bonus survey opportunities with less competition. Many research studies launch early in the business days, giving morning respondents first access to limited spots.