SURVEYSYNERGY · RESEARCH GUIDES
How to write a survey recruitment post people can understand
What to put in a research invitation, with an editable example for university groups and permitted survey communities.
Give people the details they need to decide
A useful invitation says who you are, what the study is about, who can participate and how long it takes. Put eligibility and duration near the beginning. Someone scrolling through a group should not have to open the survey to discover they cannot take part.
Use the actual duration from testing. If there is an incentive, describe its terms accurately. If there is no payment, say so plainly where relevant. Do not imply that taking part is expected because you share a class or workplace.
An invitation you can adapt
“I’m [name], a [course or role] at [institution]. I’m inviting [eligible group] to take part in a study about [plain-language topic]. It takes approximately [tested duration] minutes. Participation is voluntary. You can read the participant information and decide whether to take part here: [study link]. For questions, contact [research contact].”
Replace every bracketed field and use the wording approved for your project where required. Add relevant information about sensitive content, withdrawal or incentives without turning a short invitation into a substitute for the participant information sheet.
Match the place you are posting
A university noticeboard may allow a flyer; a Reddit community may require a particular title and flair. Check before posting. If a group administrator agrees to share an invitation, give them a clean version with a working link.
For an Instagram Story, add the study URL through a Link sticker so it is clickable. A URL written into an image is not an interactive link. Check the destination on your phone before sharing it.
Keep the follow-up respectful
Answer questions about your study without asking people to disclose personal information in the comments. Follow the community’s reposting rules, and close or update invitations when recruitment ends.
If you also built the platform hosting the survey, disclose that connection when discussing the platform. Keep your study invitation distinct from a request for product feedback.