A survey request email asks someone to take a short survey and gives them a reason to do it now. The best ones say who is asking, why, how long it takes and what happens with the answers, then put a single clear link in front of the reader.
Below you will find a copy-ready template, the elements every survey invitation needs, subject lines, a formal survey request letter, and 20 samples for customers, employees, events, research and more.
Quick template
This works for most customer or user feedback surveys. Swap in your details and send.
Subject: [Number]-minute survey about your [recent order/experience with us]
Hi [First name],
We're working on [specific improvement, e.g., making checkout faster], and we'd like your input. The survey has [number] questions and takes about [number] minutes.
[Button or link: Take the survey]
Your answers are [anonymous / kept confidential] and will only be used to [how you will use them]. [Optional: Everyone who finishes by (date) gets (incentive).]
Thank you for your time,
[Your name]
[Title, company]
[Unsubscribe from survey emails]
What to include in a survey request email
Before you write, make sure you can answer these questions. Each one belongs in the email.
Who is asking and why
Readers decide in seconds whether a survey is worth their time. Name your organization and give the specific reason: launching a product, improving a service, reviewing an event, or completing a research study. "We'd love your feedback" is weaker than "We're deciding which features to build next quarter."
What the respondent gets
Tell them what changes because they answered. That might be a better product they already use, a fix to a problem they reported, a say in company policy, or a summary of the results. If you offer an incentive, say what it is and any terms.
How long it takes
Be honest about the time. "3 questions, about 2 minutes" sets clear expectations. Underestimating the length leads to people abandoning the survey halfway and trusting your next request less.
Privacy and confidentiality
If you collect personal or sensitive answers, say how the data will be used and stored, and whether responses are anonymous. For employee and research surveys, this line often decides whether people answer honestly.
A single, clear call to action
Use one button or link with a specific label like "Rate your experience" or "Start the survey." Many survey tools (such as SurveyMonkey, Typeform or Google Forms) also let you put the first question directly in the email, so a single click both answers it and opens the rest of the survey.
Deadline (if there is one)
"The survey closes on Friday, May 9" gives people a reason to act now instead of later.
An opt-out
Let people stop receiving survey emails. For commercial email in the US, CAN-SPAM requires a working opt-out, and other countries have similar anti-spam laws. Even where it is not required, it protects your sender reputation.
Survey request email format
Survey emails follow the usual structure: subject line, body and closing.
Subject line
Be specific and short. Mention the time or topic so the reader knows what they're agreeing to. Some options:
- Quick survey: how are we doing?
- 2 minutes to help us improve [product]?
- How was [event name]?
- Your feedback on your recent order
- Help shape our new [product line]
- [Company] annual employee survey closes Friday
- Research request: [topic] survey for [audience]
For more examples, see our list of email subject lines that get opens.
Body
- Greeting. Use the person's name when you can: "Hi [First name]," or "Dear [First name],".
- Purpose. One or two sentences on why you're asking.
- Value. What changes because they answer.
- Time and format. How long, how many questions.
- Privacy. How answers are used and whether they're anonymous.
- Incentive (optional).
- Call to action. One clear button or link.
Closing
Thank the reader once, sign off with a real name or team ("Best," "Thank you," "Best regards,"), and add the opt-out link at the bottom. If you're sending a separate thank-you after they finish, our thank you email examples can help with the wording.
Formal vs. casual survey wording
Match the tone to the audience. A retail brand can be relaxed; a research team or HR department should be more careful.
| Element | Formal (research, B2B, HR) | Casual (customers, users, subscribers) |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | Dear [First name] [Last name], | Hi [First name], |
| Purpose | "We are conducting a study on [topic] and would be grateful for your participation." | "We're figuring out what to build next and want your take." |
| Time | "The questionnaire takes approximately 10 minutes to complete." | "It takes about 2 minutes." |
| Privacy | "All responses will be kept strictly confidential and reported only in aggregate." | "Your answers are anonymous." |
| Call to action | "Please complete the questionnaire by [date]." | "Tap below to start." |
| Sign-off | Sincerely, | Thanks! |
Tips for getting more survey responses
- Send it at the right moment. Ask about a purchase after it arrives, about an event within a day or two, and about software after the user has had time to use it.
- Keep the survey short. Ask only what you'll act on. If a question won't change a decision, cut it.
- Personalize the opening line with the product they bought, the event they attended or the course they took.
- Send from a person when you can. A named sender often feels more trustworthy than "noreply."
- Make it mobile friendly. Many people will open the email on their phone, so test the survey there.
- Think about timing. Our guide on the best time to send an email covers how to test send times for your audience.
- Close the loop. Share what you learned or changed. People who see results are more willing to answer next time.
20 survey request email samples
Each sample is ready to copy. Replace everything in [square brackets] and swap the button text for your own link.
1. General business feedback survey
Use this to check overall customer sentiment about your company across products and service.
Subject: Help us improve: 3-minute survey
Dear [First name],
As a [company name] customer, your feedback directly shapes what we work on next. We'd appreciate a few minutes of your time to tell us about your overall experience with us.
The survey has [number] questions and takes about 3 minutes.
[Button: Share your thoughts]
Thank you for being a customer. We read every response.
Warm regards,
The [company name] team
[Unsubscribe]
2. Customer satisfaction survey
Use this after a customer has used your product or service long enough to judge it.
Subject: How are we doing, [First name]?
Hi [First name],
Thank you for choosing [company name]. We want to make sure we're meeting your expectations, so we'd like to hear about your recent experience with [product/service].
It takes about [number] minutes.
[Button: Rate your experience]
Your feedback goes straight to the team that can act on it. Thanks for helping us get better.
Best,
[Your name]
[Customer experience team, company name]
[Unsubscribe]
3. One-question NPS survey
Use this when you want a quick loyalty score and can embed the first question in the email.
Subject: One quick question
Hi [First name],
On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend [company name] to a friend or colleague?
[0] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]
Click a number to answer. You'll have the option to tell us why on the next page.
Thanks,
[Your name]
[Company name]
[Unsubscribe]
4. Post-purchase survey
Use this a few days after an order is delivered.
Subject: How was your order, [First name]?
Hi [First name],
Your order of [product name] should have arrived on [date]. We'd like to know how everything went, from finding the product to delivery.
It's [number] quick questions.
[Button: Tell us about your order]
Thanks for shopping with us.
Best,
The [store name] team
[Unsubscribe]
5. Post-purchase review request
Use this when you want a public product review rather than private feedback.
Subject: Enjoying your [product name]?
Hi [First name],
Thank you for your recent purchase. We hope [product name] is working well for you.
Reviews from customers like you help other shoppers decide and help us spot what to improve. Would you mind leaving a short review? It takes about a minute.
[Button: Write a review]
Thanks for being a customer.
Warm wishes,
The [company name] team
[Unsubscribe]
6. Online shopping experience survey
Use this to get feedback on your website, checkout and delivery rather than the product itself.
Subject: How was shopping with us?
Hi [First name],
Thanks for your recent order from [store name]. We're working on making our site easier to use, from search to checkout, and your experience helps us see what to fix.
The survey takes about [number] minutes.
[Button: Share my shopping experience]
Thank you for helping us improve.
Best regards,
The [store name] team
[Unsubscribe]
7. Post-service feedback survey
Use this after an appointment or job, such as a repair, cleaning, consultation or spa visit.
Subject: How did we do on [date]?
Hello [First name],
Thank you for choosing [business name] for your [service] on [date]. We'd like to know how it went so we can keep doing what worked and fix what didn't.
It takes about 2 minutes.
[Button: Rate our service]
If something went wrong, you can also reply to this email and it will come straight to me.
Best wishes,
[Your name]
[Business name]
[Unsubscribe]
8. Post-event feedback survey
Use this within a day or two of an event while it's still fresh.
Subject: How was [event name]?
Hello [First name],
Thank you for attending [event name] on [date]. We're already planning the next one and want to know what worked and what didn't: the sessions, speakers, venue and organization.
The survey takes about [number] minutes.
[Button: Share my experience]
[Optional: Session recordings and slides are available here: (link).]
Thanks again for joining us,
[Your name]
[Event team, organization]
[Unsubscribe]
9. Webinar feedback survey
Use this after an online session, ideally paired with the recording.
Subject: Your recording of [webinar title] + 2 quick questions
Hi [First name],
Thanks for joining [webinar title]. Here's the recording: [link].
We'd also like to know whether the session was useful and what you'd like us to cover next. It's two questions.
[Button: Give feedback]
Thanks,
[Your name]
[Company name]
[Unsubscribe]
10. Product development survey
Use this when you're planning a new product or feature and want input from existing customers.
Subject: Help us shape [new product or feature]
Hey [First name],
We're building [new product or feature] and want it to fit how customers like you actually work. Before we lock in the details, we'd like your input on [what you're deciding, e.g., pricing, features, design].
It takes about [number] minutes.
[Button: Share my input]
Everyone who finishes the survey will get early access when it launches.
Cheers,
[Your name]
[Product team, company name]
[Unsubscribe]
11. Software user experience survey
Use this for active users of an app or SaaS product.
Subject: How's [software name] working for you?
Hey [First name],
You've been using [software name] for [time period], and we'd like to know how it's going: what's easy, what's frustrating, and what's missing.
The survey takes about [number] minutes.
[Button: Share my feedback]
If you've run into a bug, you can also reply here and our support team will follow up.
Thanks for being a user,
[Your name]
[Product team, software name]
[Unsubscribe]
12. Website user experience survey
Use this to learn how visitors find your site's navigation, design and content.
Subject: What do you think of our website?
Hello [First name],
We're redesigning [website name] and want to make it easier to use. Could you tell us how you find navigation, design and content today?
It takes about 3 minutes.
[Button: Rate our website]
Thank you for helping us improve.
Best,
The [website name] team
[Unsubscribe]
13. Brand perception survey
Use this to learn how customers and prospects see your brand compared with others.
Subject: What do you think of [brand name]?
Hello [First name],
We're trying to understand how people see [brand name]: what we're known for, where we fall short, and how we compare with other options you've considered.
The survey takes about [number] minutes and your answers are anonymous.
[Button: Share my opinion]
Thank you,
The [brand name] team
[Unsubscribe]
14. Market research survey
Use this when you need input on needs, preferences or buying habits in your market.
Subject: Your input on [topic] (5-minute survey)
Dear [First name],
We're researching how [audience, e.g., small retailers] handle [topic], and we'd value your perspective. Your answers will help us decide what to build and how to price it.
The survey takes about 5 minutes. As a thank-you, [incentive, e.g., you'll receive a summary of the results / a $10 gift card].
[Button: Take the survey]
Regards,
[Your name]
[Research team, company name]
[Unsubscribe]
15. B2B research survey request to professionals
Use this when asking people outside your customer base, such as industry professionals, to take a short survey.
Subject: Research request: [topic] survey for [role/industry]
Hi [First name],
I'm [your name], [role] at [company]. We're surveying [role, e.g., finance leaders at mid-size manufacturers] about [topic], and your experience would add a lot.
It's [number] questions and takes about [number] minutes. Responses are confidential and only reported in aggregate. Everyone who takes part will get a copy of the final report.
[Link: Take the survey]
If this isn't a good fit, no problem, and thank you for reading.
Best regards,
[Your name]
[Title, company]
[Phone]
16. Academic research survey request letter
Use this for a student or university study. Many institutions require specific consent wording, so check with your ethics board.
Subject: Invitation to participate in a research study on [topic]
Dear [Name / Participant],
My name is [your name], and I am a [degree, e.g., master's] student at [university], working under the supervision of [supervisor name]. I am conducting a study on [topic] and would like to invite you to take part.
The online questionnaire takes approximately [number] minutes. Participation is voluntary, you may skip any question, and you can withdraw at any time. All responses are anonymous and will be used only for this research.
[Link: Begin the questionnaire]
This study has been approved by [ethics board name] ([reference number]). If you have questions, please contact me at [email] or my supervisor at [email].
Thank you for considering this request.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Program, university]
17. Employee satisfaction survey
Use this to understand how your team feels about their work, managers and growth.
Subject: Your voice matters: share your work experience
Dear [First name],
We want [company name] to be a place where people do their best work, and the only way to know how we're doing is to ask.
The survey takes about [number] minutes. Responses are anonymous and reported only in groups of [number] or more, so no individual answers can be identified.
[Button: Start the survey]
Please complete it by [date]. We'll share the results and what we plan to change by [date].
Thank you,
[Name]
[HR / People team]
18. Annual company review survey
Use this for the yearly internal review of policies, culture and leadership.
Subject: Annual company survey closes [date]
Hi [First name],
As we wrap up [year], we'd like your honest view of what's working at [company name] and what needs to change, from policies and tools to leadership and culture.
It takes about [number] minutes, and your responses are confidential.
[Button: Begin the annual survey]
Last year's feedback led to [specific change, if any]. This year's will shape our plans for [next year].
Thank you,
The [company name] People team
19. Course or training feedback survey
Use this at the end of a course, workshop or training program.
Subject: How was [course name]? 4 quick questions
Dear [First name],
Thank you for completing [course name]. We'd like to know what helped you learn, what didn't, and what you'd change about the content, teaching and materials.
It takes about [number] minutes.
[Button: Share my course feedback]
Your answers will shape the next version of this course.
Best,
[Instructor name / institution name]
20. Newsletter or content preference survey
Use this to find out what subscribers want more (or less) of.
Subject: What should we write about next?
Hi [First name],
We want every issue of [newsletter name] to be worth opening. Which topics do you want more of? Do you prefer short updates or longer guides?
It's [number] quick questions.
[Button: Tell us what you want]
Thanks for reading,
[Your name]
[Newsletter name]
[Unsubscribe]
Bonus: community or social issue survey
Use this for a local organization, nonprofit or community group asking about an issue that affects residents or members.
Subject: Your views on [specific issue] in [community name]
Hello [First name],
[Organization name] is gathering views from residents on [specific issue] before [decision or meeting, e.g., the town council meeting on June 12]. We want the discussion to reflect what the community actually thinks.
The survey takes about [number] minutes, and responses are anonymous.
[Button: Share my views]
Thank you for taking part.
Warm regards,
[Your name]
[Organization name]
Survey reminder email
Send one reminder a few days later, only to people who haven't responded. Keep it shorter than the original. For more ideas, see our guide on writing reminder emails.
Subject: Reminder: survey closes [day]
Hi [First name],
A quick reminder that our [survey name] closes on [day, date]. If you haven't had a chance yet, it takes about [number] minutes.
[Button: Take the survey]
If you've already completed it, thank you, and please ignore this email.
Best,
[Your name]
[Company name]
[Unsubscribe]
Mistakes to avoid
- Vague purpose. "We'd love your feedback" doesn't tell people why it matters.
- Understating the length. If it takes 10 minutes, say 10.
- Asking too often. Surveying the same people every week trains them to ignore you.
- Multiple calls to action. One survey link per email.
- Leading questions in the survey itself, which make the answers less useful.
- No opt-out on commercial emails.
- Never sharing results. People stop answering when nothing seems to change.
Survey request email checklist
- [ ] Subject line mentions the topic or time it takes
- [ ] First line says who is asking and why
- [ ] Clear benefit for the respondent
- [ ] Honest time estimate and number of questions
- [ ] Privacy or anonymity statement where relevant
- [ ] Incentive and terms (if offered)
- [ ] One clear button or link, tested on mobile
- [ ] Deadline (if there is one)
- [ ] Thank-you, real sender name and opt-out link
Frequently asked questions
How do you write a survey request email?
Say who you are and why you are asking in the first line, explain how the answers will be used, state how long the survey takes, and give one clear link or button. Close with a thank-you and, for commercial lists, an opt-out link.
What is a good subject line for a survey request?
Short and specific subject lines work best, such as "2-minute survey about your recent order" or "How was [event name]?" Include the time it takes or the topic so the reader knows what they are agreeing to.
How do you politely ask someone to fill out a survey?
Make the request easy to say yes to: be honest about the time it takes, explain why their answer matters, and avoid pressure. A line like "If you have three minutes this week, your answers would help us decide [specific thing]" is polite and clear.
What is a survey request letter?
A survey request letter is a more formal version of a survey invitation, often used for academic research, B2B studies or official bodies. It names the organization running the study, explains the purpose, covers consent and confidentiality, and gives contact details for questions.
Should I offer an incentive for completing a survey?
An incentive such as a discount, gift card or prize draw can help when the survey is long or the audience has no strong tie to you. Keep it relevant, state the terms clearly, and check the rules that apply to prize draws where you operate.
When should I send a survey reminder email?
Send one reminder a few days after the first invitation, only to people who have not responded, and mention the deadline if there is one. More than one or two reminders usually annoys more people than it converts.