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Collectors

Collectors are central to distributing and gathering feedback through Pollarix. By creating a Collector, you define how participants will receive and interact with your surveys—whether by SMS, email, web link, WhatsApp, or via an embedded widget on your site. Below is comprehensive documentation to help you understand, set up, and optimize collectors.

Overview​

A Collector in Pollarix is the mechanism used to share a survey with respondents. Each collector specifies unique settings such as messaging, scheduling, personalization, and response limits, enabling you to strategically collect data from a specific audience or across multiple channels.

Why Collectors Matter​

  • Targeted Distribution: Send surveys to the right audience via the most effective communication channel.
  • Optimized Engagement: Personalize messages with dynamic parameters, leading to improved response rates.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Open and close your survey automatically at specified dates, or limit the total responses.

Key Features​

  1. Multi-Channel Distribution
    Choose from SMS, email, WhatsApp, web links, or embedded widgets to reach respondents on their preferred channels.

  2. Dynamic Parameters
    Personalize survey invitations (e.g., Hi {firstName}, please take our survey!) for a more engaging and relevant experience.

  3. Audience Targeting
    Leverage contact groups or upload recipient lists to send surveys to the exact segments you need.

  4. Response Limits
    Automatically close surveys after a certain number of responses or on specific dates.

  5. Scheduling and Reminders
    Open your survey on a future date, set close dates, and configure automated reminders to non-responders.

  6. Widget Customization
    Embed an interactive survey widget on your website with flexible positioning options and styling.

  7. Real-Time Tracking
    Monitor delivery, open rates, click-through rates, response counts, and average time to complete.

  8. Automations
    Configure workflows such as post-survey follow-ups, personalized thank-you messages, or additional triggers.

  9. Compliance and Unsubscribe
    Add unsubscribe or opt-out links for channels like SMS and email to stay compliant with data privacy regulations.

Types of Collectors​

Pollarix supports five primary collector types SMS, Email, Web Link, WhatsApp, Widget. Each collector has unique features and use cases, allowing you to choose the best method for your survey distribution needs.

1. SMS Collector​

Description​

  • Distribute surveys via text messages to recipients' mobile phones.
  • Particularly effective for quick engagements, short surveys, or time-sensitive offers.

Key Features​

  • Personalized Messaging: Insert dynamic parameters such as a recipient’s name, a shortened survey link, etc.
  • Sender ID / From Number: Configure a recognizable SMS sender name (where supported) or dedicated phone number.
  • Opt-Out: Respect privacy by including unsubscribe information, e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

Example Use Case​

  • Customer Service Follow-up: After a support call, automatically send an SMS survey to gauge customer satisfaction.

2. Email Collector​

Description​

  • Send survey invitations to email inboxes with branded HTML templates and call-to-action buttons.

Key Features​

  • Template Customization: Add your own branding, images, and formatting.
  • Dynamic Placeholders: Personalize emails with the recipient’s name, product details, or other variables.
  • Unsubscribe Management: Automatically include an unsubscribe link to remain GDPR/CAN-SPAM compliant.
  • Sender Address: Use your own domain or a verified sending domain for better deliverability.

Example Use Case​

  • Marketing Campaign Feedback: Email contacts and measure sentiment after product launches or special promotions.

Description​

  • Generate a shareable, standalone link to your survey. Distribute it on social media, websites, or direct messages.

Key Features​

  • Simple Distribution: No need for contact lists; anyone with the link can participate.
  • Optional IP/Cookie Restrictions: Limit repeat submissions by restricting to one response per IP or device cookie.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Set open and close dates to automatically start or end data collection.

Example Use Case​

  • Website Feedback: Place a “Give us feedback” link on your home page or product landing page.

4. WhatsApp Collector​

Description​

  • Engage respondents via WhatsApp for higher open and response rates, leveraging WhatsApp’s messaging capabilities.

Key Features​

  • Template Support: Use pre-approved WhatsApp templates for large-scale blasts.
  • Dynamic Parameter Insertion: Automatically insert unique survey links, user names, or other custom data.
  • API Integration: Connect with official WhatsApp Business API for reliable delivery and compliance.

Example Use Case​

  • Appointment Reminders: Send a WhatsApp message containing a survey link to assess experience after an appointment.

5. Widget Collector​

Description​

  • Embed an interactive survey widget directly on your website. Ideal for capturing feedback without leaving the page.

Key Features​

  • Customizable Appearance: Modify the widget’s color, text, and position (e.g., bottom-left, bottom-right).
  • Seamless User Experience: Respondents can answer the survey within the widget without a full redirect.
  • Live Updates: Changes to the underlying survey reflect immediately in the embedded widget.

Example Use Case​

  • On-Site Satisfaction: A pop-up widget on your website to capture user sentiment or gather product improvement ideas.

Collectors Life Cycle​

1. Creation​

  1. Navigate to Collectors
    Go to the Collectors section in the Pollarix dashboard.
  2. Choose Collector Type
    Select from SMS, Email, Web Link, WhatsApp, or Widget.
  3. Configure Settings
    • Name: Assign a descriptive name (e.g., “Post-Purchase Email Campaign”).
    • Survey: Pick an existing survey or create a new one.
    • Message Details: Depending on the collector type, customize your SMS text, email template, widget design, etc.
    • Scheduling: Optionally set an open date, close date, or response limit.
    • Dynamic Parameters: Map placeholders (e.g., {firstName}, {company}) to contact fields if needed.
  4. Preview
    Check how your message or widget will appear.
  5. Save & Launch
    Save and activate your collector to start distributing your survey.
Test Mode

Before going live, consider sending a test to yourself or your team to check formatting and confirm that dynamic parameters are working properly.

2. Monitoring​

After launch, track performance and engagement via Collector Stats:

  • Delivery Rates: (For SMS, Email, WhatsApp) How many messages were delivered vs. failed.
  • Open Rates: Especially relevant for Email and WhatsApp.
  • Click-Through Rates: Track how many people actually clicked the survey link.
  • Response Counts: Total started and completed responses.
  • Average Duration: How long it takes respondents to finish the survey.

3. Modification​

Collectors can be updated after creation:

  • Edit Messages: Adjust email subject lines or SMS text.
  • Add/Remove Contacts: For SMS/Email/WhatsApp, you can upload new contacts or remove existing ones.
  • Change Settings: Update open/close dates, response limits, or dynamic parameters.

4. Deletion​

If a collector is no longer needed:

  • Delete: Remove it from the dashboard.
  • Data Retention: Responses remain stored with your survey results, but the collector itself becomes inactive.

Advanced Features​

Dynamic Parameters​

Definition​

Dynamic parameters let you personalize each message or widget based on user-specific data (e.g., {name}, {orderNumber}).

How It Works​

  1. Parameter Mapping: In your contact list, define columns like firstName, orderNumber, etc.
  2. Template Use: Embed placeholders in your SMS or email message, e.g. “Hi {firstName}, thank you for your recent order ({orderNumber}). Please give us your feedback!”
  3. Runtime Substitution: Each contact receives a message with their personal data.

Best Practices​

  • Relevancy: Only use parameters that add genuine value or context.
  • Fallback Handling: Provide default text if data is missing (e.g., “Hi there” if firstName is not available).

Automations & Workflows​

Automations in Pollarix allow you to create rules or triggers that respond to certain events, such as:

  • Scheduling Reminders: Send a follow-up message to contacts who haven’t completed the survey within X days.
  • Post-Survey Actions: Redirect respondents to a custom thank-you page or trigger a coupon code delivery.
  • Conditional Branching: Based on question responses, automate specific tasks or notifications.

Response Limits​

  • Max Responses: Specify a number of valid responses (e.g., 500).
  • Time Window: Close the survey automatically at a future date/time.
  • Usage: Avoid oversampling or unbounded data collection that might skew results.

Widget Customization​

If you choose a Widget Collector, you can customize:

  • Positioning: Start-bottom, end-bottom, start-top, or end-top.
  • Theme: Light or dark background with matching fonts.
  • Labels: Adjust title, submitText, lowLegendText, and highLegendText to match your brand voice.
  • Responsive Design: Ensure the widget adapts smoothly to mobile or tablet screens.

Best Practices​

  1. Personalization & Relevance
    Tailor your messages with dynamic parameters and keep them concise.
  2. Clear Call-to-Action
    Include a visible link or button: “Click here to start the survey” or “Start Survey.”
  3. Respect Opt-Outs
    Adhere to compliance regulations by providing an unsubscribe mechanism.
  4. Frequency Management
    Don’t overwhelm your contacts with too many invites or reminders.
  5. A/B Testing
    Test different subject lines, message lengths, or times of day to maximize open and response rates.
  6. Survey Design
    Keep your survey brief and engaging. A well-crafted survey leads to better-quality feedback.

Troubleshooting​

  1. Low Response Rates

    • Check if your messaging is compelling and personalized.
    • Verify that your contact data is accurate and recent.
    • Consider sending reminders or adjusting the send time.

  2. Delivery Failures (SMS/Email/WhatsApp)

    • Ensure phone numbers or email addresses are valid.
    • Check your sender ID/domain verification status.
    • Look at error logs for detailed information from your SMS or email service provider.

  3. Widget Not Loading

    • Make sure the embed code is correctly placed in your site’s <head> or <body>.
    • Check your browser console for JavaScript errors.
    • Verify there are no conflicting scripts on your page.

  4. Dynamic Parameters Not Substituting

    • Confirm your placeholders match the fields in your contact list.
    • Check that your data mapping is correct (e.g., “Name” vs. “name”).
    • Test with a known contact to verify the message content.

  5. Over-limit or Closed Survey

    • If participants see a “Survey Closed” message, you may have reached the response limit or passed the closing date.
    • Extend or remove the limit in the collector settings.

Additional Resources​

  • Pollarix Documentation Portal: Explore in-depth guides on survey creation, theming, and data analysis.
  • API Reference: Integrate your own application or CRM with Pollarix for automated contact synchronization or real-time data ingestion.
  • Community Forum: Share experiences, tips, or questions with fellow Pollarix users.
  • Support: For technical assistance or feature requests, email support@pollarix.com.

In Summary​

Collectors are the backbone of survey distribution in Pollarix. By choosing the right collector type, using dynamic parameters, scheduling reminders, and monitoring real-time stats, you can maximize engagement and glean valuable insights from your respondents. Whether you’re sending a quick SMS, a beautifully designed email, or embedding a widget on your site, proper planning and optimization can boost your response rate and the overall success of your data collection efforts.