Home/Poll types/Open-ended
Open-ended polls

Open-ended polls: written answers inside Gmail

An open-ended poll asks one question and collects written answers in people's own words instead of preset options. With Polls for Gmail, open the add-on from the Gmail compose window (or click the robot next to Send in Chrome), choose Open-ended, type your question and send. Recipients answer from any email client with no sign-in, and responses appear in your dashboard.

Install the free add-on Add to Chrome
Free plan includes every poll typeVoters don’t sign in
A
Alex Park
to team

Quick one, tap your answer below:

Poll
What is one thing we should change about our weekly team meeting?
Open the poll to write your response.
Write your response
Made with Polls for Gmail
43%

In a Pew Research Center poll after the 2008 election, 43% of people asked an open-ended question gave an answer that wasn't on the closed-ended list.

A list of options can only return answers you thought of. A text box lets people tell you what you missed.

Source: Pew Research Center, 2008
Who uses it

Who sends open-ended polls

Real questions people send every week.

Team managerWhat is blocking you most this week?Hear the real blockers in each person's words, without scheduling a round of one-on-ones.
Teacher or school staffWhat is one thing that would help your child with homework this term?Gather family input you can read and act on, without a long survey form.
Small business ownerWhat almost stopped you from ordering from us?Customers describe friction you would never think to list as an option.
Event organizerWhat should we do differently at next year's fundraiser?Collect honest ideas while the event is still fresh in everyone's mind.
Use cases

When a open-ended poll works best

Six common situations, each with a question you can borrow.

Team retrospectives"What should we stop doing next quarter?" sent to your team, with voter identification off for candor.
Customer feedback"What is one thing we could do better?" added to a follow-up email after a purchase.
Parent and family input"Any questions you want covered at conferences?" sent to your class list ahead of time.
Event follow-up"What was the highlight of the weekend for you?" sent to attendees the day after.
Idea collection"Suggest a theme for the holiday party" before you narrow it down to a vote.
Club and team check-ins"What would make practice more useful for you?" sent to players or members mid-season.
How to

How to send a open-ended poll in Gmail

About two minutes, start to finish.

1
Open a new emailIn Gmail, start a new message. Open the Polls for Gmail add-on from the compose window, or in desktop Chrome click the robot next to Send.
2
Choose Open-endedPick the Open-ended poll type. There are no options to set up, just your question and an answer box.
3
Write one clear questionAsk something a text box answers better than buttons. Optionally add a deadline, hide results, or turn on voter identification.
4
Send and read answersInsert the poll and send. Recipients answer with one click, no sign-in, and written responses appear live in your dashboard.

Using the Chrome extension? Click the robot next to Send in any draft. It’s the same poll, just faster.

Best practices

Tips for better answers

Ask exactly one thing"What is blocking you?" gets clearer answers than "Any feedback?" A specific question tells people what kind of answer you need.
Keep it anonymous for candorLeave voter identification off when the topic is sensitive. Turn it on only when you need to follow up with specific people.
Pair it with a scoreOn Pro, add up to 5 questions per poll, so a star rating and a "why?" text box can live in the same email.

Use a different type when…

Multiple choiceyou already know the likely answers and want a quick count of each
Star ratingyou need a score you can compare over time, not written reasons
All poll typesCompare all seven
Free template

10 ready-to-send open-ended questions

Copy one, paste it into a poll, and send. No sign-up needed.

Question bank
  1. What is one thing we should improve next quarter?
  2. What is blocking you from finishing this project?
  3. What should we cover at the next parent meeting?
  4. What almost stopped you from booking with us?
  5. What was the best part of this year's conference?
  6. What would make practice more useful for you?
  7. What questions do you have about the new office move?
  8. What topic should our next newsletter cover?
  9. What did you think of the open house, and what would you change?
  10. Where should we go for the family reunion this summer, and why?
Send one in Gmail, free
FAQ

Open-ended poll questions, answered

How do I create an open-ended poll in Gmail?

Install Polls for Gmail, start a new email, and open the add-on from the compose window (or click the robot next to Send in desktop Chrome). Choose Open-ended, type your question, insert the poll and send. Written answers appear in your dashboard.

Can people answer an open-ended poll without signing in?

Yes. Recipients respond with one click from any email client, with no account, no sign-in and nothing to install. They type their answer in a single text box and submit it.

Are open-ended poll responses anonymous?

Responses are anonymous unless you turn on voter identification for that poll. When it is on, you see each respondent's name and email next to their answer. Choose per poll based on whether you need candor or follow-up.

Where do I see the written responses?

Responses show up live in your dashboard at pollsforgmail.com/dashboard. You can read every answer in one place, and you can hide results from voters if you prefer to keep them private.

Is the open-ended poll type free?

Yes. The Free plan includes every poll type, open-ended included. Standard ($100/yr) and Pro ($150/yr) add more, and Pro features include up to 5 questions per poll, vote reminders, templates and exports.

Can I combine an open-ended question with other poll types?

Yes, on Pro. A single poll can carry up to 5 questions, so you can ask for a star rating or a choice and then a written follow-up like "What would make it better?" in the same email.

Every poll type, free to try

Date & timeYes / NoSingle choiceMultiple choiceStar ratingRanked choiceOpen-ended

Send your first open-ended poll today.

Recipients vote in one click, right from their inbox.

Install the free add-on Add to Chrome