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Market Research 101
Telephone Surveys: Advantages, Limitations & Best Practices in 2025
Telephone surveys have been a staple in research for decades—but in a digital-first world, do they still hold value? The answer: yes, with the right use case. In this post, we’ll explore where telephone surveys shine, when they fall short, and how to run them effectively.
What Are Telephone Surveys and Why Use Them?
Telephone surveys involve calling respondents to ask a series of pre-scripted questions, often using CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing) software. Though less flashy than some newer research tools, they offer something unique: live, real-time interaction with respondents, which can lead to richer data and better engagement.
They’re commonly used in political polling, customer satisfaction studies, public opinion research, and healthcare studies—particularly when reaching populations who may not be online or comfortable with digital forms.
Modern CATI systems make these surveys more scalable than ever. They allow you to automate dialing, control interviewer scripts, monitor calls live, and securely store data. If you're running a time-sensitive project or need greater oversight on data collection, telephone surveys are still a go-to method.
The Advantages: Where Phone Surveys Still Win
Despite the rise of online data collection, telephone surveys continue to provide strong advantages in the right contexts.
1. Broader Accessibility
Not everyone is online or tech-savvy. Seniors, rural communities, and certain low-income households are still more likely to engage over the phone. If inclusivity matters to your research, telephone surveys can help close that digital gap.
2. Quality Control and Oversight
With CATI software, you get full control over how the survey is conducted. Interviewers follow a standard script, ensuring consistency across calls. Supervisors can monitor live interviews or review recordings to identify errors, clarify missteps, or intervene when needed.
3. Faster Turnaround Times
Compared to face-to-face surveys, phone surveys can be launched quickly and completed in days. Automation features like predictive dialing and real-time data capture mean less time spent on manual tasks and more time on analysis.
4. Cost-Effective at Scale
When designed well, phone surveys can be significantly cheaper than in-person interviews—especially for large-scale studies. They eliminate travel costs and reduce the need for printed materials or physical infrastructure.
Key Limitations to Consider
That said, telephone surveys aren’t perfect. Understanding their constraints is essential to using them effectively.
- Length and Complexity Limits
Most respondents won’t stay on the phone longer than 15–20 minutes. If your survey requires nuanced discussion, visual stimuli, or complex logic, another mode might serve you better. - Coverage Gaps
While mobile phone penetration is high globally, not everyone is reachable—or willing to answer—via phone. Caller ID, spam filters, and general mistrust of unknown numbers have made it harder to connect with respondents, especially in urban and younger demographics. - Geographic Ambiguity
With number portability, you can’t always tell where a respondent is located based on their number. Unless you're screening geography explicitly, you might misclassify respondents based on outdated area codes.
Common Challenges in Telephone Surveys
While still powerful, phone surveys aren’t always the best choice. Be aware of these limitations:
- Short Attention Spans: Most respondents will not stay on the line longer than 15–20 minutes. If your questionnaire is complex or requires visual input, consider other methods.
- Lower Response Rates: Spam filters, caller ID, and robocall fatigue have led to declining pickup rates. It’s important to consider incentives and call-back strategies.
- Geographic Uncertainty: With number portability, phone numbers no longer reliably indicate a respondent’s current location. For region-specific research, pre-screening is key.
Avoiding Bias: Understanding Total Survey Error
No matter the method, survey data is vulnerable to bias. Here’s how telephone surveys typically encounter total survey error (TSE):
- Nonresponse Bias: When certain groups don’t answer or refuse to participate, results may not reflect the full population.
- Coverage Bias: Occurs when your sample excludes people without reliable phone access (or only includes mobile users).
- Measurement Bias: Arises from unclear questions, leading language, or interviewer effects.
When to Choose Telephone Surveys
Consider phone surveys if:
- You're targeting a population that’s easier to reach by phone than by email or web.
- Your survey is short (ideally under 15 minutes).
- You need human interaction to guide responses.
- You want higher control over data collection quality.
4 Best Practices for Running Modern Telephone Surveys
- Start with a Clear Goal
Define what you’re trying to learn and who you need to reach. This helps shape your script and sample size. - Build or Buy the Right Contact List
Use existing customer data or buy high-quality, targeted phone lists—especially if you're doing general population research. - Keep the Questionnaire Short and Focused
Only ask what’s essential. Use skip logic and branching to keep things relevant to the respondent. - Randomize Calls to Avoid Bias
Random digit dialing or randomized contact lists help ensure your sample reflects the broader population.
Conclusion
Telephone surveys remain a highly effective tool when used strategically—especially for hard-to-reach populations or projects where quality control and human interaction matter. With the right tools like CATI software and smart planning, researchers can continue to unlock reliable insights from voice-based data collection. Curious how it works in practice? Book a demo to see Voxco’s CATI software in action.
Telephone Surveys FAQs
What are telephone surveys?
Telephone surveys are a method of data collection wherein interviewers contact respondents via telephone to conduct an interview by asking the respondent a list of different questions from a questionnaire.
What are the advantages of telephone surveys?
Some advantages of telephone surveys are that they are a fast and cost-effective method of data collection and can allow for high-quality control.
What are the disadvantages of telephone surveys?
Some disadvantages of telephone surveys are that it sets limitations on how lengthy and complex the interview can be. There is also the risk of coverage errors and respondents being geographically ineligible to participate in the survey.
Leverage CATI software to conduct automated telephone surveys. The software automated the dialing process and also administers the questionnaire. The interviewers can follow the script on their monitor to ask respondents a set of questions and record answers into the CATI system.
How to ensure the validity of telephone surveys?
Here are three ways to ensure the validity and reliability of the data you gather using phone surveys:
- Use random sampling to ensure the sample represents the population.
- Pilot-test your survey to identify and eliminate any issues.
- Train interviewers to ask questions neutrally.
What are some ethical considerations you need to follow in telephone surveys?
Here is a list of ethical considerations one should follow while conducting telephone surveys:
- Obtain consent from respondents to save personal data.
- Protect the confidentiality of the respondents.
- Avoid leading questions.
- Provide respondents with information about the purpose of the survey and how you will use their feedback
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Market Research 101
Public Opinion Polls
What is a public opinion poll?
An unbiased public opinion poll refers to a type of survey or inquiry that is designed to measure the public’s opinions or views regarding a certain topic or a series of topics. The information collected through opinion polls can reflect certain attributes of a large population, allowing inferences to be drawn from them. Opinion polls often involve the use of a sample that is drawn to be reflective of the larger population. This allows the inferences made from responses to be generalised to the entire population. People who conduct and analyse opinion polls are generally referred to as pollsters.
How to conduct an opinion poll?
Setting up a sample
Before conducting a public opinion poll, you must first select and set up a sample. There are many different ways to set up a sample but we will specifically focus on the controlled sample method and area sampling method as they are the most commonly used methods by polling organizations.
- Controlled Sample
In this method, the sample is set in a controlled manner to ensure that the sample is reflective of the target population. To do so, a variety of units that comprise the entire population are included within the sample. This is done by setting up the sample with an equal percentage of units from different demographic segments (males and females, different age groups, communities, and economic classes) so that the sample is representative of the different groups.
- Area Sample
In this method, a cross-section or miniature sample is set up based on the cross-section of the area rather than of people. This sample is set by ensuring that the sum of the areas can represent an accurate miniature model of the population so that their opinions can be generalised to the wider population.This method of setting up a sample is more commonly used by researchers and pollsters relative to the controlled sample method as the information required to set up an area sample can be easily acquired through census reports and other accessible sources.
Phrasing the questions
Once you’ve set up your sample, you must phrase the questions that will be included in your poll. These are some general tips you can follow to phrase questions well so as to yield great results from your poll:
- Avoid Loaded Questions: Ensure that all the questions are neutral as loaded or leading questions will jeopardize the authenticity of poll results.
- Avoid Double-Barreled Questions: Avoid including questions that touch upon more than one issue.
- Keep the Questions Clear and Concise: By keeping the questions clear and concise, you can ensure that they are not misinterpreted.
- Avoid using Jargon or Complicated Terms: Complicated questions fail to connect with the audience and are likely to yield meaningless or untrue responses. Use simple terms that will be easily understood by the audience.
- Test the Poll: It’s a good idea to test the poll before sending it out to the general public. Use any feedback collected to make changes.
Questions to Ask in an Opinion Poll
The type of questions asked in public opinion polls will differ depending on the topic in focus. However, there are a few different types of questions commonly used in opinion polls:
- Closed Questions: These questions often take the “yes” or “no” format. Such questions are generally used when the public already has an opinion on the issue in question.
- Open-Ended Questions: These questions provide a space to type in or write responses and therefore they allow respondents to freely express their views. Such questions are used when researchers want to identify the different views of the public that exist on a specific issue.
Multiple Choice Questions: MCQs provide respondents with a predetermined menu of responses, or a checklist, from which an answer can be selected. Such questions are generally used when public opinion on a certain issue falls under just a few different categories.
Advantages of Public Opinion Polls
The following are a few key advantages of using public opinion polls as a method of data collection:
- Have a Wide Reach: Opinion polls are often conducted online. This provides researchers with an extremely large reach as most of the population has access to the internet.
- Fast and Accurate: When conducted using online poll software, opinion polls are fast and accurate. Units of the sample can easily and quickly respond to the poll and the researchers can obtain responses in real-time.
Serves as a Component to Democracy: Opinion polls reflect and reinforce the importance of the opinions of the wider population. It provides the common man with an opportunity to express their opinions and make them count.
Types of Public Opinion Polls
The following are some of the different types of polls used to measure public opinion:
- Tracking Polls: Surveys that are conducted repeatedly using the same sample group to identify and measure changes in opinion and views over time.
- Mass Survey: Polls that are conducted by interviewing a large subgroup of the population.
- Focus Groups: A group interview that comprises a small number of demographically similar participants for an in-depth group discussion. The researcher brings up a topic or idea to gauge the reactions and opinions on it. The focus group is meant to be representative of the larger population so that their opinions can be generalised to those of the larger population.
- Opinion Polls: Polls that are conducted by sampling a small subgroup of the population to predict public opinions or attitudes on the issue.
- Benchmark Polls: Refers to the polls that are taken in a campaign, often right before a candidate announces their bid for office. They provide the campaign with a base for comparison, so candidates can discern any changes in their likelihood to win.
- Entrance Polls: A poll that is taken before voters cast their vote at the polling station.
- Exit Polls: A poll that is taken after voters have cast their vote at the polling station.
FAQs on Public Opinion Polls
What is a public opinion poll?
A public opinion poll is a survey or inquiry that is designed to collect information on the public’s views or opinions regarding a certain topic.
Can the media influence public opinion?
The media can, and often does, largely influence public opinion. We consume media on a daily basis and our views and opinions on different issues are partly influenced by the media we consume on these topics.
What is another word for public opinion?
Public opinion is also sometimes referred to as political opinion.
What are opinion leaders?
An opinion leader is an individual or organization that is an expert on a certain issue or topic, and exerts a significant amount of influence within their industry or network.
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Market Research 101
What is Exploratory Research?
You can't just develop a new product without understanding the need or interest for it in the market. So how do begin with such research? Which research should you even conduct?
This brings us to the topic of exploratory research. Exploratory research helps us gain an understanding of a topic, defines the variables of the problem, and establishes a basis for a more specific research question.
Read the article to learn what exploratory research is, its characteristics, & the methods used to perform it.
What is Exploratory Research?
Exploratory research investigates problems that are not clearly defined. It is conducted to gain insight into the existing problem, however, exploratory research does not provide a conclusive answer to these problems.
A researcher starts with an idea that is general in nature and uses this as a means to recognize issues that can become the focus of future research. An important feature of exploratory research is that the researcher should keep an open mind and be willing to change the direction of their research as they collect more and more insightful data.
Exploratory research uses the grounded theory approach, also known as interpretive research. It aims to answer questions such as: “What is happening?” “Why is this happening?” “How is this happening?”
For example, if a researcher wants to know how the target audience of their app perceives a particular filter, they can first find out which section uses their app. Then proceeding to find out which filters are most used, why they are used, and decide whether adding an additional filter similar to the existing ones will be a good idea.
What are the Characteristics of Exploratory Research?
Now that we have defined exploratory research, it is important to be familiar with its attributes. Exploratory research has several features that researchers need to learn to understand when to use it.
The following are the characteristics of exploratory research:
1. They are not structured in nature.
2. Exploratory research design is interactive, open-ended, and usually accessible within the budget of the organization.
3. It helps researchers uncover answers to questions such as: what is the problem being studied? What is the need for this study? What topics should be included in the study?
4. It is time-consuming and thus requires patience and persistence on the part of the researcher.
5. Exploratory research is broad, flexible, and adaptive in nature.
6. The researcher needs to go through all the information and data collected through the research.
7. Exploratory research needs to have an important cost or value; if not, it is ineffective.
8. The researcher should have some theories that will help in supporting the findings uncovered during the exploratory research.
9. Exploratory research generally produces qualitative data.
10. In some instances, where the study sample is large, and data is collected through surveys and experimentation, explorative research can be quantitative.
Now, that we have cataloged the characteristics, the question is how to go about collecting the data for your exploratory research. The following section explains the two methods you can use to conduct your research.
What are the Types of Exploratory Research?
Carrying out research on something that one has limited information about sounds and feels difficult. However, several methodologies can help you decide the best research design, how to collect data, and the variables to study.
There are two main methods of conducting exploratory research - primary research and secondary research. Under these two broad types, various methods can be used depending on the nature of your study.
The data can be of quantitative or qualitative nature. Let’s look at each of the research methods in detail.
1. Primary Research Methods
In the primary research, the information is collected directly from the respondents. This data can be collected from a group of people or just an individual. It is usually done to explore a problem that needs in-depth analysis.
A) Surveys:
Surveys or polls can gather large amounts of data, usually from a predetermined group of respondents. They are one of the most popular quantitative research methods. Surveys or polls are used in exploratory research to explore the opinions, trends, or beliefs of the target population.
Surveys can now be conducted online and thus be made more accessible, thanks to technology! Nowadays, organizations have started offering shorter surveys and rewards to the respondents who fill them to increase the response rates and gain more insights. Short surveys can be sent to respondents through text messages right after they make a purchase and are asked to fill it for a coupon/discount in return, so organizations can understand their views on the product under study.
Voxco lets you conduct omnichannel surveys to gather insightful market research data anywhere, anytime.
B) Focus Groups:
Another widely used methodology in exploratory research is focus groups. In this method, a group of respondents is chosen and asked to express their opinions on the topic of interest. One important consideration when making a focus group is choosing people with a common background and similar experiences to get unified and consistent data.
An example of a focus group would be when a researcher wants to explore what qualities consumers value when buying a laptop. This could be the display quality, battery life, brand value, or color. The researcher can make a focus group of people who buy laptops regularly and understand the dynamics a consumer considers when buying electronic devices.
C) Observation:
Observational research can be quantitative or qualitative. It involves observing an individual and making inferences from their reactions to certain variables.
This research does not require direct interaction with the participants. For instance, a researcher can simply record the observations of how people react at the launch of a new product.
D) Interviews:
Surveys provide huge amounts of information in a relatively short period of time, but an interview with one person can provide in-depth information that can otherwise be overlooked in surveys. Interviews are a methodology for collecting data for qualitative research.
You can conduct the interview face-to-face or even on the telephone. For example, an interview with an employee about their job satisfaction can offer valuable insights that would otherwise go unnoticed in the closed-ended questions asked in a survey.
2. Secondary Research Methods:
In secondary research, information is gathered from primary research that has been published before. For instance, gathering information from case studies, newspapers, online blogs or websites, or government sources.
A) Online Resources:
The quickest way to find information on any topic is through the internet. A huge amount of data is available on the internet that you can download and use whenever you need it. One important factor to consider when acquiring data online is to check the authenticity of the sources provided by the websites.
For example, a researcher can find out the number of people using a preferred brand of clothing through a poll conducted by an independent website online.
B) Literature review:
Reviewing the existing literature on a particular topic from online sources, libraries or commercial databases is the most inexpensive method of collecting data. The information in these sources can help a researcher discover a hypothesis that they can test.
Here, sources can include information provided by newspapers, research journals, books, government documents, annual report published by organizations, etc. However, the authenticity of the sources needs to be considered and examined.
Government sources can provide authentic data but may require you to pay a nominal price to acquire it. Research agencies also produce data that you can acquire at a nominal cost, and this data tends to be quantitative in nature.
C) Case studies:
Another way researchers can gather information for their exploratory research design is by carefully analyzing the cases that have been through a similar problem the researcher wishes to study. These cases are important and critical in the business world, especially.
The researcher should be cautious in reviewing and analyzing a case that is similar to the variables of concern in the present study. This methodology is commonly used in the health sector, social sciences, and business organizations.
For example; let’s assume that a researcher is interested in understanding how to effectively solve the problems of turnover in organizations. While exploring, he came across an organization that had high rates of turnover and was able to solve the problem by the end of the year. The researcher can study this case in detail and come up with methods that increase the chances of success for this organization.
[Related read: Primary Vs. Secondary Research]
What are the Steps to Conduct Exploratory Research?

Let’s explore the practical aspect of how you can conduct exploratory research from design to data analysis. Follow the steps as per your research requirements to uncover insights and validate your research question.
1. Identifying the problem area -
The very first step is for the researcher to identify the area of research and the problem can be addressed by finding out ways to solve it.
2. Creating a hypothesis -
If the researcher is aiming to solve a problem for which there are no prior studies or the problem has not been resolved efficiently in previous research, then the researcher creates his/her own problem statement. This problem statement, also called a hypothesis, will be based on the questions that the researcher came up with while identifying the area of concern.
3. Determining data collection methods -
While planning your research design, it is important to select the proper data collection methods. In this blog, we have explored the various methods of data collection so you can determine which method aligns with your objective.
Consider the nature of your research goal and identify the source of data you want to explore. Determine the data collection tools you need, which may include an online survey tool or a phone survey tool.
4. Choosing sampling method -
In order to ensure your research findings represent the target population, you need to choose the appropriate sampling method or leverage a market research panel. This step will help you gather data from the audience who have knowledge or experience about the subject, thus allowing you to gather relevant and accurate insights.
5. Analyzing data and identifying patterns -
Leverage a survey software that enables you to store and analyze data seamlessly. Conduct quantitative data analysis, text, and sentiment analysis to identify patterns, reveal trends, and discover key findings. By utilizing a robust tool, you can unveil meaningful insights to guide your future research.
6. Advancing future research -
Once the data for the current problem has been obtained, the researcher will continue the study through a descriptive investigation. Generally, qualitative methods are used for a detailed study of the data to find out if the information gathered through exploratory research is true or not.
When to Use Exploratory Research?
Exploratory research design helps you investigate a subject that is vague, new, or poorly understood. Often referred to as grounded theory research, the insights help strategies the foundation of future research.
1. Define a vague topic:
This research design is an ideal choice when you have a poorly defined research problem. The exploratory method helps you gain clarity on the subject before you dive deeper.
2. Explore unexplored topics:
The research method helps brands delve into emerging or new markets with limited prior data. It helps identify variables, trends, and characteristics.
3. Conduct market research:
Brands can utilize exploratory research to gauge market trends, customer preferences, behaviors, and needs. You can use the feedback to guide your marketing strategies and product/service developments.
4. Study diverse population:
The research method is valuable in gathering knowledge on diverse cultural groups. It can help you understand the nuances of different cultures, behaviors, needs, and more.
Advantages of Exploratory Research
Exploratory research provides the researcher an opportunity to keep an open mind and explore the variables affecting their area of interest. Some of the advantages of exploratory research are:
- It allows researchers to be flexible and change their stance on the problem being studied as the research progresses.
- It is cost-effective.
- It lays a foundation and structure for future research.
- It can help researchers find out the causes of the problem being studied, which can be elaborated on in future studies.
- It allows you to adapt the method of data collection as required by the research.
Now that we have listed the benefits, we can’t forget the limitations. It is important to learn about both before you jump into the research mode.
Limitation of Exploratory Research
Exploratory research is not without its limitations.
- The research findings are usually inconclusive.
- Some of the data collected can be biased or subjective as it is mostly qualitative in nature.
- Since exploratory research has a smaller sample size, there is hesitancy in generalizing the findings to the whole population.
- If data is collected through secondary sources, there is a chance that the data will be old or outdated.
Wrapping up;
Exploratory research helps you form the foundation of your research project. It lays down the groundwork for a research question you can explore in the future. Exploratory research design is best used when you need insights into a problem or phenomenon before you begin to conduct further research.
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Market Research 101
What Is Field Research? Methods, Advantages, and Challenges
Field research is a qualitative research method used to observe and analyze subjects in their natural environment. Rather than relying on controlled experiments or lab settings, field research aims to capture real-world behavior, context, and interactions — helping researchers understand how people or organizations function in everyday settings.
Whether you're studying individuals, groups, or social dynamics, field research allows for direct, in-context observations that provide deep and nuanced insights.
Why Conduct Field Research?
Field research helps uncover information that’s difficult — or impossible — to access through traditional methods like surveys or experiments. It allows researchers to:
- Study behavior as it naturally occurs
- Understand the social or cultural context influencing that behavior
- Explore new areas of inquiry when existing data is limited or unavailable
It’s especially useful when:
- The subject matter is complex or sensitive
- The setting plays a key role in influencing behavior
- Researchers need rich, exploratory insights rather than large-scale validation
With the right tools — like field service management software or offline survey apps — field research can be more streamlined, organized, and scalable.
Common Methods of Field Research
There are five widely used methods in field research. Each offers a different way to collect and interpret data based on your goals.
1. Qualitative Interviews
This involves one-on-one conversations with participants, using open-ended questions that encourage them to share their thoughts in their own words.
Best for understanding perspectives, motivations, and personal experiences.
2. Direct Observation
Researchers observe subjects in their natural environment without interacting with them or influencing the setting.
Best for capturing real-time behavior with minimal interference.
3. Participant Observation
Here, the researcher becomes part of the environment — participating in the activities being studied while observing them from within.
Best for immersive studies where trust and insider perspectives matter.
4. Ethnography
Ethnographic research is an in-depth exploration of a group or culture, focusing on how individuals interact within their social setting. It often involves extended observation over time.
Best for understanding social norms, community dynamics, and cultural influences.
5. Case Studies
A case study involves a deep dive into a particular event, individual, group, or organization in its real-life context.
Best for exploring complex phenomena in detail, especially when generalization isn't the goal.
Advantages of Field Research
- High External Validity: Since data is collected in natural environments, results are often more generalizable to real-world situations.
- Rich, Contextual Data: Field research produces detailed, in-depth data that goes beyond what can be gathered through structured surveys.
- Social Context and Discovery: It reveals unspoken social dynamics or behaviors that participants may not consciously recognize or report.
- Empirical Grounding for Hypotheses: It offers real-world grounding to test early hypotheses or shape future research studies.
Disadvantages of Field Research
- Time-Intensive: Field research often takes longer to plan, execute, and analyze compared to other methods.
- Costly: Travel, staffing, equipment, and logistics can make it significantly more expensive than in-lab research or surveys.
- Risk of Researcher Bias: Immersive methods like participant observation can make it difficult for researchers to remain objective.
- Limited Sample Sizes: Field studies typically involve smaller samples, making statistical generalization more difficult.
Field Research vs Other Qualitative Methods
While interviews and surveys are often conducted in controlled or remote settings, field research stands out by placing the researcher directly within the subject’s environment. It’s not just about collecting opinions — it’s about observing behavior, routines, and social dynamics as they unfold.
Field research complements other methods by offering context, nuance, and firsthand understanding.
Final Thoughts
Field research is one of the most powerful tools for capturing how people behave and interact in real-world settings. It offers insight that goes far beyond what can be measured in a lab or captured in a survey. But it also requires more time, resources, and planning than other methods.
By choosing the right field research method and using modern tools to support your work, you can gain a deeper understanding of your audience, community, or social environment — and apply those insights to make more informed, impactful decisions.
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How to Choose the Right Solution
Top 15 CATI Software in 2025
What Is CATI Software?
CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing) software is a tool used to conduct phone surveys efficiently by guiding interviewers through a structured questionnaire on a computer or mobile device. The software enables interviewers to record responses in real-time, capture open-ended feedback, and ensure consistency in survey administration.
Modern CATI systems streamline survey execution by automating question sequencing, enforcing skip logic, and providing interviewers with on-screen prompts. These platforms also integrate with telephony systems for seamless dialing, call recording, and real-time monitoring, helping organizations improve data quality and response rates.
By eliminating the need for manual data entry and question navigation, CATI software allows interviewers to focus on engaging respondents and capturing accurate insights.
The Importance of Choosing the Right CATI Software
Selecting the right CATI software is crucial for ensuring high-quality data collection, efficiency, and scalability in phone survey research. With various solutions available, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your organization, whether you’re conducting market research, customer feedback surveys, or public opinion polls.
When evaluating CATI software, here are the key factors to consider:
- Ease of Use & Scalability – The software should offer an intuitive interface for interviewers and the ability to handle both small and large-scale projects.
- Automation & Productivity Tools – Features like auto-dialing, call scheduling, and workflow automation improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
- Data Security & Compliance – Look for encryption, access controls, and TCPA compliance to protect respondent data.
- Integration Capabilities – The best CATI software should work seamlessly with IVR, CRM, and online survey tools to create an omnichannel research strategy.
- Real-Time Monitoring & Supervision – Live call tracking, whisper/barge-in functionalities, and interview statistics help maintain quality and adherence to survey protocols.
Choosing the right CATI platform ensures seamless data collection, improved interviewer performance, and accurate insights, making it easier to make data-driven decisions.
Top CATI Software in 2025: Compare the Best Solutions
Here we have compiled 15 CATI software to help you evaluate the software available in the market.
- Voxco
- Forsta
- IdSurvey
- Askia
- NIPO
- Survox Inc
- Rotator Survey
- Nebu
- MRDC
- The Survey System
- GreatBlue Research
- Sawtooth Technologies
- Issues & Answers
- Marketing Systems Group (MSG)
- Precision Opinion
1. Voxco CATI Survey Software
Voxco CATI is a leading solution for large-scale phone survey data collection, trusted by research centers worldwide. Designed for high-performance and reliability, it can seamlessly integrate with IVR and auto-dialer software to boost productivity.
Voxco CATI also connects seamlessly with Voxco Online and Survey Analytics, allowing organizations to manage online, offline, and phone surveys from a single unified platform. Available in both on-premise and cloud-based deployments, it ensures easy access for remote teams and distributed call centers.
Powerful Telephony Features:
- Call Management – Streamline survey calls with automated controls.
- Click-to-Dial – Reduce manual dialing errors and increase efficiency.
- Automated Workflows – Improve interviewer productivity with pre-set call flows.
- Whisper & Barge-In – Enable real-time coaching and supervision.
- 4-in-1 Dialers – Choose from Power, Predictive, Preview, and Hybrid dialing modes.
- Skill-Based Call Routing – Match respondents with the best-suited interviewers.
- Real-Time Interview Monitoring – Track interviewer performance with live statistics.
- Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) – Optimize inbound and outbound call handling.
- Inbound & Outbound Calls – Conduct flexible, multi-channel phone surveys.
Built for compliance, Voxco TCPA Connect ensures manual dialing for survey call centers across the U.S., helping organizations adhere to TCPA regulations.
With its scalable, centralized approach, Voxco CATI empowers organizations to run high-quality phone surveys efficiently—whether for market research, social research, or customer insights.
2. Forsta
Forsta (formerly Confirmit) is a powerful CATI software solution designed to help organizations conduct large-scale telephone surveys with efficiency and precision. It offers a comprehensive survey platform that supports multi-mode research, allowing users to combine CATI with online and face-to-face methodologies.
Key Features:
- Advanced Sample Management – Optimize respondent targeting and quota control.
- Integrated Dialing Modes – Supports predictive, power, and manual dialing.
- Real-Time Interview Monitoring – Track interviewer performance and ensure quality control.
- Multi-Language Support – Conduct global research with built-in localization tools.
- Seamless CRM Integration – Sync survey data with business intelligence platforms.
Forsta is widely used by market research firms and enterprises looking to collect high-quality, structured telephone survey data while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.
3. IdSurvey
IdSurvey is a web-based CATI platform that allows organizations to conduct telephone interviews directly from a browser. Designed for flexibility and ease of use, it’s a great choice for call centers, research agencies, and institutions managing remote interviewers.
Key Features:
- Browser-Based CATI – No software installation required, works on any device.
- Predictive Dialer – Automates call handling to maximize interviewer efficiency.
- Quota & Sample Management – Easily set and track respondent quotas.
- Call Recording & Monitoring – Ensure high-quality data collection.
- Multi-Mode Compatibility – Conduct online, offline, and telephone surveys in one system.
IdSurvey’s cloud-based approach makes it an excellent option for organizations looking to scale their CATI operations while ensuring seamless remote access and multi-language support.
4. Askia
Askia is a feature-rich CATI software that enables researchers to optimize call center performance with robust management tools and an intuitive interface. Its Askiavoice module is designed specifically for telephone interviewing, offering multi-mode capabilities for a seamless transition between phone, online, and in-person surveys.
Key Features:
- Advanced Call Routing – Skill-based routing to match respondents with the best interviewers.
- Flexible Dialing Modes – Includes preview, power, and predictive dialing options.
- Real-Time Supervision – Whisper, barge-in, and monitoring features for live coaching.
- Quota & Sample Management – Maintain data integrity with automated quota controls.
- Scalable Deployment – Supports both on-premise and cloud-based environments.
Askia is trusted by market research firms and survey call centers worldwide for its customizable and highly scalable CATI solutions.
5. NIPO
NIPO is a high-performance CATI software built for large-scale telephone surveys. It provides research agencies and call centers with a centralized, cloud-based solution to manage complex survey projects efficiently. NIPO is known for its automation, scalability, and integration capabilities, making it a top choice for global market research firms.
Key Features:
- Flexible Dialing Options – Supports predictive, power, and manual dialing.
- Cloud-Based & On-Premise Deployment – Choose the setup that fits your business needs.
- Automated Interview Scheduling – Optimize calling times for higher response rates.
- Multi-Mode Survey Capabilities – Seamless integration with online and face-to-face surveys.
- Quota & Sample Management – Ensure targeted data collection with automated quotas.
NIPO’s reliable infrastructure and automation tools make it an excellent choice for organizations looking to streamline their CATI operations and enhance survey accuracy.
6. Survox Inc
Survox Inc provides enterprise-level CATI software designed for high-volume call centers. It specializes in survey automation, improving interviewer productivity, and enhancing response rates through real-time call management.
Key Features:
- Predictive & Preview Dialing – Increase efficiency and reduce interviewer downtime.
- Real-Time Sample & Quota Management – Adjust survey quotas dynamically.
- Multi-Language Support – Conduct interviews globally with built-in translation tools.
- AI-Powered Call Routing – Automatically connect the right interviewers to respondents.
- Live Call Monitoring & Coaching – Ensure quality and compliance with whisper/barge-in features.
Survox is a great fit for market research agencies, customer experience teams, and government surveys, offering a powerful and flexible platform for scalable telephone interviewing.
7. Rotator Survey
Rotator Survey is a cost-effective CATI software designed to simplify telephone survey execution. It is widely used by academic researchers, social research firms, and small-to-medium-sized call centers due to its user-friendly interface and affordability.
Key Features:
- Intuitive Interface – Minimal learning curve for interviewers.
- Multi-Mode Data Collection – Conduct online, offline, and phone surveys in one system.
- Customizable Call Scripts – Adjust surveys in real-time for dynamic research.
- Real-Time Interviewer Statistics – Monitor performance and response rates.
- Automated Data Export – Easy integration with analytics and reporting tools.
Rotator Survey is ideal for organizations that need a budget-friendly yet efficient CATI solution, offering strong customization and monitoring capabilities.
8. Nebu
Nebu offers a versatile CATI platform designed to support remote and in-house call centers. With its web-based interface, it enables researchers to conduct surveys from any location, making it a great fit for decentralized research teams.
Key Features:
- Cloud-Based CATI System – No installation required; accessible from any device.
- Advanced Call Management – Includes automated callbacks, appointment scheduling, and quota control.
- Seamless Multi-Mode Integration – Connects with online and mobile survey platforms.
- Speech-to-Text Capabilities – Transcribe open-ended responses for deeper analysis.
- AI-Driven Sample Management – Optimize respondent targeting and engagement.
Nebu is a highly scalable solution that helps global research firms, enterprises, and government agencies execute large-scale telephone surveys with precision and efficiency.
9. MRDC
MRDC provides flexible and user-friendly CATI solutions designed for market research agencies and corporate research teams. Its QPSMR CATI software is known for its cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and ability to handle complex survey logic with minimal technical expertise.
Key Features:
- Intuitive CATI Interface – Requires minimal training for interviewers.
- Automated Call Management – Efficiently handle outbound and inbound calls.
- Multi-Mode Support – Conduct phone, web, and face-to-face interviews.
- Advanced Survey Logic & Routing – Customize surveys with skip patterns and conditional logic.
- Data Export & Analysis – Seamless integration with reporting and analytics tools.
MRDC is a great choice for smaller research firms and organizations that need a cost-effective, scalable CATI solution.
10. The Survey System
The Survey System is a comprehensive CATI solution that supports multi-channel survey deployment across phone, online, and mobile research methods. It is widely used by government agencies, businesses, and universities for structured data collection.
Key Features:
- VoIP & Auto-Dialer Integration – Reduce call handling time and improve efficiency.
- Click-to-Dial Functionality – Increase interviewer productivity.
- Customizable Call Scripts – Tailor survey scripts for specific research needs.
- Real-Time Data Collection – Ensure accuracy and reduce post-survey processing.
- Detailed Performance Reports – Monitor interviewers and response rates dynamically.
The Survey System is ideal for researchers who need a versatile, all-in-one CATI software with strong automation and customization options.
11. GreatBlue Research
GreatBlue Research is not just a CATI software provider but a full-service research firm that specializes in customized telephone survey execution. It leverages advanced CATI technology to conduct accurate and compliant phone interviews for clients in government, healthcare, utilities, and business sectors.
Key Features:
- Dedicated Call Center with CATI Integration – In-house interviewers ensure quality responses.
- Multi-Language Support – Conduct research in diverse linguistic markets.
- 100% TCPA Compliance – Adheres to strict U.S. dialing regulations.
- Live Interview Monitoring – Maintain quality control with real-time supervision.
- Advanced Data Analysis & Reporting – Get actionable insights from collected responses.
GreatBlue Research is an ideal choice for organizations that need a hands-on, full-service research team rather than a standalone software platform.
12. Sawtooth Technologies
Sawtooth Technologies provides WinCATI, a feature-rich CATI system designed for large-scale market research and academic surveys. It is widely used in healthcare, social sciences, and customer satisfaction studies due to its customizable and scalable approach.
Key Features:
- Multi-Mode Interviewing – Supports CATI, online, and mobile surveys.
- LAN & Cloud-Based Deployment – Work on-premise or remotely.
- VoIP Integration – Reduce operational costs and improve call quality.
- Call Scheduling & Auto-Callbacks – Increase response rates with follow-ups.
- Custom Reporting & Analytics – Gain in-depth insights from collected data.
Sawtooth Technologies is best suited for organizations that need a powerful and highly customizable CATI platform with advanced sampling and reporting tools.
13. Issues & Answers
Issues & Answers is a full-service research firm that specializes in telephone surveys using advanced CATI technology. With decades of experience, the company offers custom research solutions for government, healthcare, and corporate clients.
Key Features:
- In-House CATI Call Center – Ensures high-quality, professionally managed interviews.
- Multi-Language Interviewing – Reach diverse respondent groups.
- Automated Sample & Quota Management – Improve survey efficiency.
- TCPA-Compliant Manual Dialing – Ensures adherence to U.S. regulations.
- Live Call Monitoring & Quality Control – Supervisors can listen, barge-in, or provide coaching.
Issues & Answers is an ideal partner for organizations that need end-to-end CATI survey execution, offering a full research team alongside powerful CATI capabilities.
14. Marketing Systems Group (MSG)
Marketing Systems Group (MSG) offers PRO-T-S CATI software, a robust and scalable solution designed for high-volume survey research. It integrates seamlessly with multiple survey platforms, making it a preferred choice for market research firms and polling organizations.
Key Features:
- PRO-T-S Dialing Integration – Supports predictive, power, and manual dialing.
- Sample & Quota Management – Real-time tracking of survey progress.
- Multi-Mode Interviewing – Combine CATI with online and mobile surveys.
- Silent Monitoring & Call Coaching – Improve interviewer performance.
- Automated Call Disposition – Streamlines call handling and response tracking.
MSG’s CATI solution is ideal for organizations conducting large-scale telephone research, offering powerful automation tools and multi-mode flexibility.
15. Precision Opinion
Precision Opinion is a leading research firm and technology provider specializing in high-volume CATI surveys. With a state-of-the-art call center and AI-powered survey management, it is used for political polling, market research, and social research.
Key Features:
- AI-Powered CATI Management – Optimizes call efficiency and data accuracy.
- Multi-Mode Data Collection – Integrates CATI, SMS, and online surveys.
- TCPA-Compliant Manual Dialing – Ensures legal compliance for U.S. call centers.
- Real-Time Analytics Dashboard – Monitor interviewer performance and survey progress.
- Large-Scale Call Center Capabilities – Supports thousands of calls daily.
Precision Opinion is a great fit for organizations that need a high-capacity CATI solution with AI-driven optimizations and real-time monitoring tools.
Selecting the Best CATI Survey Software for Your Needs
The best CATI solution is one that enables you to engage respondents effectively and collect high-quality data with ease. With a wide range of options available, it’s essential to consider factors such as usability, scalability, compliance, integration capabilities, and cost-effectiveness when making your decision.
Ultimately, the right phone survey software should align with your research objectives and organizational needs. Voxco CATI provides a powerful, flexible, and scalable solution for both small and large-scale research projects, ensuring seamless data collection, enhanced survey accuracy, and actionable insights to drive informed decision-making.
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How to Choose the Right Solution
Top 15 Auto Dialer Software
Over time dialers have evolved to ease the flow of work for contact centers. Traditionally, businesses had to upload contact lists for outbound campaigns. However, auto dialer software dials the number automatically which helps streamline the workflow of outbound contact centers.
What is Auto Dialer Software?
Automated dialer software makes outbound calls automatically by pulling telephone numbers from a list of contacts. The dialer then connects the recipient with a live agent or a pre-recorded message.
Auto dialers eliminate the need to manually dial each phone number from the list. This spares the contact center agent to focus on other tasks and on the content of the message. A wide variety of industries make use of auto dialer software such as – sales & marketing, health care, hospitality, and education.
What are the important Auto Dialer functionalities?
Auto dialers often require hardware such as a computer, active telephone line, and a voice modem. Some software providers allow businesses to host hardware into their product for free or a subscription. Other providers require them to buy and host the hardware themselves.
Auto dialer software can
- integrate directly with existing CRM software of the center; or
- built into telecom services or infrastructure software of the contact center
Auto dialer software offers an array of functionalities to take the load off of the representatives. Some of these features are common such as managing lists, initiating calls, and reporting data. Some other features that you should look for when selecting Auto Dialer Software are:
Call Disposition: to track and report the result of a call
Call Recording: to assure the quality of call conversation
Answering Machine Detection: to screen and filter out calls that go to voicemails
Call Scripting: to help agents with responses for commonly asked queries
Local Caller ID: to display local ID to contacts by setting desired location and caller ID when making calls
Top 15 Auto Dialer Software
- Voxco
- Talkdesk
- Matrix
- Genesys Cloud
- Dialpad
- Five9
- RingCentral
- PhoneBurner
- ChaseData
- CallHub
- Voicent
- contactSPACE
- Nice inContact
- Nextiva
- Aircall
#1 – Voxco

With 25+ years of experience, Voxco is the leading Research Cloud software that provides Cloud-based and On-premise dialers to help you generate successful leads and provide excellent customer experience. Moreover, Voxco’s state-of-the-art telephony system can be integrated with Voxco’s CATI phone survey software.
Voxco’s Dialer assures an improvement in the productivity of your call center by 50%. Be it work-from-home or call center agents Predictive dialing adjusts the pace of your call volume to match the availability of the agents.
The software is built to handle the workload on any scale. It is TCPA compliant which enables your agents to reach customers on the telephone as well as mobile devices. You can easily integrate with the platform’s IVR to empower the callers with self-serve options.
Voxco capabilities confirm a seamless flow of work – call recording & monitoring, call detection, intelligent call routing, and a blend of inbound & outbound calls. There are more advanced features that users can enjoy and take advantage of in Voxco.
Single-system efficiency: Voxco dialer begins dialing depending on the rules set. There is no requirement for third-party dialer integration.
4-in-1 Dialer: Preview, Power, Predictive, and Hybrid dialing modes improve the quality and speed of the calls. The 4 modes of dialing also enable you to schedule the pattern of calls per project.
Quality Control: You can monitor live calls for the purpose of quality assurance. You can also record calls to review them in the future.
- DNC numbers are also immediately filtered out of the list.
- Dialer dashboard allows supervisor to monitor productivity of each agent. You can track no. of calls handled, wrap-up time, pause and more.
Advanced Telephony Features: It is a flexible outbound calling powerhouse that comes with features like call transfer, conferencing, and audio playback.
- Call blending
- Skill set routing
- Transfer and return calls
Compatible with Protocols: Voxco Dialer supports VoIP licenses and telephony cards. The dialer supports analog and IP phones. It also connects to SIP trunks or standard T1 or E1 lines.
Flexible Pricing Options: Voxco offers flexible pricing models which are based on the requirements of organizations
#2 – Talkdesk

Talkdesk offers solutions through a single platform and helps contact centers reduce customer support costs. The software empowers a contact center with its customizable and future-proof design, helping businesses to improve customer satisfaction.
The platform has an intuitive interface and offers more than 60 integrations all in one place. It provides features such as: AI, analytics, workforce engagement, customer engagement and enterprise collaboration.
Talldesk offers multiple features to help you support your agents in the best way possible:
- Talldesk uses IVR (interactive voice response), ACD (automatic call distribution), and skill-based routing to ensure that calls only get routed to the most qualified agents who can meet the customer’s needs.
- The platform empowers the agent by displaying the caller’s name, contact history, and all relevant data on the agent’s screen in real-time. This way contact centers can support their agents to deliver a personalized experience.
- The software automatically sets up a new profile when a new customer calls.
- Talldesk comes with all needed features – call monitoring, call recording, and real-time reporting.
With its value for money, the software is easy to use for the agents. It offers three packages – Professional, Professional Plus, and Enterprise.
#3 - Matrix

Matrix auto dialer is built to suit contact centers of any size. The auto dialer software integrates with tools like CRM applications, landing pages, contact lists, and affiliate sites to improve productivity. You can also integrate your business tools using the platform’s API.
Matrix also offers many features to streamline the workflow:
- The software allows you to prioritize and improve your agent’s productivity with its reminders and callback calendars personalized for individual agents.
- The real-time dashboard allows managers to track the agents and their performance. You can see which agents are on call, duration, or waiting on calls.
- The automated triggers allow you to set up triggers to inform you whenever a lead converts into a customer.
- Matrix also provides features such as internal chat, call recording, blended inbound & outbound calls, warm transfers, wrap-up time, and more.
#4 – Genesys Cloud CX Software
Genesys Cloud is designed as an all-in-one cloud contact center to ensure that your agents can serve the customers with an exceptional experience. The auto dialer software is easy-to-use and with its intuitive interface, it helps boost agent’s performance.
Genesys Cloud offers several features to prioritize customer’s experience and agent productivity;
- Voice and digital channels allow agents to contact customers on their preferred channels.
- IVR empowers callers with a self-serve option like speech recognition and touch.
- Outbound calling – predictive, power, preview and more dialing mode- assures that agents can reach more customers and generate successful leads
- It also empowers your agents with multichannel recording, workforce management, quality management, and more features.
#5 – DialpadSupport

Dialpad is a cloud-based contact center that uses AI to empower agents with real-time customer insights. The software offers integration with Salesforce, ServiceNow, Zendesk, and more to help users onboard quickly.
Dialpad uses Voice Intelligence to monitor conversation with call transcription and live customer sentiment.
Dialpad Support offers free calls to Canada and the US. There are two packages- Pro and Enterprise
See Voxco survey software in action with a Free demo.
See Voxco survey software in action with a Free demo.
#6 - Five9

Five9 is a cloud contact center software providing solutions to over 2000 businesses worldwide. The platform is powered by Practical AI which enables your agents to provide customer experience via preferred channels – phone, chat, social media, email, and more.
- The auto dialer software supports a wide variety of dialing modes- predictive, preview, progress, power dialing mode, and more.
- Five9 pulls callers' information from your CRM and displays it on the agent’s screen before and during the call to help the agent offer personalized communication.
- The platform integrates with leading CRM packages like Salesforce, NetSuite, and Oracle. It also supports a blending of inbound and outbound calls.
Pricing in Five9 depends on the number of users, seats, and features used. Moreover, you can choose an annual or a month-to-month plan.
#7 – Ring Central

RingCentral is a cloud-based communication that offers communication across multiple channels to streamline the workflow. The platform ensures that agents can provide a personalized experience to every caller.
You can integrate any CRM or other back-end system with the software’s API to receive detailed information on the caller. The platform enables automatic display of caller’s past interactions, purchase history, ticket status, and more.
- Powered by inContact it offers ACD, IVR, CTI, auto dialer, and PBX.
- It also offers advanced routing to allow customers to self-solve their issues and skill-based call routing.
- You can track agent’s performance, KPIs, and customer experience with real-time dashboards.
- Leverage its Workforce Management, and schedule each agent’s schedule according to traffic, volume, training, and vacations.
RingCentral offers four packages based on per user for every month: Essential ($19.99), Standard ($27.99), Premium ($34.99), and Ultimate ($49.99).
#8 – PhoneBurner

PhoneBurner is a cloud-based software and can be accessed from anywhere by using its VoIP dialing. You can log in from your own computer and contact customers from the connected phone.
PhoneBurner offers various features to empower remote employees:
- Power Dialer
- Lead management
- Workflow management
- Email follow-up
- Dedicated admin portal
- Real-time reports and leaderboards
PhoneBurner makes it easy for you to manage contact lists and campaigns with its integrated sales CRM. It can also integrate your own CRM with Salesforce, HubSpot, Zapier, and more. The platform also offers a wide range of features such as call recording, call transfer, voicemail drop, one-touch emails, local ID tracking, email tracking, and many more.
There are three packages, price per user and per month: Standard ($126), Professional ($152), and Premium ($169).
#9 – ChaseData

ChaseData is built to support outbound, inbound, and blended contact centers. It is a cloud-based standalone contact center with customer support and service pre-built in the software.
- ChaseData includes different dialing modes – auto, predictive, preview, and progressive dialing. It also includes ACD to ensure that calls are routed based on language preference, skill, and training of the agent.
- The software offers security settings at the management level which allows managers to track campaigns.
- The auto-dialer software catalogs digital calls on the server for at least 90 days. This enables agents to review the calls later if required. The admin also has access to all the calls.
ChaseData offers three packages per user/month: Small Business ($89), Professional ($139), and Enterprise ($169).
#10 - CallHub

CallHub offers four auto-dialing modes to match requirements for every call – Predictive, Power, Preview, and Robo Dialer. Along with contact center solutions, it also offers Voice Broadcasting software and SMS Marketing software.
CallHub offers the following features to make the most out of the auto-dialer software:
- Local Caller ID
- Schedule follow-ups at a convenient time
- Monitor and join the live call for quality assurance
- Enable DNC or modify DNC list
- Skip over answering machine
- Screen and eliminate outdated and non-existence numbers.
- Segment telephone and mobile numbers
CallHub allows you to pay as you go, the pricing starts at $0.021 per call.
# 11 – Voicent

Voicent is a cloud-based call center that comes with a built-in CRM. The auto-dialer software supports both inbound and outbound calls.
It comes with an automation feature that helps streamline the workflow and track calls, campaigns, and customers.
- The auto dialer software enables your agents to deliver pre-recorded audio messages to your contact lists.
- Agents can also leave messages on answering machines in their own voice or computer-generated voice.
- Voicent also consists of features that involve text to speech to send out personalized messages. It offers – auto, predictive, preview, and progressive dialer- for the call requirement of your agents.
Voicent presents a package that begins with $19 for unlimited calls based on per user per month pricing.
#12 – contactSPACE

The contactSPACE, a cloud-based call center, is easy to deploy that comes with three dialing modes-predictive, progressive, and preview- to make outbound calling more efficient.
It is a flexible software that contains target filtering to allow agents to sort call recipients. It also allows admins to categorize prospective customers to match the skill of the agents. With its Dashboard designer, you can monitor the agent’s performance in real-time.
contactSPACE presents four packages for its clients:
- Siler tier $105 per user/month
- Gold tier $139 per user/month
- Platinum tier $175 per user/month
- Diamond tier $239 per user/month
#13 – Nice in Contact

Nice inContact helps contact centers to maximize the quality of leads and put customers first. The cloud-based contact center displays features for inbound support requests. It helps agents to communicate with the customers using multiple channels – calls, emails, chats, social media, and more.
Nice inContact offers other features such as:
- Automatic Call Distribution
- Blended Predictive Dialing
- Call Recording
- CRM integration
- IVR
- Analytics and Reporting
- The platform also offers workforce optimization – e-learning, workforce management, and hiring.
Any information for the pricing package is not available on their website.
#14 – Nextiva

Nextiva uses Go Integrator to help connect your CRM with its software. The platform supports integration with popular CRMs such as Hubspot, Salesforce, Zendesk, etc. that helps streamline outbound calls for your contact center.
While Nextiva is not a true auto dialer software provider, you can still take advantage of effective tools to streamline your outbound calls.
Nextiva offers tools that match the capabilities of auto dialers, such as;
- Its flagship VoIP platforms allow voice & video calling, texting, faxing, and team chat, to improve performance and results.
- Click to Dial: Your reps can dial directly from the contact list uploaded in your CRM. Moreover, because of the flawless data harmonization with your CRM, your reps receive detailed information on each call they handle.
- Contact Popping: The feature displays all the relevant details of the caller by pulling it out from your CRM.
- You can easily segment lists in your CRM or you can split lists in other CRMs offered by the software to streamline outbound calls.
Nextiva’s Professional package costs depending on the number of users ranging from $21.95 to $27.95 per user every month. For contact centers using CRM like Oracle or Service Now, you should opt for the Enterprise package.
See Voxco survey software in action with a Free demo.
See Voxco survey software in action with a Free demo.
#15 – Aircall

Aircall is an easy to set up and use, cloud-based business phone for sales and customer support teams.
The auto dialer software helps reduce agent’s workload with its Power Dialer, click-to-dial, and more cloud features. With its skill-based routing, IVR, and live call monitoring capabilities it ensures that you offer an exceptional customer experience.
It also enables call centers to integrate with CRM, Helpdesk solutions, and other required applications. Moreover, the cloud-based system keeps the remote teams connected with the call center. It allows agents to work from anywhere in the world.
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Market Research 101
How to Build and Manage an Online Research Panel
Great research isn’t just about data—it’s about building a direct line to the people who shape your market. Whether you're launching a new product, refining your customer experience, or exploring social trends, having access to the right group of respondents is essential. That’s where an online research panel comes in.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what a research panel is, the benefits of using one, how to build your own, and how panel management software can help you maintain engagement over time.
What is a Research Panel?
A research panel is a pre-recruited group of individuals who have agreed to participate in surveys, interviews, or other research activities over time. These panelists are typically selected based on specific criteria such as demographics, location, or interests—ensuring they’re well-suited to answer the questions relevant to your study.
Unlike ad-hoc survey sampling, an online research panel offers consistency and speed, allowing researchers to gather reliable data more efficiently.
Why Use a Research Panel?
Building a dedicated market research panel offers several advantages:
1. Reliable, high-quality data
Panelists are pre-screened, making it easier to gather data that’s more representative and accurate.
2. Faster turnaround
Because your panel is ready to go, data collection is quicker—especially when paired with a robust online survey platform.
3. Lower costs
Panels reduce the need to repeatedly recruit new participants, lowering long-term costs and streamlining fieldwork.
4. Deeper insights
With a consistent group of respondents, you can run longitudinal studies to track changing behaviors and sentiments over time.
5. More targeted research
Panels make it easier to run niche or technical studies with audiences who understand the topic or industry.
How to Build an Online Research Panel
Building a high-performing research panel takes planning, but it’s worth the effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Define your research goals
Start with clarity. What questions are you trying to answer? Who do you need to reach? These answers will shape your panel’s profile.
2. Recruit participants
Use a mix of channels—like email campaigns, social media ads, SMS invites, and website intercepts—to find potential panelists. Make sure your recruitment messaging is clear about what participation involves.
3. Screen and qualify
Not everyone is a fit for every study. Use a short screening survey to ensure your panelists meet the criteria for your research objectives.
4. Set up communication workflows
Whether through email or SMS, keep panelists engaged with study invites, updates, and reminders. A well-informed panel is more likely to stay active.
5. Incentivize participation
Offer rewards—such as gift cards, loyalty points, or exclusive access to results—to motivate participation. Even small gestures go a long way.
6. Conduct research
Once your panel is in place, you can start running online surveys, virtual focus groups, product tests, and more.
7. Analyze results
Use survey analytics tools to review your data, visualize trends, and identify actionable insights that align with your business goals.
How Panel Management Software Helps
Maintaining a panel is just as important as building one. That’s where panel management software comes in.
A good panel platform can help you:
- Automate recruitment and screening
- Manage ongoing communication with panelists
- Track participation history and profiling data
- Distribute surveys and collect feedback
- Provide timely incentives
- Monitor engagement and churn rates
Voxco’s panel management solution makes it easy to build, manage, and scale custom research panels—whether for brand tracking, customer feedback, or product development.
Common Uses of Research Panels
Companies and researchers use market research panels for a wide range of purposes, including:
- Testing new product concepts before launch
- Collecting feedback on brand experience
- Tracking customer sentiment over time
- Conducting competitive benchmarking
- Exploring trends in consumer behavior
Final Thoughts
Building a strong research panel takes time—but it’s a smart investment in the future of your research. With the right tools and strategy, an online panel can become your most valuable source of consistent, reliable data.
Ready to see how Voxco can help you streamline recruitment, retention, and research? Book a demo today.
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Market Research 101
Internet Panel Surveys : The faster and easier way of gathering market data
The process of collecting market intelligence is a crucial one , especially when the organizations carrying it out rely on it to make informed business decisions. As a result , gathering market data in a quick and efficient manner becomes the need of the hour. Companies need to optimize their approaach to data collection in way that reduces their effort and provides them with qualitative input that assist intelligent follow-up actions.This can be easily achieved through internet panel surveys that not only provide organizations with the ability to gather quick data points within specified time frames but also recruits individuals with the right knowledge that increases the efficacy of the research process. This fast research mechanism even lets companies take advantage of opportunities that present itself in the market before the ccompetition , hence , allowing them to develop a stronger footing and cash in on growth opportunities.
Internet panels : The right respondents to your questions
Internet panels are specialized individuals who are equipped with the relevant information to answer specific research questions in the best possible manner. These people have high experience and intelligence in particular fields of organizational interest. This makes them highly eligible to provide prompt answers and deep insights that can serve as an impetus to the functioning of organizations. For example: for concept studies of products such as Kindle’s Fire tablet , the internet panel is likely to consist of low income working employees or students with a need for a tablet ,to carry out their day to day activities , within an affordable price range. Regular e-book readers and Amazon members wishing to integrate all their entertainment and work related actvities is another niche market that the product will appeal to and so , they must be consulted for authentic feedback that can be used to tailor make the product for the target audience.Internet panels allow organizations to hand pick the individuals that they'd like to carry survey for specific information. This allows the organisations to conveniently select the right people in the right number without any geographical restrictions. These answers then get combined into a cohesive overview of the topic of research through useful analytical tools that are designed to treat and summarize different types of information .
Advantages of using internet panel surveys
The benefits listed below make a good case for using internet panel surveys :
Convenience :
Internet panel surveys are meant to offer convenience with quality. Surveys are designed and distributed through multiple channels with vast audience traffic that engage high number of relevant respondents while collecting intelligence in a quick manner. Organizations are not required to put in extra resources or effort to look for eligible respondents . Information gets sourced through multiple respondents without much hassle . Internet panel surveys , in this sense , provide a great deal of insights at minimal effort.
Highly representative :
The respondents in an Internet Panel Study are highly aware about the current market trends and customer preferences . Their answers and suggestions are much more representative of the actual market sentiment. This allows organizations to extract maximum information using a sample of participants. This reduces sampling bias and makes the implementation of modifications much more easier as it helps gain ready market acceptance . Organizations need not search for specified individuals that meet the eligibility criteria as such work can be feasibly outsourced
High-quality responses :
The high expertise of the respondents in the study helps gain quality insights . By quality insights , we mean that respondents are able to answer based on up to date market information and their own experience as well as researchers get to explore additional areas without worrying about the respondent's levels of understanding. The feedback provided by such respondents is authentic and can be trusted to deliver in terms of market results.
Economical :
As American author Seth Godin puts it : Everyone is not your customer. By spending on surveying large samples of data that might or might not help , you skim through the crowd to identify respondents that are fit and eligible to answer your questions. Moreover , you get to reach these individuals not through traditional methods that make the data collection process slow and tedious , but by accessing data throughout the world without being restricted by geographical barriers. This results in increased saving and increased earnings as a result of less cost and increased revenue from products modified to meet customer expectations , designed and improved using meticulous research .
Technical research :
Business research and market studies require respondents who can answer questions regarding consumer behaviour , customer psychology , market trends and many more highly technical areas of functioning which not any person with a generalized familiarity can answer. For specific studies , there is a requirement of experts in specialized fields who have been studying brand or customer specific behaviour for long periods of time and can back up claims with hard facts and figures . Traditional methods may not be able to provide you with professionals that make your research more concentrated. The researcher can easily dive into deeper aspects and use technical jargon without running the risk of confusing the respondent.
Panel Management
You've recruited a panel of individuals best suited for a particular research topic. Is it fair to contact them only when the organization is looking for answers?Maintaining panels of respondents is all about engagement. Panelists are interested in engaging in a dialogue with the organizations they are assisting. Sometimes , this lack of engagement forces the respondents to drop out of studies even when such studies are accompanied by incentives and rewards . This is particularly true for brand related studies where respondents volunteer to take part in research to help out the brand that they love or have shared a long journey with. Naturally , these people becomes the first choice for becoming a part of the respondent panels . But the lack of interaction can turn these brand advocates into passives or even detractors if the brands fail to meet their expectation levels in terms of generating engagement .So apart from surveying customers to know what they think about you , ask them to furnish you with information about them. This helps in creating database of panels. Further , using a feedback or open messaging mechanism makes panelists feel valued as well provides them with an open platform to express themselves freely . It sends a message that the organization is actually interested in listening and acting upon what their customers have to say which prompts these customers to put their best foot forward and be as comprehensive as possible while participating in the research.
How to recruit survey panels using Voxco?
Voxco actively surveys and manages panel of respondents using Voxco Panel management system that integrates seamlessly with Voxco online . Selection and screening takes place that gathers 90 data points from each individual panelist. Research is distributed and collected within hours through an efficient distribution and collection process. Logic functions ensure error minimization to maintain the accuracy and authenticity of data. These specializef panels are carefully selected to meet the peculiar needs of organizations in the best possible manner.Explore Voxco Survey Software
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Text Analytics & AI
Everything About Textual Analysis: Methods, Approaches, and Applications
Understanding Text: A Broader Perspective
When we think of "text," many of us immediately picture words on a page or messages on our phones. However, in academic terms, "text" encompasses much more. It refers to any form of communication that carries meaning—whether it's written, spoken, visual, or even non-verbal. This includes everything from books and articles to movies, music, advertisements, and even body language.
What is Textual Analysis in Research?
Textual analysis in research is the process of analyzing the language, symbols, and content of texts to reveal deeper meanings, patterns, and structures. Researchers use this method to interpret how specific texts communicate ideas, influence perceptions, and shape social, political, or cultural discourse.
Take, for instance, a political speech. Textual analysis can help researchers explore the rhetoric used, the ideological messages conveyed, and the potential impact on the audience's perceptions. By examining the text in detail, researchers can draw conclusions about the social, historical, or cultural implications of the speech.
Key Methods of Textual Analysis
Several textual analysis methods are used across different disciplines. Let’s explore the most common approaches:
1. Rhetorical Criticism
Rhetorical criticism focuses on understanding how texts persuade and influence their audience. Researchers systematically analyze the purpose, context, and strategies used in the text to evaluate its effectiveness. The process typically involves:
- Purpose: What is the goal of the message?
- Context: How do historical, cultural, and social factors shape the text?
- Impact: How does the text influence society or its audience?
- Theory: Can the analysis contribute to broader theoretical insights?
This method is particularly useful in media, political, and public discourse studies.
2. Content Analysis
Content analysis involves systematically identifying and quantifying specific elements within a text, such as recurring themes, words, or phrases. This can be done either qualitatively (analyzing the meaning behind the occurrences) or quantitatively (counting the frequency of specific elements).
- Qualitative Content Analysis: Focuses on understanding the deeper meanings embedded in the text.
- Quantitative Content Analysis: Involves counting occurrences of specific words or themes to identify patterns in large datasets.
While this method is often used to analyze large volumes of existing data, it can be a powerful tool for uncovering trends or shifts in discourse over time.
3. Interaction Analysis
Interaction analysis takes a broader view by examining both verbal and non-verbal communication. This approach is often used in studies of conversations, group dynamics, or media content. Researchers analyze:
- Linguistic Features: Word choice, sentence structure, and tone.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
- Contextual Factors: Social, cultural, and situational influences on communication.
This method is particularly valuable in communication studies, social sciences, and qualitative research where understanding human interaction is key.
4. Performance Studies
Performance studies focus on the expressive and aesthetic elements of text. Researchers using this approach might perform the text themselves or observe how others interact with it. This process involves:
- Select: Choosing a text to examine.
- Play: Experimenting with different vocal and physical expressions.
- Test: Concluding how the text influences behavior or perceptions.
- Choose: Selecting the most valid interpretation of the text.
- Repeat & Present: Refining and presenting findings based on the analysis.
This method is commonly used in literary studies, theater, and cultural studies, where the performance of the text plays a critical role in understanding its meaning.
Where is Textual Analysis Applied?
Textual analysis finds applications in a wide variety of fields. Below are a few key areas where this method is particularly valuable:
1. Cultural and Media Studies
In media and cultural studies, researchers analyze a wide range of media—such as music, videos, advertisements, and images—as texts. By examining these forms, they can uncover the social and cultural contexts behind their creation and consumption. For instance, in a television commercial, textual analysis might explore how language, imagery, and symbolism influence consumer behavior.
2. Social Sciences
In the social sciences, textual analysis is often used to study interviews, focus groups, and other forms of communication. Researchers may employ quantitative textual analysis to count word occurrences or qualitative analysis to interpret the social meaning behind the text. This method helps sociologists, anthropologists, and psychologists uncover insights into human behavior, group dynamics, and societal trends.
3. Literary Studies
In literary studies, textual analysis is crucial for interpreting written works, including novels, poems, and plays. Researchers focus on how literary devices, such as metaphors, symbolism, and narrative structure, create meaning and convey deeper insights into human experience.
Key Takeaways:
Textual analysis provides researchers with a powerful tool to critically examine and interpret the vast array of texts that shape our world. Whether it's understanding political rhetoric, analyzing media representations, or interpreting literary works, textual analysis helps researchers draw meaningful conclusions from the texts we encounter daily.
For businesses, organizations, and academic researchers, this method unlocks deeper insights into how communication shapes perceptions, behaviors, and societal trends. By applying textual analysis methods across various fields, organizations like Voxco and Ascribe can leverage data to drive better decision-making, improve audience engagement, and enhance content strategy.
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Market Research 101
Inferential Statistic: Whats and Hows
What is Inferential Statistics?
Inferential Statistics in quantitative research works in addition to Descriptive Statistics. Where descriptive statistics helps to summarize the characteristics of a sample population, inferential statistics focuses on using that summarized data and predict the characteristics for the larger population.

Hence, inferential statistics allows a researcher to make assumptions based on small populations, for the bigger populations. It uses measurements from the sample group and makes generalizations based on them for the larger groups. In essence to what is being said, if you want to identify whether the current statistics are descriptive or inferential, the key is that descriptive statistics works on your current sample data set and inference statistics work on concluding data in addition to your sample dataset which is comparatively huge.Example:You want to know the occupations of people in a village. You collect sample data from diverse villagers. After performing descriptive statistics on it, inferential statistics will give you an idea about what all occupations the rest of the villagers must be into.
What are the problems faced while collecting samples in Inferential Statistics?
- You have to make sure the sample data you select is diverse and random. This will avoid the results being biased. The sample data needs to be representative of the entire population for your assumptions to be accurate.
- Errors in sampling can happen when you don’t cover some data from the population in your data. It creates a difference between the actual values of the population and the values that you have measured. This can happen irrespective of the first point. Nevertheless, there are various probability sampling methods to help avoid this like Systematic sampling, Cluster sampling, stratified sampling as Simple Random sampling.
Ways of estimating population parameters from sample statistics:
It ideally tells us how to convert descriptive statistics to inference statistics. As the heading suggests, there are two characteristics:
- Parameter- Describes the entire population (mean of the population).
- Statistic- Describes the sample data (mean of the sample).
Inference statistics help us to use the sample statistic and describe the population parameter by taking sampling error into account and minimizing the difference between the two.
Types of estimating the population:
- Point Estimate- It uses the sample data to calculate a single value or point, a statistic that is the best estimate of a population parameter. It identifies a point in some parameter space.
- Interval Estimate- Unlike point estimate, interval estimate gives a range where the parameter is expected to belong to.
- Confidence Interval: Most common type of use of Interval Estimate. It is a range of values where the estimates are expected to fall on running the experiment again or on re-sampling. Hence, it is the mean of estimates which can fall on either on plus side or minus side of the variance (upper and lower bounds). Confidence level states the percentage of times we can expect the value to fall between the bounds. More the confidence level, the more the estimates are likely to fall in the same upper and lower bounds of the confidence interval.
What is Hypothesis Testing in Inferential Statistics?
It is a statistically followed process to testing the assumptions made depending on The morris sample data. Let’s take an example along with the five steps to be followed while performing Hypothesis Testing;

Step 1) State Null hypothesis (H0):
It is an already accepted fact. Analysts try to eliminate or nullify the null hypothesis.
Step 2) State the Alternate hypothesis (Ha):
It the opposite of the null hypothesis and analysts try statistically to prove the alternate hypothesis right. If it is proved that the alternate hypothesis is right then the null hypothesis is automatically rejected. And vice versa.
Step 3) Determine Significance Level (α):
It is a determiner that states the probability of the alternate hypothesis being right. It uses a significance level which tells how confident you are in your conclusion. Generally it is 0.05 (5%) to start with. If α=0.05, then it will mean that you can 5% support the alternate hypothesis (meaning reject the null hypothesis). But it would mean that you were wrong to reject the null hypothesis.
Step 4) Calculate p-value:
It is a probability value in favour of the null hypothesis. Significance level supports the alternate hypothesis, p-value supports the null hypothesis.
- High significance level -> alternate hypothesis (null hypothesis rejected)
- High p-value-> null hypothesis (alternate hypothesis rejected)Step 5) Conclusion:
On basis of the above conditions, you can accept or reject the hypothesis by looking at the percentage of p-value and significance level.Example:(H0)- Obese people are insecure about their weight.(Ha)- Obese people don’t let their weight pull down their self-confidence. (α)- 0.05P-value- 0.02Conclusion- on interviewing several obese people you found out that many people are body positive and are comfortable in their skin. P-value is 0.02 which is way low than the significance level of 0.05, you failed to prove the null hypothesis and thereby accept the alternate hypothesis saying obese people don’t let their weight pull down their self-confidence.
What are Statistical Tests in Inferential Statistics?
Useful to test out predictions and hypotheses, it also eradicates sampling errors.Parametric statistical tests- more powerful due to their defect detection. It does so by making assumptions regarding the normal distribution of scores, the definition of the population by sample data, etc.Non-parametric statistical tests- do not make any assumptions and are distribution-free tests.
What are the types of Statistical Tests in Inferential Statistics?
Comparison tests-
It looks for the differences in mean and medians or scores. To know which test approach will suit the aim, you need to check if your data meets the conditions for the respective tests.Type of Comparison testParametric?What’s being compared?Samplest-testYesMeans2 samplesANOVAYesMeans3+ samplesMood’s medianNoMedians2+ samplesWilcoxon signed-rankNoDistributions2 samplesWilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-WhitneyU)NoSums of rankings2 samplesKruskal-WallisHNoMean rankings3+ samples
Correlation tests-
Tell the level of association between two variables.Type of Correlation testParametric?VariablesPearson’srYesInterval/ratio variablesSpearman’s rNoOrdinal/interval/ratio variablesChi square test of independenceNoNominal/ordinal variables
Regression tests-
They show if you change the predicted variables whether it causes the output variables to change or not. Depending on the number of variables you have, you can decide whether to take the regression tests or not.Types of Regression testPredictorOutcomeSimple linear regression1 interval/ratio variable1 interval/ratio variableMultiple linear regression2+ interval/ratio variable(s)1 interval/ratio variableLogistic regression1+ any variable(s)1 binary variableNominal regression1+ any variable(s)1 nominal variableOrdinal regression1+ any variable(s)1 ordinal variable
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