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Configuring Your Question Keys

Jomar
  • Updated

Introduction

When configuring the Survey section of your Survey Template in AskNicely, you'll notice each question includes a unique identifier called a Question Key. These keys are essential for organizing, validating, and reporting on responses across different templates.

The Question Key appears in Courier font with a gray background below each survey question.

This article will explain how Question Keys work, their impact on reporting, and how to avoid validation errors.

Video Tutorial

Step-by-Step Instructions

✅ What is a Question Key?

A Question Key is a unique identifier attached to each question in your Survey Template. It helps AskNicely:

  • Track responses for reporting

  • Differentiate between similar questions

  • Prevent duplicate data conflicts across templates

Screen Shot 2021-09-08 at 4.50.40 PM.png

When you create or edit questions, you’ll see the key beneath the question field.

🔧 Default Question Keys in a New AskNicely Account

Every new AskNicely account starts with a default NPS question and two additional default questions:

Question Question Key
NPS (system default)
List Question topic
Open Question comment

⚠️ Note:

  • The comment question cannot be deleted—every Survey Template must include an Open Question with the key comment

  • The topic question can be removed or renamed as needed

❗ Validation Rules to Avoid Errors

🚫 Duplicate Question Keys

You cannot use the same Question Key more than once within a single Survey Template. Doing so will trigger a red validation error.

🧱 Missing Required Keys

Every template must include an Open Question with the Question Key set to comment. If it’s missing, you’ll receive a validation error and won’t be able to save or send the survey.

✅ To fix: Add a new Open Question and set the key to comment, or update an existing one accordingly.

🧠 Important Note: Unique Keys Across Templates

If you're using multiple Survey Templates, it’s essential to use unique Question Keys for questions you want to report on separately.

AskNicely groups responses by Question Key across all templates—not just within each one.

🔎 Example:
If two templates contain different “satisfaction” questions but both use the key satisfaction_score, their answers will be grouped together in reporting.

Best Practice:
Give each question a unique key if its data should be reported separately.

📝 Adding Additional Questions

You can add new questions as needed and assign custom keys for tracking. For example:

Question Example Question Key
“If you could change one thing about our service…” change_one_thing
“How was your onboarding experience?” onboarding_feedback

Once added:

  • These custom keys will appear as line items in Dashboard > Questions

  • You can filter, analyze, and visualize responses to each key independently

Screen_Shot_2021-09-08_at_3.50.31_PM.png

FAQs & Common Issues

  • Q: Can I use the same Question Key in two different templates?
    A: Yes, but only if you want responses to be grouped together in reporting. Otherwise, use unique keys.

  • Q: Why am I getting a red validation error?
    A: Check for:

    • Duplicate Question Keys in the same template

    • A missing comment question

  • Q: Where can I see the results by Question Key?
    A: Go to Dashboard > Questions to view each key and its response trends.

Next Steps & Related Articles

Video Tutorial

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Need Help?

If you're unsure how to name or manage your Question Keys, contact us via the chat icon or email support@asknice.ly. We’re happy to help you keep your reporting clean and your templates error-free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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