When to Text? How the Timing of Text Message Contacts in Mixed-Mode Surveys Impacts Response.

This article examines the effectiveness of text messaging as a contact mode in mixed-mode survey designs, specifically within the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR). A full factorial experiment tested variations in the sequencing of text messages (text invitation, early reminder, late reminder) and the time of day texts were sent (morning versus afternoon) among two respondent groups: Cooperative Respondents and Other Respondents. Results indicate that early text reminders were generally more effective than late reminders or text invitations in increasing completion rates and speeding response, without negatively impacting data quality or sample composition. The timing of text messages (morning vs. afternoon) showed minimal effect on response rates, though afternoon texts slightly accelerated completion among Other Respondents. The study suggests that integrating text reminders into mixed-mode contact strategies can enhance survey participation, especially when combined with traditional mail contacts, and calls for further research on texting strategies in diverse survey contexts.