X — research poll
Question for [audience]: how do you currently [task]? Options: - [Option A] - [Option B] - [Option C] - Something else (reply) Asking because we are deciding [what you are deciding]. Will share results.
LinkedIn — preference poll
Quick poll for anyone who [role or situation]: When [situation], what do you do first? Options: - [Option A] - [Option B] - [Option C] - [Option D] I will share what we learned from the results on [day], including the comments.
Mastodon — native poll text
Poll: which [thing] do you use for [task]? Options: - [Option A] - [Option B] - [Option C] - None of these Boosts welcome for a wider sample. #[TopicTag] #Poll
X — results follow-up
Results from last week's poll ([number] votes): [Option A]: [percent] [Option B]: [percent] [Option C]: [percent] The surprise: [insight]. Best reply: "[quote from a reply]." [@handle]
Tips
- Make options mutually exclusive and add 'something else' so people who do not fit can reply instead of skipping.
- Tell people why you are asking. A stated reason gets more votes and more thoughtful replies.
- Remember that polls reflect your followers, not the market. Present results as a signal, not as research.
- Always post the results. It rewards voters and gives you a second piece of content from one idea.
Frequently asked questions
How many options should a poll have?
X, LinkedIn, and Mastodon polls support up to four options each. Three or four clear choices usually work best, with one covering 'other'.
How long should a poll run?
One to three days is enough for most accounts. LinkedIn allows up to two weeks, but most votes arrive in the first 48 hours.