external_key is a parameter in which you can pass an external identifier, so that you can later link it with the completed survey.
Most often, a unique client identifier (e.g., from an online system after logging in) or the source of the visit (e.g., facebook or a mailing) is passed in it.

The parameter is added as a classic GET parameter to the survey URL.
It is possible to complete the survey multiple times with this parameter.
The parameter can be used in all survey security levels


Example URLs

https://survey.customerhero.com/survey/1762278/customer-survey.html/survey/123456/satisfaction-survey.html?external_key=facebook 

http://survey.mycompany.com?external_key=0002371231189


Parameter description

Name

Description

external_key

This is any alphanumeric string. Allowed characters are a-z, A-Z, 0-9, excluding diacritical marks. The maximum length of the external key parameter is 64 characters.


Presentation and analysis of results

If the external_key parameter is passed in the survey link, this information will appear in the following places:

  • Viewing single responses

  • Export of raw data to CSV

  • Export of raw data to XLSX

  • Export to SPSS

In the case of raw data and an SPSS file, it will be an appropriate column in Excel or an additional V variable in SPSS.