Ultimate guides

How to build a contact form that works

With so many people using the internet for different purposes, it's essential to collect information efficiently. This article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of varying contact form templates and how to build a contact form that anyone can use.

Surviving as a business requires the presence of many things, of which good establishing contacts and a web of exposure are one. In addition, a lot of opportunities pop up frequently whereby you can generate potential leads or links with other companies that might be able to complement your venture. This is why it's essential to remain as far-sighted as possible and have at hand an accessible contact form that will be quick to scoop up prospects. Read on to know how to build a contact form that works!

What type of information Should be Included?

Your online form should include two or more questions to which users can respond by typing a response or selecting an option from a menu. It is common knowledge that drop-down lists, checkboxes, radio buttons, and feedback messages are the most popular online forms. The questions you pose should be basic, concise, and simple to comprehend.

When a few words serve, don't use too many. Furthermore, avoid using sophisticated language when simple words may communicate the same message. Finally, while your first reaction may be to ask as many questions as possible to gather as much information about your consumers as possible, think about what you're looking for. When data are abundant, it is tough to focus on what you require.

Start With an offer

More information is a threat, not an offering. Professional marketers often describe spam as anonymous email, but today's customers apply the spam label to any email they do not believe contains valuable content. So there's another lesson here about the need for great content and proper list management, but it's all about the forms.

This could illustrate why universities have experienced a fall in the percentage of insights generated through the college website over the ages, especially because only a handful are merely offering anything more than the opportunity of being included in a generic mailing list. What do you offer your customers in exchange for their personal information?

Do you need Extra Information?

One of the most common reasons customers leave forms is when sensitive or excessive information is required. For example, a form for purchasing football tickets does not require 12 questions, and a form for signing up for a newsletter does not require a date of birth. People are already hesitant to give up their personal information online, so don't offer them another excuse to leave.

You may significantly increase your response rate by removing unneeded form fields. For example, according to a study, replacing an 11-field contact form with a 4-field version resulted in a 160 percent increase in the number of forms submitted while maintaining the same quality of submissions. It can be challenging to cut back on the information you obtain, but as you plan your questions, ask yourself if you really need it or if you want it.

Single Fields vs. Split Fields

Split fields are the internet user's worst nightmare. These are the fields that separate data, such as a phone number, divided into three fields (area code, central office code, and subscriber number). While the entire purpose is good, these fields are tough to grasp and interact with, and many people will get it incorrect on the first try.

Even simple zip or postal code boxes are frequently filled incorrectly because people look at the first field and make an assumption. According to a recent study, when a form uses a split field, it tends to be where the eyes focus first since the brain perceives it as an unexpected feature. Split fields generate additional difficulty on mobile because users will likely tap each field independently to complete the form.

Create a Visual Hierarchy

People will read through a form in seconds; thus, providing clearly defined segments will aid in building an easy-to-understand and follow a visual hierarchy. People, in general, like to find patterns and group the things they perceive. Even when we are looking at two similar circles, our eyes will search for any distinctions. This is our fundamental tendency to categorize objects.

Form design works in the same way, especially if you need to collect a lot of information. Creating sections by grouping relevant information together and using color shading, extra white space, or a subtitle makes filling the form much more comfortable. Instead of a 15-field form, the user is now presented with a 3-part form containing only 4-6 fields.

Security and Trust

Users may be cautious about submitting their data due to rising worries about privacy and information security. Earning their trust involves assuring them that their information is secure with you from the beginning. Above all, if you're requesting confidential material, be honest and straightforward in describing why you need that specific data and how you'll manage it from the minute they give it to you.

However, these background security procedures are not the only essentials in gaining your customer's trust. Creating a trustworthy impression should be integrated into all aspects of customer-facing operations, including the first step consumers take towards you - the sign-up form. It has been verified that clean and minimal user experiences foster a perception of professionalism, user-centered service, and confidence.

Conclusion

There are many varieties of forms and even more ways to make them effective and user-friendly. For example, depending on the context, QuestionScout's services are becoming increasingly useful. So keep in mind that what is considered a perfect solution may not always be the ideal answer for your form. However, the key to determining what you need to enhance is to analyze your form statistics and investigate your users' activity.

Forms are a wonderful place to start if you want to contact your target audience and generate more sales. Create a contact form once you've built your site so that users may contact you if they have any questions about it. Then you may move on to more complex approaches, such as marketing and allowing clients to provide feedback. Overall, forms are the quickest and most effortless approach to improve your business.