What is a Contact Form?

A contact form is a user-input form. It enables website or app users to input information. This information is visible to the website or app operators.

It serves as a method for individuals to transfer details. This detail is shared with the business or individual managing the website.

Essentially, it functions similar to sending an email. With contact form, instead of utilizing an email program, users input their message directly on the website.

What is a contact form?

A webpage on a site that enables users to interact with the site owner. The page includes fields for entering the user's name, address, and type of comment. While many company websites feature email and mailing addresses, the contact form offers users an immediate and convenient means to inquire or communicate with the company.

Why is the contact form system important?

Nearly every website seeks to offer visitors a means of communication. Common options include providing physical addresses, telephone numbers, social media links (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.). In addition, other options include email addresses, online chat with an advisor, online chat with a robot, and a contact form.

Visitors typically have multiple avenues to contact the website administrators. A phone number may be optimal for real-time assistance. Plus, social media for public communication, or a physical address if they wish to visit the business location. However, a contact form is often chosen when other communication methods are not possible, available, or suitable.

From the user's perspective, a contact form allows them to convey details. Details that might be challenging to explain over the phone or that they prefer to communicate in writing. Contacting through a form is also quick and convenient. Especially, when phone lines are busy or unavailable.

From the website owner's standpoint, a contact form facilitates the collection of sufficient information (such as name, email address, and reason for contact) to address the message effectively. It additionally provides a digital paper trail. It also offers potential opportunities for future marketing efforts.

What are the benefits of contact form?

Various perspectives exist on what constitutes a well-designed contact form. A contact form with good design help improve overall user experience on your website. This benefits your business in the long run:

01. Easy to fill

It may seem straightforward, yet it's frequently the most neglected aspect of a contact form. Many times, a contact form is crafted with focus on the business's goals. Sometimes it is build with focus on the personal goals. Plus, creative inclinations of a designer also influence the final form format. Primarily, a contact form should be tailored to meet the business requirements. But equal attention should be given to ensuring it is user-friendly. This involves using jargon cautiously and ensuring a practical presentation.

02. Key information required

How often have you encountered contact forms that compel you to share personal details such as your address or mobile phone number, even when it feels unnecessary? This practice can deter individuals and lead to their departure. Thus, potentially resulting in a lost prospective customer.

It's crucial to carefully consider the information you genuinely require. If desired, consider incorporating additional "optional" fields. This allows users to choose the extent of information they are comfortable sharing.

03. Use anywhere

Doesn't that sound frustrating? Ever filled out a contact form only to discover it's not functioning as intended? Perhaps there's a bug rejecting your email format. Or the form is demanding data you don't possess. Or worst of all, the form is submitting and returning with a discouraging error message.

Regularly testing your forms is a wise practice. This ensures that they continue to operate smoothly. Changes in your hosting environment or mailer server could potentially hinder their proper functionality.

04. Easily create your email list

Email stands out as the most potent means to connect with your audience at minimal expense. Whenever someone completes your contact form, it presents an opportunity to gather their details and seek permission to include them in your email list. Forms simplifies this process. Moreover, you have the flexibility to design custom forms. This allows individuals to effortlessly subscribe to your lists.

05. Get More Leads

Forms encourage visitors to contact you on your website. Especially if you're running a business, forms are often geared toward generating more leads. The presence of a contact form streamlines the process for potential customers to reach out. Unlike relying solely on an email link, which requires visitors to manually create an email, contact forms offer a more convenient and faster alternative. This is particularly advantageous when users are using public or shared computers, as creating an email may not be feasible. Utilizing contact forms enhances lead generation by simplifying and expediting the communication process.

Moreover, with the conversational forms addon, you can add a human touch to your contact form. By presenting one question at a time, conversational forms can significantly enhance your form conversion rate. To maximize conversions, ensure your contact form is user-friendly and easy to fill in. Address common complaints about contact forms to streamline the user experience. Lastly, don't forget to leverage tools like Facebook Pixel to track form conversions and assess their performance effectively.

Research and reports

The mean conversion rate for online forms sits at approximately 21.5% (though this number varies depending on industry).
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How does a contact form work?

This is the primary processes involved in visitor interactions with a contact form. Let's review each step in detail:

01. The user inputs data into the contact form and clicks the send button.

02. Form field validation is initiated on the client-side, within the user's browser. Now, two possible outcomes emerge: successful validation or failed validation. Let's consider the scenario where validation fails (proceed to step 3).

03. Display the error to the user (form client error message). A red error message appears under each field that failed validation, explaining the reason for the failure. The user must rectify the error and resend the form (return to step 2). Assuming correct entries this time, and successful validation, proceed to the next step.

04. Form field validation is activated on the server-side. The server performs a final validation check. If any issues arise, a message is sent back to the user (return to step 3). Successful validation leads to steps 5 and 6. Although not explicitly depicted in the diagram, if reCAPTCHA is employed, its validation is included at this stage.

05. Dispatch auto-response email. If enabled, an email is generated and sent to the visitor's email address.

06. Dispatch form data via email. The entered form data is utilized to compose an email, which is then sent to you.

07. Display the Thank You message (form thank you message). The form is concealed, and a thank you message is presented to the visitor.

Contact form for businesses and brands

Many businesses display a phone number and postal contact details on their websites. Yet the challenge arises when a customer attempts to call during non-operational hours. Without a contact form in place, they may likely abandon the attempt and turn to a competitor. This is why it is import to have a contact form alongside a phone number. Incorporating contact forms into any post or page is simple.

A “must-have” contact form for your business

As your business expands, the volume of inquiries from your website will continue to grow. To efficiently manage and keep track of this increasing volume, the solution is simple: utilize the contact form.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

01. What is the purpose of a contact us form?

Contact forms serve two primary functions: lead generation and facilitating communication with existing clients. These forms on websites contribute to lead generation. They simplify the process for potential customers to submit inquiries or comments.

02. What is the use of contact us?

In constructing a brand's website, the inclusion of a Contact Us page is crucial. This provides visitors with a seamless means of reaching out without exiting their browser. Additionally, such pages offer the chance to capture leads and enhance customer service. In most cases, visitors can provide feedback or post questions through these accessible channels.