Forms are a crucial part of any website.

Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, a blog, a nonprofit organization, or a business website, forms play a significant role in engaging with your audience, collecting information, and driving conversions.

However, getting users to submit forms can be a challenge. In this blog post, we will explore three effective ways to get more form submissions on your website.

Infographic by QuickSprout.

3 Ways to Get More Form Submissions on Your Website

 

1. Optimize Form Design and User Experience

The design and user experience of your forms play a pivotal role in determining how many submissions you receive. A poorly designed form can discourage users from completing it, leading to missed opportunities. Here are some tips for optimizing your form design and user experience:

a. Keep it Simple

One of the most critical aspects of form design is simplicity. The simpler the form, the more likely users are to complete it. Avoid overwhelming users with too many fields or unnecessary questions. Only ask for the information you truly need. For example, if you’re running a newsletter sign-up form, asking for just an email address is often sufficient.

b. Use Clear Labels and Instructions

Ensure that your form fields have clear and concise labels. Use instructional text or tooltips to guide users through the form-filling process. When users know what is expected of them, they are more likely to complete the form without hesitation.

c. Break Long Forms into Multiple Steps

Long forms can be intimidating. To make them more user-friendly, consider breaking them into multiple steps or pages. Each step should focus on a specific set of information. This approach reduces cognitive load and makes the process feel less daunting.

d. Mobile Responsiveness

With the increasing use of mobile devices, it’s essential to make sure your forms are mobile-responsive. Test your forms on various devices and screen sizes to ensure they look and work well on all platforms. Responsive design ensures that users can easily complete forms on smartphones and tablets, increasing the likelihood of submissions.

e. Error Handling

Implement robust error handling. When a user makes a mistake or misses a required field, provide clear error messages that explain the issue and how to rectify it. Avoid generic error messages like “An error occurred.” Instead, be specific, such as “Please enter a valid email address.”

2. Offer Incentives and Value

Sometimes, users need an extra nudge to submit a form. Offering incentives and demonstrating the value of doing so can significantly boost your submission rates. Here are some strategies to consider:

a. Discounts and Promotions

If you run an e-commerce store or offer services, consider offering discounts or promotions to users who complete specific forms. For example, you can offer a 10% discount on the first purchase to users who sign up for your newsletter. This incentive not only encourages form submissions but also drives conversions.

b. Exclusive Content

If you have valuable content to share, use it as a reward for form submissions. Offer access to premium content such as e-books, whitepapers, webinars, or exclusive articles in exchange for user information. Make it clear that this content is only accessible to those who fill out the form.

c. Contests and Giveaways

Running contests or giveaways can create excitement and motivate users to submit forms. For example, you can ask users to enter a contest by providing their contact information. Make sure the prize is appealing and relevant to your target audience to maximize participation.

d. Personalized Recommendations

If your website offers personalized recommendations, use forms to gather data that can enhance the user experience. For instance, an e-commerce site can ask users about their preferences and interests to provide tailored product recommendations. The promise of a more personalized shopping experience can encourage users to submit the form.

e. Social Proof

Leverage social proof to build trust and encourage form submissions. Display the number of people who have already submitted the form or showcase testimonials from satisfied customers who benefited from your offerings after filling out a similar form.

3. Improve Form Placement and Visibility

The placement and visibility of your forms on your website can significantly impact submission rates. If users can’t find your forms or they are hidden away, you’re likely missing out on valuable opportunities. Here’s how to improve form placement and visibility:

a. Above the Fold

Place essential forms above the fold, meaning they are visible without users needing to scroll down the page. This ensures that users see the form as soon as they land on your website, increasing the chances of submission.

b. Strategic Pop-ups

Strategic pop-up forms can be highly effective when used sparingly. Timing is key; avoid bombarding users with pop-ups immediately upon arrival. Instead, trigger them when users have engaged with your content or spent some time on your site. Pop-ups can be used for various purposes, such as newsletter sign-ups, lead generation, or exit-intent offers.

c. Call to Action (CTA) Buttons

Use clear and enticing call-to-action buttons to guide users to your forms. The text on the button should be action-oriented and convey the value of completing the form. For example, instead of a generic “Submit” button, use “Get Started,” “Claim Your Discount,” or “Download Now.”

d. Landing Pages

Create dedicated landing pages for specific campaigns or forms. These pages are designed solely for the purpose of promoting a particular offer or form submission. Ensure that the content and design of the landing page are aligned with the form’s intent, providing a seamless user experience.

e. A/B Testing

Regularly perform A/B testing to determine the most effective form placement and design. Test different form locations, styles, and wording to see which combinations yield the highest conversion rates. Continuous optimization based on data-driven insights can significantly improve form submission rates over time.

Conclusion

Getting more form submissions on your website requires a combination of effective design, incentives, and strategic placement. By optimizing your forms for simplicity and user experience, offering valuable incentives, and strategically placing forms where users can easily find them, you can boost your submission rates and achieve your website’s goals. Remember that ongoing testing and refinement are essential for continuous improvement, so don’t be afraid to experiment and iterate to find the best approach for your audience and objectives.

 

Mark Walker-Ford

Director, Red Website Design