8 Must Have Online Forms For Every Website

August 23, 2024 |

7 min read

by Harish Kumar

For website owners, forms have become a necessity because they demonstrate to audiences and prospects a willingness to take feedback and use it to improve service or product delivery. In this process, they also help increase conversion rates and enhance user experience.

However, knowing which forms to use for your website is necessary to help you connect better with your audience.

For instance, government websites have job application forms, tax forms, legal forms, and survey forms, all of which tend to be long and have over 71 input fields. On the other hand, personal websites such as blogs have contact forms and newsletter subscription forms, all of which have short input fields ranging from 3 to 5.

Forms are a must-have for all websites, and in this article, we’ll go over the different kinds of forms and the websites that each is suited to.

Here are the 8 Must-Have Online Forms for Every Website

Contact Forms

A contact form allows site visitors to contact you. It features three to four input fields that prompt visitors to provide their name, email address/ telephone number, and the message they wish to communicate with you.

Websites that use such forms include personal websites, blogs, service-based businesses, government sites, and educational platforms.

Why are simple contact fields a must-have for business owners? They are perfect for customers to make inquiries. Visitors can also reach out for general information or to express specific interests.

One key tip to remember when creating a simple contact form for your site is to keep it simple.

A simple and user-friendly contact field makes it easier for customers to make their inquiries effectively. It also means reduced bounce rates and increased conversion rates.

Job Application Form

Job application forms offer people visiting your website a platform to complete a job application process. These forms have input fields that collect the applicant's personal details, education, work experience, skills, and qualifications.

Most businesses with websites, governments, and online job boards use job application forms to help visitors apply for jobs or to collect information about potential candidates.

One key tip to remember when making a job application form for your website – keep it mobile-friendly.

Research shows that 53% of people aged 18-29 have used a smartphone as part of a job search. Keep your job application forms mobile-friendly to allow job seekers a smooth experience should they wish to complete the application on their phones.

Checkout Form

When buying something online, you're normally required to fill out a form that outlines your shipping address, payment method, and product selections.

That’s one example of a checkout form. They are commonly featured on marketplaces, including ecommerce stores such as Shopify, online retailers, and subscription websites such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon. These forms often include details that streamline tasks like managing delivery routes, ensuring your order reaches you efficiently.

If you sell something online, you need to have a checkout form. One of the main things you’ll need to factor in when creating checkout forms is optimising for conversions.

According to one source, over 80% of people abandon booking and checkout forms, citing website complications as one reason. Making your checkout forms as seamless and simple as possible is a great way to increase conversions (which usually means increased sales) while reducing form or cart abandonment rates.

Demo Request Form

If you’re offering a product or service, what’s one way to allow your users to have a test of your product or service? By offering a free trial or demo.

A demo request form allows users to request for more information about the workings of a product or service through a demo. It presents a gateway to a personalized demonstration of a product or service.

Software companies, SaaS providers, hardware manufacturers, and professional service firms use request demo forms.

So why are demo request forms a must-have, especially for such websites? It’s because they offer a way for your customers to understand your products or services. They also allow you to demonstrate the value of your products or services more effectively, building stronger relationships with potential customers.

When creating demo or product feature forms, it's best to keep them simple while providing straightforward instructions. Additionally, consider adding a thank you message that lets your potential customers feel appreciated for their interest. It's a great way to promote further engagement and encourage customer loyalty.

Feedback Form

Feedback forms are simply communication tools that allow audiences to give their suggestions, complaints, or inputs about a service or product. Most websites online offer feedback forms, but they are also common in the service industry on e-commerce and content creator sites.

A feedback form is a must because it gives you firsthand access to customer insights. This is great because information drawn from them can be used to improve products, services, and the overall customer experience.

Survey Form

Ever land on a site’s landing page and among the first things they tell you to do is to complete a quick survey?

One of the best ways to collect data from a wide online audience is through survey forms. Websites use survey forms for different reasons, some of which include gathering information about service delivery and employee engagement.

A survey form is a must if you run a business or website that thrives on data. This applies to market researchers, general businesses, governments, and academic institutions.

One key tip when creating a survey form is to objectively make them anonymous and provide as many options to allow your prospects to give different responses. As a rule of thumb, use a mix of open-ended questions and closed-ended questions.

Appointment/Booking Form

An appointment or booking form is a tool for service providers to schedule appointments with their customers. In its simple form, an appointment form features several fields that include contact details and desired appointment times.

If you’re a service provider, specifically one that leverages face-to-face service delivery, consider appointment forms on your site. Businesses that typically offer appointment forms on their sites include healthcare providers such as physiotherapists and psychologists, spas, salons, and tutoring services.

One key tip to consider when building appointment forms for your site is to offer reminders to customers before their appointments to reduce no-shows. Additionally, it's also important to factor in security.

Is your website using secure connections to protect user data? To ensure maximum security, it's essential to choose a reputable web hosting platform . Opting for a hosting service with strong security measures and performance features is crucial for both the smooth operation of your site and the protection of customer information.

A newsletter sign-up form serves as a great marketing strategy because it keeps your subscribers upto date with your latest offerings, which could be newsletters, magazines, or articles, which are delivered through emails.

Newsletter sign-up forms are common among content creator websites and media houses but expect to see them on many other different sites.

It allows you to grow an extensive email list with your subscribers, which is a valuable asset for marketing teams. Such forms are also great tools for customer engagement and communication to keep your audience updated on news, promotions, or exclusive offers.

When creating a newsletter form, remember to offer a clear benefit (with a call to action) that your audience can expect to receive upon signing up. This could be tips, exclusive news, or insider/expert information.

In Summary, These Are The Must Have Forms for Every Website

Forms are important to have on your website because they offer a great way for web visitors to communicate with you. They also demonstrate that you value communication and service delivery.

In summary, contact forms, feedback forms, survey forms, check-out forms, newsletter sign-up forms, appointment/booking forms, job application forms, and demo request forms are some of the major forms that every website must have.

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