Web Form Support

It is imperative that you understand where users are abandoning the page, just as it is to know what pages users are navigating within your site. Try FormAlive™ to begin seeing results in just a few minutes. Once FormAlive™ has been integrated into your page and you know where people are leaving, you can now take some of our concepts and begin increasing your sales immediately.

Creating a Better Web / HTML Form

A clear message of your call-to-action

A user wants something from your organization, and you would like to serve them. With a clear call to action, and an integrated incentive, you can increase conversion, and clarify expectations. “More Info” does not cut it these days, and may stand as a roadblock to a vague deliverable.

Logical Thought Flow

When managing lengthy forms, the user’s thought process and flow of information must be smooth. You should keep related questions grouped together, and divide different thoughts up using transitions, typically a graphical design element.

Tab Index

Most users use the tab key to navigate fields. Often times, the tab order can be disrupted or changed so the first field might jump to the middle of the form. A last minute change in field placement may cause an oversight in testing.

Try to keep the Form Above the Fold

Users do not like scrolling. The more scrolling down, the more room for errors.

Progress Bar

This lets the user know how far they are in the process. Everyone likes an expectation set, although it does not always mean 1-2-3. If your form is 5 pages long, a simple graphical bar may alleviate the stress of reading a higher number count. Subtle hints can make a big difference.

Proper Validation

Fields are often validated using client-side Javascript as well as server-side. The alert message that appears should be as descriptive as possible.

Auto-Tabbed Fields

Phone number fields can be a cumbersome, but an auto cursor script can be added to bring the cursor from the area code to the next field, as soon as the first 3 numbers are entered. Though this seems like a small improvement, seconds count in promoting a great experience.

Distractions

Filling out a form takes concentration, and though it may seem like a small ad placement offers incentive, it often distracts from filling out the form. You may also want to consider removing all the non-essential links from the page including the full masthead menu bar.

Submit Button

The submit button is usually scanned subconsciously, and supplements the overall call to action. The button should say something beyond just “Submit”. It should illustrate the supporting incentives such as “Start Saving”, "Purchase", "Save Profile" or can be subtlety inviting such as a simple “Next”.