The Problem with Website Contact Forms

Website contact forms. Is there even a guarantee that the webmaster or the business owner will read inquiries in contact forms? Many people do not like filling out forms in a website. It's human nature. Instead of simply adding contact forms in a website, why not post your email address? It's a lot easier if customers can simply write an email. On the other hand, contact forms provide a guide to questions that customer might ask. Posting your email may also make you vulnerable to spammers.

Many website contact forms are generic. If you are creating forms for your customers, make it as specific as possible. An example is Graduate Sales in Wichita Falls, Texas. In their contact form, they merely ask for basic information from the customer. Of course, don't forget to comment. Customers will not fill out this form to inquire: they will either call or send an email. Since Graduate Sales did not provide an email, they will most likely call, and hopefully, get an answer from the business owner. The contact form that they provide did not ask anything about order information such as products, quantities or delivery time. It's a waste of web space.

Another example is Popular Flooring. This business is popular in Iowa Park, Wichita Falls (hence the name?), but it does not score much on the Contact Us page. They provide a phone number to get a free quote on their floor products, but they did not provide an email. How much information can the "Your Message" section in the contact form allow? Through email, customers can write more information about what they wish to buy. The form did not offer any option on brands, products, quantity or service inquiries.

JP Companies in Wichita Falls, Texas specialize in demolition, excavation, concrete recycling, conservation, and other environmental services. Which makes you wonder, if we needed something urgent for the community, should we use the contact form? Calling may still be the best option. Another generic version where they ask for your name, phone number, email, and message. The specifics about their projects and services inquiries are not included. Email is not included either.

Our advice to business owners who create contact forms for customers to fill out, make sure the forms are specific enough to define their inquiries. Otherwise, it is just a waste of web space. There are a lot of free programs out there that will let you embed contact or inquiry forms in your website such as Wufoo or Form Assembly. Get Online Texas actually uses one of these contact forms for quotes. The bottomline is if you can make it easier for you and your customers to know what they specifically need, do it. And always include an email address -- you can always set up an email account for free!