Using forms to improve user engagement

Hey there, website owners! It’s time to get up close and personal with one of the most understated tools in the digital marketer’s toolbox – the humble form. Yes, you heard right! Forms aren’t just for tedious tax returns or collecting email addresses. They’re a powerful means to boost your website’s user engagement. So buckle up as we dive into the nuts and bolts of using forms to improve user engagement.

Table of contents

Understanding user engagement

Before we dive in, let’s understand what user engagement entails. In essence, it is the measure of a user’s interaction with your platform. From clicks to shares, comments, and the amount of time spent on your site, these key performance indicators give you an understanding of how your audience connects with your content. The higher the engagement, the stronger the bond between your brand and your audience. The beauty of online interaction lies in the immediate feedback, enabling you to tailor your content and strategy to fit your audience’s needs.

Creating user-friendly forms

So, how do you make a form that invites interaction rather than dissuades it? Here are some steps to consider:

Simplify: Less is more. Don’t overwhelm users with too much information at once. Instead, use conditional logic to request more data based on previous responses. This keeps the form clean and personalized.
Be Interactive: A static form is a bore. Make your forms dynamic, with fields that respond to user input. This makes your form feel less like a questionnaire and more like a conversation.
Gamify: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. An interactive quiz not only gathers valuable data but also offers a fun activity that users will remember.
Guide Users: Clear, friendly validation messages help guide users through the form, reducing confusion and frustration.
Progress Indication: Consider a multi-step layout for longer forms, with a clear indication of progress. This helps reduce form abandonment by showing users they’re getting closer to the finish line.
Allow Pausing: For particularly lengthy forms, a ‘save and return’ option can significantly reduce form abandonment rates. Users can take a break without worrying about losing the information they’ve already input.

Mastering form placement

Where you place your forms can greatly impact how users interact with them:

Ensure visibility: The age-old rule of placing the most important content ‘above the fold’ applies here. Make sure your form is visible without scrolling. Alternatively, consider scattering forms throughout your page to engage users at different stages of their journey.
Contextualize: Where does the form fit in the user’s journey? Newsletter signups might fit well at the end of a blog post. Pop-ups or slide-ins, when used sparingly, can grab the user’s attention without being overly intrusive.
Utilize space: Consider sidebar or footer forms for less immediate needs. An exit-intent form, offering something of value, can persuade users to stay a little longer.
Embed: Embedded forms within your content can improve user interaction as it aligns with their current reading or browsing experience.

Form design aesthetics

An attractive form is more likely to be filled out. So how do you create a visually pleasing form that also improves user engagement?

Balance: Just as with web design, balance is key. Use white space effectively to provide visual relief and draw attention to the important elements.
Consistency: Keep fields logically grouped and consistently sized. This makes the form easier to navigate and gives it a professional appearance.
Color: Choose colors that are in line with your brand, but make sure there is a good contrast between the text and the background for readability. Color psychology can also play a role in influencing user behavior. For example, red can denote importance while green often signifies success.
Visuals: Consider incorporating relevant images or icons into your form to enhance understanding and capture interest. Use fonts that are easy to read, ensuring that style doesn’t compromise functionality.
Micro-animations: Small animations that guide users through the form interaction can make the form-filling process more intuitive and enjoyable. For example, a field could light up when selected, or a button could change color when hovered over.

Making forms accessible

Inclusivity is paramount when it comes to online engagement. Here’s how to make your forms accessible to as many users as possible:

Clarity: Use clear labels and error messages to guide users. If a field requires a specific format, communicate this clearly.
Flexibility: Allow flexible user inputs. For example, if a user needs to input a phone number, your form should be able to accommodate minor variations in formatting.
Avoid CAPTCHAs: These can often become barriers to form completion, particularly for users with visual impairments. If you need to use them, consider using invisible CAPTCHAs as this doesn’t require any additional user interaction.
Consistency: Consistent navigation is important for all users, but especially for those using assistive technology. Consistent placement of fields, buttons, and labels helps users navigate your form more easily.
Contrast: Ensure there’s enough contrast between text and background colors. This improves readability, particularly for users with visual impairments.

Leveraging forms for better user engagement

Once you’ve created a user-friendly form, how do you use it to foster better engagement?

Gratitude: A simple thank you can go a long way. Thank users for filling out your form and consider using personalized responses based on the information they’ve given you.
Confirmation emails: Use confirmation emails as another opportunity to engage users. Offer additional value, like a helpful resource or a discount on their next purchase.
Form analytics: Use form analytics to improve the form filling experience. By tracking user behavior, you can identify points of friction and areas for improvement.
Testing and optimization: Regularly test and optimize your forms based on real user data. What works for one audience might not work for another, so keep iterating and improving.

Avoiding common pitfalls

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

Simplicity: Keep forms as simple as possible. Overly complex or long forms can deter users and lead to lower engagement.
Mobile-friendly: With more users accessing content on mobile devices, it’s crucial to ensure your forms are mobile-friendly.
Accessibility: Prioritize accessibility in your form design. Consider alternative input methods for users with different needs and regularly test your forms with assistive technology.
Testing: Regularly test your forms on various devices and browsers to ensure they work seamlessly for all users.

Motivating form completion

Lastly, how do you encourage users to complete your forms?

Value: Clearly convey the value of completing the form. What will users get in return for their time and information?
Simplicity: Ensure the form is easy to complete. Auto-fill fields where possible, and keep the number of fields to a minimum.
Progress: For longer forms, use progress bars or indicators to show users how close they are to completing the form.
Reassurance: Users need to know their data is safe. Clearly state your privacy policy and how you intend to use their data.
Incentives: Consider offering incentives such as discounts, early access to products, or entry into a competition to encourage form completion. Incentives not only motivate users to complete the form, they can also strengthen the bond with your audience by providing them with tangible value.

Conclusion

Forms are a powerful tool for increasing user engagement on your website. By creating user-friendly, visually appealing, and accessible forms, you can foster a stronger connection with your audience. Place your forms strategically throughout your website to increase their visibility and to align with the user’s journey. Leverage forms to offer value and express gratitude, turning a simple interaction into a memorable experience.

Remember, your forms are a reflection of your brand. A well-designed form communicates professionalism and attention to detail, showing users that you value their time and input. On the other hand, a poorly designed form can frustrate users and harm your brand’s image. Therefore, it’s essential to continually test, optimize, and iterate your forms based on user feedback and data.

Finally, keep in mind that forms are not static; they should evolve with your brand and your audience. Always be open to new ideas and approaches to make your forms more engaging and effective. Whether it’s adding an element of gamification, using micro-animations, or experimenting with different form layouts, there’s always room for innovation in form design.

With this guide, you’re well-equipped to take your website’s forms to the next level and make them a powerful tool for increasing user engagement. Now it’s time to put these strategies into action. Happy form designing!