Say Goodbye to Boring Forms
Introduction
Form building is an essential part of many business workflows and customer interactions. Well-designed forms improve data collection, user experience, and conversion rates. However, creating functional yet aesthetically-pleasing online forms can be challenging. This article will explore creative form building tools to help you make engaging, effective online forms. We'll compare top tools and highlight key features to consider when selecting form software.
Forms are a critical component of digital experiences. They allow businesses to gather information from customers and users in a structured way. However, boring, poorly designed forms can frustrate users and cause them to abandon submissions.
Some key problems with subpar forms include:
- Cluttered layouts that are visually overwhelming
- Confusing questions that are vague or ambiguous
- Technical glitches and errors that prevent submission
- Lack of mobile optimization leading to a poor experience on phones
Thankfully, modern form building tools make it easy to create sleek, user-friendly forms. Let's look at how they can help you collect better data and provide a smooth form experience for your users.
Benefits of Online Form Building Tools
Online form builders provide many advantages over coding forms from scratch or using basic plugins. Key benefits include:
Increased Lead Generation
Well-designed forms help capture more leads by making it easy for visitors to submit information. Conditional logic presents relevant fields to each user. Email integrations send notifications when a submission is received. All of this helps convert more visitors into leads.
Improved Customer Support
Forms allow customers to provide feedback, request help, or submit questions. File uploads let them attach relevant documents or media. Conditional logic routes submissions to the right department. This improves response time and customer satisfaction.
More Effective Data Collection
Online forms standardize data collection across channels. Validation and calculations improve data accuracy. Conditional logic reduces irrelevant submissions. Automated workflows mean faster processing. All this results in higher quality data.
Enhanced User Experience
Mobile-friendly forms provide an optimized experience on any device. Clean, minimalist designs improve aesthetics. Progress indicators show completion status. Confirmation messages reassure users their submission was received. This leads to more conversions.
Key Features to Look for in Form Builders
When evaluating form software, here are some key capabilities to look for:
- Drag-and-drop form editors for quick creation
- Mobile responsiveness across devices
- Workflow automation with conditional logic, calculations, and integrations
- Premium templates to jumpstart form design
- Analytics and heatmaps to optimize forms
- Role-based permissions and approvals
Form Design and Branding
- Modular form sections for drag-and-drop editing
- Media embedding to include images, video, and files
- Custom themes to match brand styles
- Color palettes and font selection
- Progress indicators and confirmation messages
- Custom domain support
Logic and Calculations
- Skip logic to show only relevant fields
- Real-time calculations and totals
- Data validation for numbers, emails, dates, etc.
- Multi-page forms with page breaks
- Repeatable field groups and table rows
- Piping to pull data into fields
Workflow Automation
- Conditional alerts and email notifications
- Multi-step approvals and e-signatures
- Zapier integration to connect with 1000+ apps
- Webhooks to send data to external platforms
- Form assignment rules based on responses
- API support for custom integrations
Top Form Building Tools Compared
Here are some top form builders and their key strengths:
- Typeform - Best for conversational, interactive forms
- Wufoo - Great for basic contact forms
- JotForm - Most comprehensive all-in-one solution
- Formstack - Top for enterprise-level forms
- Zoho Forms - Seamless integration with Zoho CRM
- Google Forms - Free and easy but limited features
- SurveyMonkey - Best for surveys and questionnaires
- DevHunt Form Maker - Simple yet flexible free form builder
DevHunt Form Maker is a great option for developers looking to quickly build basic online forms. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and quality templates to get started. Integrations with DevHunt's developer database make it easy to collect user feedback. For more advanced features, explore the other leading form builders on this list.
Pricing Models
Many offer free plans for basic forms. Paid plans range from $15 - $50+ per month. Volume-based and enterprise pricing options. Some charge per submission after a threshold. Consider number of forms, fields, and responses needed.
Ease of Use
Drag-and-drop form builders allow for quick editing. Template libraries modify ready-made forms. Responsive mobile-friendly form design. Clear workflows and intuitive UI. Documentation and tutorials provide guidance.
Advanced Features
Conditional logic, calculations, and data validation enhance forms. Multi-page forms and repeating sections add complexity. File uploads, signatures, and payments expand functionality. Workflow automation and approvals optimize processes. APIs and 3rd party integrations add power.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Online form builders provide powerful tools to easily create effective forms. Key features include drag-and-drop editors, conditional logic, and workflow automation.
Leading solutions like JotForm and Wufoo make it simple to build everything from basic contact forms to enterprise-level data collection. Don't settle for boring forms - explore these innovative form building platforms to create sleek, user-friendly forms that convert.
Form software allows you to save time, improve data quality, increase leads and engagement. To learn more, check out DevHunt's Form Maker for a flexible free option to create your first online form.