Choosing a Webform Provider
Interaction with website visitors has come along way since it was sufficient to just provide an e-mail link. True, an e-mail link (suitably protected to prevent the address being harvested by spam bots) is still important to permit website visitors to have a detailed correspondence with the website owner but a suitably designed webform offers so many advantages.
Website forms are generally preferable to email links for a few reasons:
- Automated processes: Website forms can be integrated with various tools and systems to automate processes such as data collection, lead generation, and customer service. This eliminates the need for manual handling of emails, saving time and effort.
- Spam protection: Website forms can incorporate various security measures such as CAPTCHA and validation checks to prevent spam and ensure that only legitimate inquiries are submitted. Email links, on the other hand, are more susceptible to spam and phishing attacks.
- Structured information: Website forms can be designed to capture specific information in a structured format, making it easier to process and analyze the data. This can be especially helpful for businesses that receive a high volume of inquiries or require specific information from customers.
- User experience: Website forms can be designed with user-friendly interface elements such as dropdown menus, radio buttons, and checkboxes to guide users through the submission process. This can help improve the overall user experience and increase the likelihood of users completing the form.
- Tracking and analytics: Website forms can be tracked using analytics tools to monitor user interactions, conversion rates, and other metrics. This data can provide valuable insights into user behavior and help optimize the form for better performance.
Overall, website forms offer a more streamlined and efficient way to collect and process information compared to email links. They provide a better user experience, enhanced security, and more opportunities for automation and data analysis.
A website form is important for several reasons:
- Contact information: A website form allows visitors to easily reach out to the website owner or business, providing a simple way for customers or potential clients to get in touch.
- Lead generation: Website forms can be used to capture customer information, allowing businesses to generate leads and follow up with potential customers.
- Feedback and inquiries: Website forms can be used to gather feedback from customers or to allow visitors to submit inquiries, helping businesses to understand their customer base and improve their services.
- Customer engagement: Website forms can help to engage customers and encourage them to interact with the website, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Data collection: Website forms can be used to collect data on customer preferences, behaviors, and demographics, giving businesses valuable insights that can inform their marketing and business strategies.
Having covered the advantages webforms have over e-mail links and the uses to which webforms can be used by a business/not-for-profit organisation as part of their website you should be convinced that you need one or more webforms on your website!
How to incorporate Webforms on your website
The "old school" way of incorporating webforms is to write them in html code and process them with a form-processor to deliver the webform submissions to your chosen e-mail address. It works, I have done it but so too in past times you used a starting handle to start a car which was superceeded by ignition keys/starter motors and now keyless push button start in modern cars. The way to create webforms today is to make use of a webform provider who will handle the design of the form much easily than you "hand coding the form", process the submissions and deliver them to you at the e-mail address of your choosing... saving you time to run your business
When choosing a webform provider, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Ease of use: The webform provider should have a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily create and customize forms without needing technical expertise.
- Customization options: Look for a webform provider that offers a range of customization options, such as the ability to add branding, customize fields, and design the form layout to match your website.
- Integration capabilities: Make sure the webform provider integrates with your existing software and tools, such as CRM systems or email marketing platforms, to streamline data collection and processing.
- Security features: Data security is crucial, so choose a webform provider that offers SSL encryption, data encryption, and compliance with industry security standards like GDPR.
- Pricing: Consider the pricing plans offered by the webform provider and ensure they fit within your budget, taking into account any additional fees for advanced features or higher usage limits.
- Customer support: Check the availability of customer support options, such as live chat, email support, or phone support, to ensure you can get help quickly if you encounter any issues with the webform provider.
My Recommendation
My recommendation that stands out as the best choice of a Webform provider is AidaForm.
I have used AidaForm on multiple websites and used their forms for purposes as simple as a Contact Form or Mailing List subscription to as complicated as Job Application Forms involving 40+ questions both multiple choice and open questions requiring careful consideration before the applicant submits their answer in a convenient text box.
AidaForm features I particularly like are:
- The ability to create multiple forms on one account
- Readily edit and amend existing forms at any time
- The ease of embedding the webforms in your website and customising them to match your existing design
- The wide range of example form templates that are available to use as-is or amended to suit your particular requirements
AidaForm - The Product and the Company
AidaForm offers a free account which allows you to receive up to 100 submissions per account per month. This allows someone to try out the service... create forms and try them out before upgrading to one of the reasonably priced accounts with much higher submission limits and additional premium features.
AidaForm has a well developed customer support department should you need it. Many difficulties can be resolved by viewing their extensive FAQ resource. Aidaform based in Ireland can be contacted by Online Chat, Webform (naturally), Telephone and should you wish in writing.
Go for It!
With no more adoo, click on the button to go straight to the AidaForm website and sign up today to their service
Michael Fowler
Other articles by Michael Fowler:
Website Builders - Michael Fowler
Review of a number of Website Builders
Choosing a Webhosting company - Michael Fowler
What to consider when deciding on a webhosting company, recommendation that you consider uk based webshosting company Just Host Me.
Free E-Mail - Michael Fowler
Discussion of the inadequacies of isp e-mail addresses and the free e-mail alternatives available.
Free Domain names - Michael Fowler
Discussion of the Pros and Cons of Free domains, popular free domains available and their suitability for different websites.
Free Hosting - Michael Fowler
The Pros and Cons of using free hosting. A review of the free hosting available in the early days of the internet (1990 - 2000) and the free hosting options available today.
Hosting Reviews - Michael Fowler
A listing of leading website hosting companies with links to Review centre and Trust Pilot reviews
Disclosure: Potential Communications is an affiliate of Aidaform and receives a commission on purchases made through this website. Portions of the article on this page have been created with the assistance of ChatGPT.