Overview: Using Data Submission Forms

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Our website provides some very in-depth information about forms. To begin, what is a form? A form is a method of gathering information. ABC Renovation Company needs a form on their site.

ABC Reno offers a free estimate service. They might use e-mail only, on their site for estimate inquiries, but left to their own devices, the customer may not provide the correct and necessary information.

ABC Reno needs potential customers to give them usable information for the preparation of estimates and to conduct research on necessary permits which must be legally obtained before building begins.

ABC Reno needs the customer's address, phone number and some statistics about their property. This way they can call the customer to make an appointment armed with appropriate material and literature regarding renovation in their zone. ABC Reno knows that it is very easy to lose a sale and they proactively do everything they can to be professional and close the sale.

The form ABC Reno uses encourages the customer to fill out all questions for faster service. This is an excellent approach for ABC Reno to use because it will also save the expense of having to see the property more than once to prepare an estimate. If the customer gives reliable information, ABC Reno can communicate their estimate via an email attachment. They can then go to the customer's location and double check the information while picking up a deposit. The use of a form in ABC Reno's web site saves them money, reinforces their professionalism and gives them an edge in their field by offering free estimate services.

In a form, there are a few different approaches to gathering information, as follows:

  • Ask open ended yes/no questions.
  • Ask multiple choice questions where the values or answers can be set.
  • Offer a text box for comments or elaboration of information.
  • Offer text boxes for home address, phone number, email address and other vital statistics.
  • Apply JavaScript form validation of information when the submit button is clicked.

    Your company needs to design a form that is worded to exactly track the type of information that you need to benefit your marketing program. For example:

  • How did you hear of our company? This question will give you information about which of your advertising initiatives is working best. Drop the ones that don't work and reinvest your time and money into the ones that do work.
  • When was the last time you had your roof re-shingled? This question gives ABC Reno an idea about when to call the customer back to recommend re-shingling. This question will help to build a detailed future customer base.
  • Would you like to receive our sales advertising brochures? This questions gives you permission to stay in touch, and using your future customer base to send appropriate brochures.

    Figure out what information you need and word questions in the best way to get that information.