Sign-up forms are a simple yet effective way to increase conversions, grow mailing lists, and learn more about leads, but they must be designed with intention to be successful. Before adding one to your
website, make sure your sign-up form follows best practices so it works like a charm rather than a dud. Let’s take a closer look at what your sign-up form should have!
Design Essentials for Sign-Up Forms
Thanks to website plugins and online tools, it can take just minutes to create a sign-up form. However, it’s vital that you carefully consider your form’s design to yield the greatest results. Here are nine
design tips for sign-up forms to help you get more conversions.
1. State the Value of Signing Up
From the start, state the value of signing up whether that’s a free trial, discount, or webinar. Offer prospects an incentive to motivate them to fill out the form.
2. Only Ask for the Info You Need
Only ask for the information that you need so it’s easy and quick for people to fill out the sign-up form. Depending on the offer, your form might need multiple fields but typically a name and email are enough.
3. Keep It Simple
A busy design is a turn-off. Keep it simple by adding enough ‘white space’ and using the same fonts and colors as the rest of your website for cohesive branding.
4. Place Labels Above the Field
Speed up the form submission process by placing labels above the field to clearly indicate the information required for the field. If additional instructions are needed, add help text or a pop-up hover tip.
5. Indicate Which Fields Are Required
Sign-up forms with more than two fields should identify which fields are required by placing an asterisk symbol (*) next to the label. Let prospects know what information is required upfront so they don’t get frustrated when submitting the form.
6. Stack the Fields in One Column
A one-column format is the best way to create an easy-to-follow form. Two-column forms can disrupt reading or lead to misinterpretation. However, if the fields are closely related, then two columns are acceptable (e.g. first and last name fields).
7. Have a Compelling Call-to-Action
The call-to-action (CTA) button should be compelling and concise. A “Submit” button is direct, but not very interesting. Instead, tie in your offer value to the CTA. For example, “Save My Seat” for a webinar or “Get It Now” for a free download.
8. Use Form Validation to Detect Errors
Prevent inaccurate information by using form validation to detect errors in submissions. Inline form validation takes it a step further by validating the information as people type it in, showing a little red X next to the field and a green checkmark to show it meets requirements.
9. Include a ‘Thank You’ Message
After the prospect submits the form, display a ‘thank you’ message. Not only is it polite, but it also lets them know that their submission went through successfully.
Generate More Conversions with Sign-Up Forms
Sign-up forms are a great way to generate conversions like purchases, downloads, email opt-ins, and more. If your form isn't getting a lot of submissions, then it's probably not following all of these best practices. A simple tweak could be all that’s needed to drive more conversions and business!