6 Easy Steps to Improve Lead Form Conversion Rates by 33%

Let’s start with some context.

Picture a prospective customer who wants more information from us. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for them to complete the form and get in touch with a rep.

However, we often make it unnecessarily difficult. Including but not limited to asking them to fill out their entire life history.

There’s a bunch of small changes that add up to a significant improvement for your prospective customers.

What’s the goal of this particular form, and where is it at in the customer journey?

In this case, the prospect is ready to be in touch with a rep. So, let’s look at the form and see what changes can be made.

Step 1: Optimize the Input Field Layout

Multiple columns disrupt the flow of completing a form. By using a single column with each field on a separate row, we allow prospective customers to maintain focus in a natural vertical progression.

For example, place the last name under the first name and stack email and phone number fields instead of placing them side by side. This simple change helps guide users smoothly through the form.

Demonstrating form fields arranged in a vertical layout

Step 2: Reduce the Number of Fields

Less is more when it comes to lead forms. Reduce the number of fields to the absolute minimum necessary. If there are any must-have qualifiers or details that will change the way reps engage with prospects, consider those carefully.

For instance, if routing by location is essential, consider keeping just the zip code. Simplifying the form increases the likelihood of completion.

Simplified form with reduced fields

Step 3: Optimize for Mobile Typing

Typing on a mobile device can be cumbersome, especially with the standard QWERTY keypad. Ensure the form is optimized for mobile by using the numerical keypad for phone numbers and the appropriate email keypad for email fields.

This optimization makes it easier and faster for users to complete the form on their mobile devices.

Qwerty Kepad is the inncorrect keypad for phone number
Incorrect Keypad
Numerical Keypad is the Correct Keypad for Phone Number
Correct Keypad

Step 4: Mark Required Fields

Make it easy to recognize required fields. If a prospective customer clicks the submit button only to receive an error, they’re more likely to abandon the form altogether.

Clearly mark required fields with an asterisk or another noticeable indicator to avoid unnecessary frustration.

Form required field marked with an asterisk

Step 5: In-Line Validation

Similar to marking required fields, in-line validation helps users correct errors instantly.

For example, if a phone number field requires 10 digits, provide an immediate error message if only 9 digits are entered. This real-time feedback helps users correct mistakes without having to submit the form multiple times.

form In-line validation error message

Step 6: Stronger Call to Action

Your call to action (CTA) should be compelling and clear. Instead of a generic “Submit” button, use a stronger CTA like “Request Information” or “Get Info.”

This small change can make a significant difference in encouraging users to complete the form. And it’s often missed!

Improved form CTA button with "Get Info" text

By adding these simple fixes, you’ll have a much smoother experience for your prospects. I was able to see a 33% increase in click-to-conversion rate on our lead forms.

These steps ensure a smoother experience for your prospective customers, ultimately leading you to more successful conversions.

If you want to learn more about creating conversion-centric landing pages, hit the subscribe button, and when you get the email, reply back and let me know.

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Is your depressing lead form devastating your conversions every single time?

If you’re driving quality traffic to high-intent pages, your lead form may be the problem. Picture Deebo from the movie Friday uppercutting your prospect, preventing them from advancing. Then, Chris Tucker stands over your prospect and declares, “You got—a bad user experience!”

Lead Form Issues Exageration with the movie Friday

But there’s good news.

Simple fixes can have a big impact.

User experience is the name of the game.

If a potential customer wants to take action, make it easy. HubSpot found that removing one form field can increase conversions by 27%, including dropdowns.

You might think the more a prospect works to reach you, the more “qualified” they are. (I’m picturing Dr. Evil from Austin Powers doing his finger air-quote gesture here.) But is this really how we want to operate? Do we want to make our best potential customers jump through hoops? Let’s not be the automated phone system of lead forms.

"lead quality" sarcasm

Prospects are busy. They don’t have time for lengthy, cumbersome forms. Each second they spend on a complicated form is a second they’re reconsidering whether it’s worth their effort. Frustrated prospects abandon forms, a clear sign something needs to change.

Check out the followup to this post: 6 Easy Steps I used to improve lead form conversion rates by 33%.

Let’s fix your forms!

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