I hate contact forms. I don’t like tabbing. I don’t like clicking into fields. I don’t like trying to figure out wonky signature tools — should I use the stylus or my finger? But, does anyone know where the stylus even is?!?!
I hate taking my kids to the dentist worse than my kids hate going to the dentist because I am routinely treated to a long form intake (on a cheapo tablet that’s not even an iPad), that is truly a pain in the ass to click around in and authorize things in. Not that I’m hating on my kids’ dentist’s office — they’re good at what they do; but, like most businesses, they are good at being dentists and not great at managing the practical aspects of running a business. (So, please keep taking our appointments!)
Law firms utilize contact forms on websites almost ubiquitously. Even the shittiest law firm websites have the shittiest contact forms on them. There are several problems with traditional contact forms, however, a smattering of which follow:
-in order to be viewable on one screen, they can’t be used to collect anything beyond basic information
-they’re static, and not dynamic . . .
-. . . which means that engagement is limited . . .
-. . . and, there are limited options for directing users
-navigating fillable boxes can be annoying . . .
-. . . it’s hard to incorporate workflow management (including document signature and payment processing) into traditional contact forms . . .
-. . . and, for most contact forms, it’s hard to build out a discernible call to action
If modern client intake in law firms is about reducing barriers for potential clients, then old school contact forms are a speed bump you need to flatten.
Look instead for dynamic intake solutions that promote engagement.