Contact forms that people actually fill in

The contact form is the last step before someone becomes a client. It is a shame to lose that person right there, because of a form that asks too much, does not work on mobile or does not make clear what happens next.

What a contact form should ask: only the essentials

Every extra field is a reason to give up. For a first enquiry, this is usually enough:

• Name.
• Email or phone (or both, one optional).
• A message.

If you need something specific to answer well (which service, which date), add it as an option to pick, not free text.

Write clear labels

• Every field with its name visible above it, not just grey text inside that disappears when typing.
• Mark what is optional instead of filling everything with asterisks.
• An example helps in open fields: "Tell me what you do and what you need".

A contact form that works on mobile

• The phone field opens the number keypad; the email field, the one with @.
• Large, well-spaced fields, comfortable for fingers.
• The send button visible without hunting for it.

Errors that help

If something is wrong, say so clearly next to the field: "I need a valid email address to reply to you" beats "Error in field 2". And do not wipe what the person had already typed.

What happens after someone sends the contact form

This moment causes a lot of doubt. Confirm it was sent and say when you will reply: "Message received. I'll get back to you within 24 hours." And keep your word.

Data protection (in Europe)

If you collect personal data, under the GDPR you must explain who processes it, why, on what legal basis, who it is shared with and what rights the person has. The usual approach:

• A short summary under the form.
• A box to accept the privacy policy, unticked by default.
• Plus a link to the full policy.

What legal pages your website needs: legal pages for a business website.

How to protect a contact form from spam

Forms attract bots. There are ways to stop them without bothering people, such as hidden fields only bots fill in, before resorting to puzzles that make people pick traffic lights.

Alternatives and extras

Not everyone wants to fill in a form. Also offer WhatsApp, a tappable phone number and, if you work by appointment, online booking. Each client chooses their path.

On websites I build at Nueva Página, the form includes the privacy information, spam protection and a clear message when sent. You can try this website's at the bottom of the page.

How to check your contact form works

It sounds obvious, but many forms go months without sending anything and nobody notices. Once a month, send yourself a test message from your phone and check that it arrives, does not land in spam and that any automatic reply goes out properly. Also keep an eye on how many messages you get: if they suddenly stop, something is wrong.

Against spam, it is best to start with methods visitors never see. For example, Cloudflare Turnstile checks in the background that the person writing is human, without making them hunt for traffic lights in photos. The Nielsen Norman Group's advice on web form design is a useful reference for the rest. And so the form is not the only way in, see the WhatsApp button on your website. A form that never arrives is worse than no form at all.

Frequently asked questions

Should the phone number be mandatory?

Better optional, unless you really need to call. Many people prefer a written reply.

Where do contact form messages arrive?

Usually in your email. Check they do not end up in the spam folder.

Do I need a captcha?

Not always. Start with methods invisible to users and add a captcha only if the spam does not stop.

Is the contact form included in the website?

Yes, in every Nueva Página plan, with privacy information and spam protection. Compare the plans in the cost calculator.