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Beyond surveys: creative uses for online forms in business

Published on Sep 05, 2024

When you hear "online forms," your first thought might be surveys or contact pages. But forms can do so much more for your business. Let's explore some creative ways companies are using online forms to make their work easier and more efficient.

Job applications: more than just resumes

Gone are the days of emailing resumes and cover letters. Many companies now use custom online forms for job applications. These forms can:

  • Ask specific questions about a candidate's experience

  • Include short tests or scenarios relevant to the job

  • Allow applicants to upload portfolios or work samples

For example, a graphic design firm might ask applicants to recreate a logo using their online tool. This gives them a real taste of the applicant's skills before even scheduling an interview.

Event registration: making RSVPs a breeze

Planning an event? Online forms can make registration simple for both you and your attendees. You can:

  • Collect dietary requirements for catering

  • Offer workshop or session choices

  • Set up automatic confirmation emails

Imagine you're running a tech conference. Your form could let attendees pick which talks they want to attend, helping you assign rooms based on popularity. You could even use the form to sell merchandise or offer early bird discounts.

Customer feedback: beyond the basic rating

Customer feedback is crucial, but a simple 1-5 star rating doesn't tell the whole story. Creative feedback forms can:

  • Use sliders for more nuanced ratings

  • Include image-based questions (like picking emoji reactions)

  • Offer open-ended questions for detailed responses

A restaurant, for instance, might use a form with pictures of their dishes, asking customers to rate each one they tried. This visual approach can be more engaging and provide more specific feedback.

Product customization: let customers design their perfect item

Online forms aren't just for collecting information – they can be part of the shopping experience. Businesses selling customizable products can use forms to let customers:

  • Choose colors, materials, or features

  • Upload images for personalized items

  • See a live preview of their custom product

Think about a custom t-shirt company. Their form could let customers choose the shirt style, color, and size, then upload an image and see how it looks on the shirt in real-time.

Troubleshooting and support: guiding customers to solutions

Instead of a generic "contact us" form, businesses can create interactive troubleshooting guides. These forms can:

  • Ask a series of questions to narrow down the problem

  • Provide immediate solutions for common issues

  • Collect necessary info if the problem needs human support

Imagine a software company with a form that asks users about specific error messages or behaviors. The form could provide quick fixes or, if needed, create a support ticket with all the relevant details already filled in.

Donations and fundraising: making giving easy

Non-profits and charities can use forms to make donating a smooth process. These forms can:

  • Offer preset donation amounts

  • Allow donors to choose specific projects or causes

  • Provide immediate tax receipts

A wildlife conservation group could create a form where donors can "adopt" different animals, choosing the species and donation amount, and immediately receive a personalized adoption certificate.

Conclusion: the Power of creativity in form design

Online forms are incredibly versatile tools for businesses. By thinking outside the box, you can use forms to improve customer experiences, gather valuable data, and make your business processes more efficient.

Remember, the key is to design forms with your specific needs and your users' experience in mind. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of questions, interactive elements, or even a bit of humor to make your forms stand out.

So next time you need to collect information or interact with customers, consider how a well-designed online form could do the job in a fresh, engaging way. The possibilities are endless!

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