One of the most important and often neglected pages of any website is the contact page. Think about it, this is likely the page where you are directing your traffic in an effort to get them to contact you and yet, often times it’s just a form with very little other information on it.
Not only is this boring, but it’s uninviting. If you want site visitors to contact you, then you need to make them feel welcomed to take that next step.
Rules for your contact page
Rule #1: Always include multiple ways to contact you. I have had people come to me and say, “I don’t want a form, I hate web forms” or “I don’t want people to call me, so don’t put my phone number.” My response is always the same. The contact page isn’t a page made for YOU, it’s for your customer. So it doesn’t really matter what type of contact YOU like, it’s about what type of contact your customer likes. In truth, some people really like to use web forms. Some people like to call. And some people like to email. Give them as many options as you can so you can meet their needs, not so they can meet yours.
Rule #2: Be sure to invite them to contact you with a nice message. Just slapping a contact form on a page doesn’t make the site visitors feel comfortable contact you, put a message that invites them. This can be very simple, but it’s important!
“We look forward to hearing from you!”
“Contact us today to find out how we can help!”
“Your question is important, please get in touch today.”
These are not very long or very complicated, but make a big impact. If your site visitors feel like you want to hear from them, they are much more likely to get in touch.
Rule #3: Change your contact form button from the default “submit.” Studies have shown that people are much more likely to press the submit button if the text says something other than submit. Try more specific text that creates a better feeling such as “Send Message” or “Get in touch.”
Rule #4: Make it easy. It should be super easy for your user to get in touch with you. Don’t hide your contact page in a footer link or obscure button, make it a prominent part of your navigation. Make sure your form is simple and easy to use and there are as few steps as possible for the person using your website to make contact with you.
Rule #5: Always have a “Thank you” page after submission. Not only does this allow you to track your conversions in Google Analytics, but a well optimized thank you page can keep your user informed, provide them with more things to do on your website, and create a stronger connection to your business. It’s so much warmer and friendlier than the default message of “Thank you for contacting us.”
Your contact page is probably one of the most visited pages on your website, don’t make an after thought. Optimize it so you can increase your contacts and bottom line.
Amy Masson
Amy is the co-owner, developer, and website strategist for Sumy Designs. She's been making websites with WordPress since 2006 and is passionate about making sure websites are as functional as they are beautiful.