What Is EFO (Entry Form Optimization)? 20 Tips to Reduce Form Abandonment Rates

20 Tips to Reduce Form Abandonment Rates

Below are 20 tips to help reduce form abandonment rates. They are categorized into four areas: "Simplifying Input," "Clarifying Error Messages and Screen Transitions," "Essential Considerations for Smartphone Users," and "Strategies to Prevent Page Abandonment."

Simplifying Input

Tip 1: Keep the Number of Fields to a Minimum

Limit the information requested from users to the absolute minimum. Excessive fields place a burden on the user and increase the form abandonment rate.

Re-evaluate each field in your form to determine if it is truly necessary at that stage. For example, a newsletter registration form should only require an email address. Information such as names or ages can be collected later if needed.

Tip 2: Clearly Indicate Required Fields

Clearly displaying which fields are mandatory helps users understand what they need to provide. Use red, bold text to label them as "*Required." Alternatively, you can highlight the background color of mandatory fields.

Tip 3: Use Clear and Descriptive Labels

Ensure field labels are specific. A label like "Contact Information" is ambiguous, as it does not specify whether a phone number or email address is required. Use specific labels such as "Phone Number (Mobile)."

Tip 4: Provide Input Examples

Displaying input examples helps users understand exactly what and how they should enter information.

For instance, if a phone number requires hyphens, show an example like "e.g., 03-1234-5678."

Tip 5: Do Not Split Input Fields

Keep input fields as a single entry per item. Splitting fields increases the user's input burden and creates a sense of inconvenience. If your backend system, such as a customer database, requires split data, handle the separation after the data has been received.

Tip 6: Utilize Technology to Reduce Input Effort

To reduce input effort, implement features like autocomplete or automatic address entry based on postal codes. Automatic conversion between full-width and half-width characters and the automatic removal of unnecessary spaces are also effective.

For example, uSonar offers an "Easy Registration" feature that automatically populates form fields with names, email addresses, company names, and department information simply by copying and pasting an email signature.

Clarifying Error Messages and Screen Transitions

Tip 7: Display Error Messages in Real Time

If an error occurs, notify the user immediately after they finish entering data in the relevant field. Waiting until the user has filled out the entire form and clicked the submit button to show errors disrupts the user experience and increases abandonment rates.

Validate input formats and character counts as soon as the user moves to the next field and display alerts on the spot.

Tip 8: Clearly Indicate Errors

Error messages should be specific so that users understand exactly which field is incorrect and why.

Avoid vague error text like "Input is incorrect." Instead, use specific messages such as "Please enter the phone number using only half-width numbers." Additionally, use prominent text colors or background colors to highlight the error.

Tip 9: Make the Submit Button Stand Out

It is crucial to set the submit button to a prominent color and size so that users can identify it at a glance.

Tip 10: Use Specific Text for the Submit Button

Instead of generic text like "Submit," use action-oriented labels such as "Register" or "Apply" to encourage user action.

For example, for a newsletter subscription, use a specific expression like "Get the Newsletter Now."

Tip 11: Do Not Include a Reset Button

Placing a reset button next to the submit button can lead to accidental clicks. Avoid including a reset button entirely.

Tip 12: Avoid Using Confirmation Pages

Confirmation pages can also cause abandonment. If the form allows for information to be corrected later, a confirmation page is not strictly necessary. Try to avoid using them whenever possible.

Tip 13: Display Progress in Multi-Step Forms

If you use a "split form" (step form) that breaks input fields across multiple pages to reduce the load per page, display the progress. Helping users understand their progress prevents mid-form abandonment.

Displaying a progress bar at the top or bottom of the form to show the current step and the percentage completed is highly effective.

Essential Considerations for Smartphone Users

Tip 14: Place Labels Above Input Fields

On smartphones, it is standard practice to place labels above the input fields. This accommodates the screen size constraints of mobile devices and aligns the user's line of sight vertically, making input easier.

Tip 15: Switch Input Modes Automatically

To improve usability, implement automatic input mode switching, such as displaying a numeric keypad for number fields and an email-optimized keyboard for email address fields.

For example, for a phone number field, configure the form to display a numeric keypad mode that only shows numbers and symbols like hyphens or the pound sign.

Tip 16: Increase the Size of Buttons and Input Fields

Considering the touch-based nature of smartphones, buttons and input fields should be sufficiently large. If they are too small, it can lead to accidental operations.

Tip 17: Provide Sufficient Spacing Between Fields

For smartphone users operating with their fingers, ensure there is enough spacing between each input field to prevent errors.

Strategies to Prevent Page Abandonment

Tip 18: Display Messages to Users Attempting to Leave

Displaying a message when a user attempts to leave can encourage them to reconsider. Showing a dialog box such as "Are you sure you want to leave this page?" at the moment they try to exit is one effective method.

This allows users to return to the input screen if they were about to leave the page due to an unintended action.

Tip 19: Highlight the Benefits and Necessity of Submitting

Clearly stating the benefits of submitting the form encourages users to complete and send it.

Additionally, for inquiry forms, providing specific examples of the types of inquiries you handle can lower the barrier to entry and help users feel the necessity of reaching out.

Tip 20: Remove Unnecessary Information and Links

The form page is the goal of your website. To ensure users can focus on filling out the form, eliminate unnecessary information and navigation.

Prevent abandonment by hiding headers, footers, and sidebars that contain links to other pages or menus.

We have introduced the basic concepts of EFO and 20 specific tips to help reduce form abandonment rates.

While concepts such as "easy to input," "clear error messaging," and "mobile-friendly design" may seem intuitive from the user's perspective, they are often overlooked when applied to one's own corporate website. By understanding the user experience and designing the most accessible forms, you can reduce form abandonment rates and increase touchpoints with your visitors.