We Break Down 6 Different Types of Forms & What You Need Them For
Quick Summary
This article looks at six common types of forms businesses use to collect information and connect with customers. From order and sign-up forms to surveys, payments, contact, and booking forms, this guide explains what features it has and when to use it. For more useful tips on form creation and lead generation, feel free to check our blog.
Looking to Understand The Different Types of Forms?
Forms come in many styles, each suited to a specific task. If you want to gather feedback, process applications, or collect contact details, the format you choose matters.
With so many options available, picking what works best for you can be tricky. But not to worry. In this Growform article, we’ll outline the most effective types of forms, explaining what they are, where they work best, and why they’re worth considering.
But first…
Why Listen to Us?
Our platform powers thousands of forms across industries, from marketing agencies to service businesses, giving us a clear view of what form types get used, where, and why. We’ve seen what works in practice, not just theory, and this article reflects real-world experience with form design at scale.
Why Consider Different Types of Forms?
- Task Alignment: Different forms suit different purposes. For instance, a feedback form differs significantly from a registration form in structure and intent.
- User Experience: Tailoring the form type to the user’s needs can make it more intuitive and less time-consuming to complete.
- Information Depth: Some forms are ideal for collecting short answers quickly, while others are structured to handle detailed, multi-part responses over several steps.
- Versatility: Different formats are better suited for mobile, desktop, or industry-specific use cases, making it easier to adapt forms to various contexts.
- Efficiency: Choosing the right form type helps streamline data collection, so you get exactly what you need without asking unnecessary or repetitive questions.
6 Different Types of Forms and When To Use Them
- Registration forms
- Payment and checkout forms
- Feedback and survey forms
- Contact and inquiry forms
- Appointment and booking forms
- Order Forms
1. Registration Forms
Registration forms collect information from users who want to sign up for events, services, or memberships. They help you manage sign-ups and ensure you have the necessary details to provide access or services.
Key Features
- User Authentication: Includes fields for setting up usernames and passwords.
- Customizable Fields: Allows tailoring the form to specific needs, such as adding fields for job titles or preferences.
- Confirmation Emails: Automatically sends emails to confirm registration.
- Data Security: Ensures that user information is stored securely.
Use Cases
- Event Sign-Ups: Collecting attendee information for conferences or workshops.
- Account Creation: Allowing users to create accounts for websites or applications.
- Membership Enrollment: Signing up users for clubs or subscription services.
- Course Registrations: Enabling students to enroll in classes or training programs.
For example, at Growform, we’ve adopted a simple and easy-to-fill registration form on our website. New users can sign up by providing their first name, last name, and work email.
2. Payment and Checkout Forms
Payment and checkout forms are needed for completing online transactions. They provide a secure and straightforward way for customers to pay for products or services. A well-designed checkout form can reduce cart abandonment and improve the overall shopping experience.
Key Features
- Multiple Payment Options: Supports various methods like credit cards, PayPal, and digital wallets.
- Security Measures: Includes encryption and fraud protection to safeguard user information.
- Auto-Fill & Saved Payment Details: Enhances convenience by remembering user information for future purchases.
- Mobile Optimization: Ensures the form works well on all devices, providing a seamless experience.
Use Cases
- E-Commerce Transactions: Online stores and marketplaces.
- Subscription Billing: SaaS platforms and membership sites.
- Invoice Payments: B2B services and freelancers.
- Event Ticket Sales: Conferences, concerts, and workshops.
For example, Etsy, an online gift shop, offers a streamlined checkout process. Their form includes three steps: providing a shipping address, making payments, and final review before submission.
3. Feedback and Survey Forms
Feedback and survey forms are needed to collect opinions from customers, employees, or users. They help organizations understand experiences, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. Depending on the information needed, these forms can be simple or detailed.
Key Features
- Customizable Questions: Tailor questions to specific topics or goals.
- Varied Response Types: Include options like multiple-choice, rating scales, or open-ended responses.
- Anonymous Submissions: Allow respondents to provide honest feedback without revealing their identity.
- Integration with Analytics Tools: Connect forms to software that helps analyze and visualize the collected data.
Use Cases
- Customer Satisfaction: Assess how customers feel about products or services.
- Employee Engagement: Measure staff satisfaction and gather suggestions.
- Event Evaluation: Collect attendee opinions after conferences or workshops.
- Product Development: Gather user input to improve or create new features.
Here’s an example of a feedback form for a Cafe from our template collection. It features straightforward questions with multiple-choice options, making it easy for customers to share their thoughts.
4. Contact and Inquiry Forms
Contact and inquiry forms allow website visitors to send messages, ask questions, or request information directly from a business. They are commonly found on “Contact Us” pages and serve as a convenient way for users to reach out without using email or phone.
Key Features
- Simple Fields: Typically includes name, email, and a message box.
- Automated Responses: Sends confirmation emails to users after submission.
- Spam Protection: Utilizes CAPTCHA or filters to prevent unwanted messages.
- Integration with CRM & Helpdesk Tools: Connects with customer relationship management systems for efficient communication.
Use Cases
- Customer Support Requests: Businesses handling inquiries.
- Sales & Business Inquiries: Lead generation for services.
- General Contact Forms: Websites offering direct communication.
- Feedback & Complaints: Users reporting issues or concerns.
The Contact Form on our website is a perfect example here. It’s a multi-step form that includes multiple-choice questions and a field where you can enter your message. At the last step, it asks for your name, email address, and phone number for easy communication.
5. Appointment and Booking Forms
Appointment and booking forms help users schedule meetings, services, or events online. They simplify the process for both businesses and clients, reducing the need for back-and-forth communication. These forms are widely used in various industries, including healthcare, beauty, and consulting.
Key Features
- Calendar Integration: Syncs with tools like Google Calendar or Outlook to manage availability.
- Automated Reminders: Sends notifications to reduce missed appointments.
- Customizable Time Slots: Allows clients to choose from available times.
- Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensures easy access and usability on smartphones and tablets.
Use Cases
- Medical Appointments: Clinics and telehealth services.
- Salon & Spa Bookings: Beauty and wellness businesses.
- Consultations & Coaching: Business and personal coaching sessions.
- Event Scheduling: Booking meetings or venue reservations.
For example, Neil Patel offers a straightforward booking form on its website that enables visitors to book a call by providing key details like name, email, website URL, business size, and phone number.
6. Order Forms
Order forms collect information from customers who want to request products or services. They help organize order details, calculate costs, and simplify the buying process. They’re often used by small businesses, service providers, or anyone who sells custom items or made-to-order products.
Key Features
- Product & Quantity Fields: Allow users to select items and specify amounts.
- Price Calculations: Automatically totals prices based on selections.
- Customer Information: Collects name, email, phone, and shipping address.
- Payment Integration: Connects with platforms like Stripe or PayPal.
Use Cases
- Retail Sales: Selling products online or in-store.
- Food Orders: Restaurants and catering services.
- Custom Products: T-shirts, mugs, or handmade items.
- Service Requests: Booking appointments or services.
For example, Growform offers several order forms as part of our templates. Businesses in industries like HVAC, roofing, solar and energy, and baking can easily customize these templates to take and track orders.
Build the Form You Need With Growform
Businesses require different forms for different purposes. Once you know the form you need, the next step is to create it. That’s where Growform comes in.
Our platform is designed to help you create just the form you need without the hassle, with features like:
- Drag-and-drop Builder: Build fully customizable forms with zero code knowledge or experience using an intuitive builder.
- Built-in Conditional Logic: Show or hide questions based on previous answers for a guided user experience.
- Customizable Templates: Start fast with numerous templates for lead gen, contact, registration, feedback, and more.
- Easy Integrations: Send form responses to over 3,000 apps through Zapier, including CRMs, email tools, and calendars.
- Embeddable Forms: You can easily add your forms directly to your websites and landing pages to make them accessible to users.
Whether you’re collecting leads, signing users up for events, taking bookings, or gathering feedback, Growform allows you to do it all in one place.
Conclusion
Businesses can use many types of forms, from lead capture and registration to surveys, payments, and bookings. Choosing the right one depends on your goals, but creating them shouldn’t be complicated.
Growform makes it easy to build custom, multi-step forms for any use case. It’s simple to use, works great on mobile, and connects with the tools you already use.