Contact page audit

Have you looked at the contact page on your web site lately? Give it a quick audit. Here is a list of things to look for:

• Make sure you have a contact page and it's easy to get to from every page on your web site.
  
• Your contact page should have a form for people to fill out versus just mailto links to specific email accounts. Contact forms are easier for people to fill out, allow you to obtain consistent information from all contacts, and forms work for everyone (mailto links can sometimes cause problems with gmail and other web based email clients).
  
• Have fields for all the information you want people to provide. However, only require the minimum info you need to collect. Requiring too many fields to be entered can significantly decrease your conversion rate on this page. You can always find out the other info you need when you follow up with them.
  
• Clearly identify the fields you require to be filled out.
  
• Research shows that listing the fields in a one column format is easier for people to fill out and results in higher conversion rates.
  
• Try to keep the form and the submit button "above the fold" so people don't need to scroll to complete it.
  
• Be sure to list your address, phone and other related contact data on the contact us page.
  
• Consider adding directions, links to GoogleMaps or provide users ability to SMS - text message directions to their mobile phone.
  
• Audit the page visitor get once they fill out the form, oftentimes referred to as the "thank you page". It should say thanks and set expectations for when you will be contacting them. Consider adding graphics and links to key pages on your site.
  
• If you are using Google Analytics, set this page up as a goal or funnel (as appropriate). Keep an eye on how many people get to this page and how many complete this page.
  
• Do some A/B testing and make adjustments to layout and content on this page to improve the results. Improvements on this page can deliver big returns.