# form-cro reference

## Core Principles

### 1. Every Field Has a Cost
Each field reduces completion rate. Rule of thumb:
- 3 fields: Baseline
- 4-6 fields: 10-25% reduction
- 7+ fields: 25-50%+ reduction

For each field, ask:
- Is this absolutely necessary before we can help them?
- Can we get this information another way?
- Can we ask this later?

### 2. Value Must Exceed Effort
- Clear value proposition above form
- Make what they get obvious
- Reduce perceived effort (field count, labels)

### 3. Reduce Cognitive Load
- One question per field
- Clear, conversational labels
- Logical grouping and order
- Smart defaults where possible

---

## Field-by-Field Optimization

### Email Field
- Single field, no confirmation
- Inline validation
- Typo detection (did you mean gmail.com?)
- Proper mobile keyboard

### Name Fields
- Single "Name" vs. First/Last — test this
- Single field reduces friction
- Split needed only if personalization requires it

### Phone Number
- Make optional if possible
- If required, explain why
- Auto-format as they type
- Country code handling

### Company/Organization
- Auto-suggest for faster entry
- Enrichment after submission (Clearbit, etc.)
- Consider inferring from email domain

### Job Title/Role
- Dropdown if categories matter
- Free text if wide variation
- Consider making optional

### Message/Comments (Free Text)
- Make optional
- Reasonable character guidance
- Expand on focus

### Dropdown Selects
- "Select one..." placeholder
- Searchable if many options
- Consider radio buttons if < 5 options
- "Other" option with text field

### Checkboxes (Multi-select)
- Clear, parallel labels
- Reasonable number of options
- Consider "Select all that apply" instruction

---

## Form Layout Optimization

### Field Order
1. Start with easiest fields (name, email)
2. Build commitment before asking more
3. Sensitive fields last (phone, company size)
4. Logical grouping if many fields

### Labels and Placeholders
- Labels: Always visible (not just placeholder)
- Placeholders: Examples, not labels
- Help text: Only when genuinely helpful

**Good:**
```
Email
[name@company.com]
```

**Bad:**
```
[Enter your email address]  ← Disappears on focus
```

### Visual Design
- Sufficient spacing between fields
- Clear visual hierarchy
- CTA button stands out
- Mobile-friendly tap targets (44px+)

### Single Column vs. Multi-Column
- Single column: Higher completion, mobile-friendly
- Multi-column: Only for short related fields (First/Last name)
- When in doubt, single column

---

## Multi-Step Forms

### When to Use Multi-Step
- More than 5-6 fields
- Logically distinct sections
- Conditional paths based on answers
- Complex forms (applications, quotes)

### Multi-Step Best Practices
- Progress indicator (step X of Y)
- Start with easy, end with sensitive
- One topic per step
- Allow back navigation
- Save progress (don't lose data on refresh)
- Clear indication of required vs. optional

### Progressive Commitment Pattern
1. Low-friction start (just email)
2. More detail (name, company)
3. Qualifying questions
4. Contact preferences

---

## Error Handling

### Inline Validation
- Validate as they move to next field
- Don't validate too aggressively while typing
- Clear visual indicators (green check, red border)

### Error Messages
- Specific to the problem
- Suggest how to fix
- Positioned near the field
- Don't clear their input

**Good:** "Please enter a valid email address (e.g., name@company.com)"
**Bad:** "Invalid input"

### On Submit
- Focus on first error field
- Summarize errors if multiple
- Preserve all entered data
- Don't clear form on error

---

## Submit Button Optimization

### Button Copy
Weak: "Submit" | "Send"
Strong: "[Action] + [What they get]"

Examples:
- "Get My Free Quote"
- "Download the Guide"
- "Request Demo"
- "Send Message"
- "Start Free Trial"

### Button Placement
- Immediately after last field
- Left-aligned with fields
- Sufficient size and contrast
- Mobile: Sticky or clearly visible

### Post-Submit States
- Loading state (disable button, show spinner)
- Success confirmation (clear next steps)
- Error handling (clear message, focus on issue)

---

## Trust and Friction Reduction

### Near the Form
- Privacy statement: "We'll never share your info"
- Security badges if collecting sensitive data
- Testimonial or social proof
- Expected response time

### Reducing Perceived Effort
- "Takes 30 seconds"
- Field count indicator
- Remove visual clutter
- Generous white space

### Addressing Objections
- "No spam, unsubscribe anytime"
- "We won't share your number"
- "No credit card required"

---

## Form Types: Specific Guidance

### Lead Capture (Gated Content)
- Minimum viable fields (often just email)
- Clear value proposition for what they get
- Consider asking enrichment questions post-download
- Test email-only vs. email + name

### Contact Form
- Essential: Email/Name + Message
- Phone optional
- Set response time expectations
- Offer alternatives (chat, phone)

### Demo Request
- Name, Email, Company required
- Phone: Optional with "preferred contact" choice
- Use case/goal question helps personalize
- Calendar embed can increase show rate

### Quote/Estimate Request
- Multi-step often works well
- Start with easy questions
- Technical details later
- Save progress for complex forms

### Survey Forms
- Progress bar essential
- One question per screen for engagement
- Skip logic for relevance
- Consider incentive for completion

---

## Mobile Optimization

- Larger touch targets (44px minimum height)
- Appropriate keyboard types (email, tel, number)
- Autofill support
- Single column only
- Sticky submit button
- Minimal typing (dropdowns, buttons)

---

## Measurement

### Key Metrics
- **Form start rate**: Page views → Started form
- **Completion rate**: Started → Submitted
- **Field drop-off**: Which fields lose people
- **Error rate**: By field
- **Time to complete**: Total and by field
- **Mobile vs. desktop**: Completion by device

### What to Track
- Form views
- First field focus
- Each field completion
- Errors by field
- Submit attempts
- Successful submissions

---