Whether we like it or not forms are a necessity and ensure business internal processes run smoothly (especially when human resources are involved). I have found that no matter what size your business is, you can be guaranteed that at some stage or another there will be a form to fill in or sign. While there are so many new apps and forms on websites there are still loads of forms out there in Word or PDF that are used everyday.

With so much technology and data collection here are seven tips that you can do to enhance your forms in PDF or Word to make them user friendly.

  1. Keep the design and layout as simple and as clear as possible. You want to ensure that internal and external customers actually use them instead of being deterred by using them.
  2. Add a save button. If the user of the form gets stuck or is unable to complete the form it is a quick reminder that they can save it and launch it again later.
  3. Add a submit button to your form for a faster response. This way anyone filling it in can simply stay in the one place and simply click on the link to attach it and email it. This will save them time on saving it, opening a new email and not have to worry about having to save it, open a new email, find the address and attach it. 
  4. Add links to your form, including your website, payment links, social media links and your email address after all it is still a form of advertising.
  5. Try including easy to use drop down boxes. For example Y/N responses. This is particularly useful for external order forms or registration forms and internal Human Resources forms.
  6. Make the fields so that they are set in colour. This helps the user to automatically determine which fields on the form can be edited electronically and so they also know there is no need to print it.
  7. Add easy to follow instructions on your form fields so that the user knows exactly what is required for each field.

Whatever your use these helpful little tips will make it so much easier for you to add the data into your CRM system and help you to get the response you are looking for.

At Absolute Assistance – Virtual Assistant we have had loads of experience in using and creating forms and an exclusive opportunity exists between now and until the end of January 2012! For the first 25 businesses to contact us, we are offering a special package to convert your old form's to an electronic PDF version with editable, user friendly fields for your customers. For only $50.00 (AUD) you can have one form (up to two pages in length) converted into an editable Word and PDF document.

Please contact us immediately using our form below if you would like us on to deliver this offer! Terms and Conditions apply.