Turbo boost incoming freelance job offers – The Wufoo way
No, it’s not really a misleading title. So don’t sue me for misrepresentation.
And double bonus, it doesn’t need a hugely long post to explain it.
Now it’s not a groundbreaking solution or a brand new idea, but it is one that I have only just implemented and been taken aback by the results.
The Answer?
Have a online quote form available on your website.
That’s it.
Since adopting a Wufoo form for ImJustCreative, the flow of quote requests has more than doubled. At least for me. Granted some of it could be just coincidence and good fortune. But ever since, I am receiving more direct approaches for work than I did. Granted, not all end in work, but it certainly helps with general confidence and state of mind if nothing else.
There is a very real benefit to have a quote form accessible in this way.
Initially I was dubious, personally I hate filling in lengthy forms, so just naively assumed that this would be same for a lot of people.
Seemingly not true. And I would suggest not something to sniff at either. If you don’t have a online form, and business is slow, then I can strongly recommend getting one fixed up pronto. Make it as easy and as accessible as possible for people to approach you or contact you. It is no myth that in today’s day and age of texting, instant messaging, emailing, facebooking, twittering, the use of the voice call comes a distant last place for many people.
Certainly I have experienced many time when I have suggested talking on the phone to a client or contact only to hear every conceivable alternative option to communicate. Seems we are becoming a generation adverse to vocal communication given the immediacy of instant messaging in its many guises.
So it’s then logical to assume that for potential clients, some who may not want to call for what ever reason, by not giving them option of the online quote form is potentially bad for new business.
So this is just a head’s up. Something to try if you are struggling to find new work.
But forms are tricky to make
I believe that many people, such as myself are daunted by the seemingly complex nature of more complex data forms, hence why many sites don’t offer them, apart from the standard contact form of which there are a myriad of WordPress plugins. But WuFoo is the answer you are looking for if you are technically challenged or even just don’t have time to code a form even if you could do it.
Wufoo makes it so easy to create any length of form with any combination of text fields you could possibly want. With numerous options to integrate said form into your website as a embedded page, as mine is, or off-site links, pop-ups etc. It it ultimately flexible.
It does take a little time to construct a form, and you must have a clear idea of the questions you want to include, certainly not something to try and make up on the go. Winging it is likely to result in confusion
You have control over the design of the form, using CSS if you feel the need. There are a number of set themes and of course you can brand the default themes with your own logo.
Yeah, it can cost
As you can see from the pic below there are a number of pricing plans with the defacto ‘free’ plan, which may just suit a purpose. But frankly, if you want a detailed form, then you will be restricted with the 10 field minimum.
This is my only grumble with WuFoo, the need for more than 10 fields is highly probably for most people, yet the only option up from the ‘free’ is the $9.95. May not seem much, but if you only need one form then it’s certainly overkill, unless you can share the package.
It’s not a cheap option by any means, but the flip side is that it’s super convenient. And if you opt for it, see positive results, it may just pay for itself, or you could then decided to have someone code you a custom form.
So look at Wufoo forms as a excellent primer, test bed for online quoting.
Article Posted On: January 22, 2009 at 10.54 pm
Written By
In Categories: Design
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13 Comments
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Great post overall, but that last paragraph makes me scratch my head a bit.
You’re getting more leads than ever before thanks to Wufoo and you feel that $10 / month isn’t cheap? I’m a web developer, and at the rates I charge, I would need roughly one extra client every decade for this to be worth it…perhaps you’re not charging enough for your services :)
Ryan> The comment about the price is directed at thos that only need ONE form, as a one off for example. But cant use the free option as they need more than 10 fields. In this case, it is a pricey option.
But, if like me or you, you are using a number of forms and even offering them to clients as a service then it pays for itself time and time again.
Capiche?
This looks great. Like most designers, I avoid the use of forms. But you’re right. Clients (and potential ones) like them. And they like knowing if they can even possibly afford you. Very nice find. Thanks fir sharing!
Simple but effective. I like!
Interesting you’re concerned about the cost. Does it not generate $9.95/mo in value for you versus what it would have cost you to either (a) do it yourself or (b) find an inferior and/or cheaper product?
Ultimately, they’re charging because they are a for-profit company and they want customers like you who are getting true and real value from their product (hence, the act of paying signifies that it indeed is making you more value than that which it cost, or saving you money instead).
Hey man, your form is messed up :)
imjustcreative.com/hire-me/
I just started using Wufoo when I re-designed my freelance portfolio site and with my new contact form and a new quote/estimate form business has really picked up.
why not use google forms?
http://www.mattsilverman.com/2008/10/introduction-to-google-forms.html
Thanks for the great article.
Generating new revenue is always a great thing. Very informative.
Don> I just havnt got round to trying Google forms yet, so this is just based on my own experience rather than a comparison. Certainly will check out Google forms tho soon.
Jon> I agree, Im sure it’s not just Wufoo that makes the work come in, any forms would do the job. Wufoo is just the tool i use, same as you. The message really is just think about having a form of any kind to collect quote data.
Sean> As i pointed out in my earlier reply to Ryan, the cost isn’t a personal issue for me.
Im simply pointing out that if you only need one form, but more than 10 fields, then the only option is the first paid plan. Which then does look a little pricey, $10 a month for one form.
I have no personal problem with the cost, as you say, its a investment, and i need a good half dozen forms personally, and more for clients. So the ease of use, the simplicity in this case makes Wufoo a no brainer.
:)
Graham,
Nice article. Regardless of the pricing argument or which form tool to use, you develop up a good point. Typically, it is better to provide multiple options for prospects to reach you. You experimented and, so far, the experiment seems to be paying off. I would say that the people who would fill out a form versus picking up the phone will be less likely to buy. However, you at least have a better chance to make a transaction now that you have their requirements and contact information.
By the way, have you checked out FormAssembly.com? They have a $0.05 per response plan that may make more sense in your case.
I’m going to start doing this myself, as well as recommending it to clients. A quote form in Drupal is just a more-elaborate-than-normal cck type.