How to Create the Best Multi Step Form + 8 Examples

Are you seeing significant abandonment rates on key form submissions? Do you want to capture more data points from leads?

For either of these situations, you should consider adopting multi step forms.

Implementing a multi-step form on a website can provide measurable benefits in terms of user experience, conversion optimization, and lead generation. This article explores why multi step forms are so effective, and provides high quality examples from some of the best SaaS websites.

What is a Multi Step Form?

A multi-step form (also called wizard form or progressive form) divides the input fields into several smaller, logical sections or steps, which the user progresses through in sequence. This approach simplifies the user experience, especially for more complex forms, by reducing visual clutter and focusing the user's attention on a manageable subset of fields at a time.

Multiple step forms often include progress indicators, showing users how far they have come and how many steps remain. Many B2B/SaaS websites utilize multi-step forms because they have been shown to increase conversion rates by not discouraging users with the sight of a long, burdensome, single-page form.

When Should You Use Multi Step Forms?

The choice between deploying a multi-step form and a traditional single-page form hinges on the nature of the information you're seeking and the context of its collection. Opt for multi-step forms in situations where the data required is complex or voluminous, necessitating a nuanced approach to collection. These forms are ideal for intricate processes such as sign-ups, detailed feedback surveys, and comprehensive applications, where user engagement needs to be maintained over a series of interactions.

The key is to recognize moments when user patience might be tested by a lengthy form. For instance, when onboarding new users for a service or product, introducing a multi-page form can transform an exhaustive list of queries into an engaging step-by-step discovery. Similarly, when the aim is to filter through leads by qualifying them with specific questions, a stepped form allows for a dynamic interaction that adjusts to the user's previous responses, keeping the dialogue relevant and focused.

Multi Step Form Use Cases

More precisely, multi step forms are useful at a few key conversion points on B2B/SaaS websites.

Lead Generation

Multi-step forms excel in lead generation by capturing essential contact information and then segmenting leads through progressive questions. This approach allows for efficient qualification of leads, ensuring attention is focused on the most promising prospects.

Free Trial Sign-ups

Multi-step forms enhance the free trial sign-up process by breaking it into smaller, manageable segments. This structure reduces the perceived effort and commitment, lowering barriers to entry and subtly encouraging users to invest in the trial, thus improving conversion rates.

Product Demos and Consultations

For scheduling product demos or consultations, multi-step forms facilitate a customized approach. Initial steps gather basic information to guide the scheduling of appointments, and subsequent questions ensure the demo or consultation is tailored to the user's specific interests and needs.

Interactive Experiences

In quizzes and assessments, multi-step forms turn the process into an engaging experience. Each step progresses the narrative, maintaining interest and encouraging completion. This format is especially effective in contexts where keeping the user engaged is crucial to the success of the interaction.

Multi Step Form Benefits

⏭️ Progressive Disclosure

Multi-step forms excel in managing user engagement through progressive disclosure. This approach strategically spaces out information requests across multiple steps, significantly reducing the overwhelm associated with confronting a barrage of fields at once. 

➕ More Data Collection

Breaking down forms while increasing engagement means you can successfully gather more data from prospects without them getting bored and not converting.

👥 Enhanced User Experience

Segmenting complex forms into smaller, digestible parts drastically improves the user experience. This segmentation allows users to concentrate on a single question cluster at a time, thereby reducing cognitive load and increasing the likelihood of form completion.

🧭 Clear Navigation

Multi-step forms help users understand exactly where they are in the process and how much further they have to go, facilitating smooth transitions between steps and empowering users with the ability to navigate the form efficiently.

🚶 Lowered Form Abandonment Rates

The structure of multi-step forms inherently reduces the likelihood of user abandonment. By presenting information in bite-sized pieces, these forms make the data entry process seem less arduous and time-consuming compared to traditional, lengthy single-page forms.

🧠 Conditional Logic

The use of conditional logic is a hallmark of multi-step forms, enabling a personalized form-filling experience by adapting subsequent questions based on the user's previous responses. This intelligent design ensures that users only see the most relevant questions, streamlining the process and enhancing the quality of data collected.

☑️ Streamlined Data Validation

With data being input incrementally, multi-step forms simplify the validation process, allowing for real-time accuracy checks at each step. This methodical approach to data entry minimizes errors while enhancing the overall integrity of the data collected.

👀 Aesthetic Appeal

The division of a form into multiple steps opens up vast possibilities for creative and visually appealing designs. With the ability to assign a distinct visual theme to each step, designers can craft an aesthetically pleasing journey that captivates users and enhances their interaction with the form, making the data collection process both effective and enjoyable.

What About the Rest of Your Website?

Get our ultimate guide - The Best B2B SaaS Websites of 2024. See standout web design examples across the industry and get inspiration for improving your own homepage, pricing page, careers page, lead gen tools, navigation menu, and more!

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10 Multi Step Form Best Practices

1. Clear Progress Indicators

Display clear, visually prominent indicators of the user's current position in the form and the total number of steps.

• Why? This transparency reduces user anxiety by providing a sense of control and progress, making the form appear more manageable and less overwhelming.

2. Consistent Visual Design

Ensure all steps of the form maintain a uniform visual theme, including consistent use of colors, fonts, and styling.

• Why? A consistent design reinforces your brand identity and contributes to a seamless, cohesive user experience that builds trust and familiarity.

3. Intuitive Navigation

Design navigation elements like "Next" and "Back" buttons to be easily identifiable and accessible, enabling effortless progression through each step.

• Why? User-friendly navigation is key to the form's usability, encouraging completion by allowing users to move through steps without confusion or frustration.

4. Tone

Enhance the form with appealing copywriting that delights, supports, and engages the end-user.

Why? Creating a more encouraging user experience can increase user satisfaction and form completion rates.

5. Mobile Responsiveness

Adopt a responsive design that ensures the form is easily navigable and visually coherent across a range of device sizes, particularly mobile screens.

Why? With the increasing prevalence of mobile internet usage, ensuring a form is mobile-friendly is essential for reaching a wider audience and preventing drop-offs due to poor user experience.

6. Conditional Logic

Use conditional logic to dynamically alter which form fields are displayed based on the user's inputs, showing only relevant questions.

Why? Tailoring the form in this way not only personalizes the user's experience but also streamlines the completion process by eliminating unnecessary fields.

7. Minimized Cognitive Load

Limit the amount of information presented at each step to avoid overwhelming the user, breaking down the required input into digestible sections.

Why? Reducing cognitive load can significantly improve focus and engagement, leading to higher completion rates and more accurate data collection.

8. Feedback for User Actions

Offer immediate feedback for actions taken within the form, such as completing a step or encountering an error.

Why? Real-time feedback informs users of their progress and any issues, reducing confusion and frustration that could lead to form abandonment.

9. Optimized Form Fields

Carefully consider the layout and spacing of form fields to promote readability and ease of completion.

Why? A well-organized form minimizes user effort and enhances the overall experience, encouraging thorough and accurate submissions.

10. A/B Testing

Regularly conduct A/B testing on various design elements to identify which configurations yield the best completion rates and user engagement.

Why? Continuous iteration based on direct feedback allows for the refinement of the form design, ensuring optimal performance and user satisfaction.

Adhering to these best practices ensures that your multi-step forms are not just functional but also a positive extension of the user experience, driving higher engagement and conversion rates.

Multi Step Form Examples in SaaS

Now, let’s take a look at some real-world examples of multi step forms.

Zendesk

📢 Callouts

• 8-step form

• Overlaid on top of demo to entice completion

• Simple questions with 1 field per page

• Casual personable copywriting

Motive

📢 Callouts

• 4-step form

• Increased interactivity with buttons and eye-catching icons

• Placeholder field text

• Instantaneous form loading speeds

Toptal

📢 Callouts

• A prominent side trust bar with client logos

• Straightforward, single-choice questions

• Inclusion of meeting scheduling details within the form

ServiceTitan

📢 Callouts

• A 2-step form submission

• Excellent feedback and responsiveness

• Copywriting that reaffirms the ease of completion

• No contact info required on first form

Intercom

📢 Callouts

• Blue gradient background

• A progress bar to indicate advancement

• Minimalism with one question per page

Aircall

📢 Callouts

• A percentage completion wheel

• Colorful, clean interface

• Bold headings and supporting text

• Accordion design for CRM-related questions

Seismic

📢 Callouts

• Complete landing page with supporting content

• Awards, logo bar, and client testimonials

• Drop-down selections to simplify the UI

• A dotted progress bar

Bark.com

📢 Callouts

• Overlaying the form over the previous page can seem to create a more seamless experience.

• An exit intent pop-up can reduce bounce rates

• Prominent progress bar

• Additional fields for custom responses

What About the Rest of Your Website?

Get our ultimate guide - The Best B2B SaaS Websites of 2024. See standout web design examples across the industry and get inspiration for improving your own homepage, pricing page, careers page, lead gen tools, navigation menu, and more!

Download Now

Conclusion

In closing, multi-step forms are more than just a stylistic element of modern web design; they are a strategic tool vital for getting the most out of your key conversion points. By breaking down complex or lengthy data collection into more approachable, bite-sized steps, these progressive forms significantly enhance the user experience. 

If done properly, you will learn much more about your prospects, allowing you to create personalized sales and marketing experiences that speak directly to that individual’s situation. Moreover, the improved UX from multi step forms results in significantly higher engagement, lower bounce rates, and ultimately, more sales opportunities for your business.