HubSpot is a powerful marketing tool used by businesses of all sizes to attract leads and convert them into customers. While there is a robust suite of tools available to capture leads, an important feature is still absent: the ability to create multistep forms directly within the platform.
Multistep forms are also known as progressive forms and help to break down lengthy applications into manageable chunks. It helps improve user experience and increase completion rates. But do not worry HubSpot users, there are still ways to create these forms, and this blog will guide you in the right direction.
What are HubSpot Multi-Step Forms?
HubSpot does not offer Multistep forms. Multistep forms are web forms that break down complex applications into smaller, easier-to-manage chunks. You can think of them as a multipage questionnaire instead of a giant one-page document.
Here is how multistep forms work.
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Split into Steps: The form is divided into logical sections. Each section focuses on an aspect of the information being collected.
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Progressive Disclosure: Only the questions relevant to the current step are displayed.
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Navigation: Users can easily navigate between steps. It often shows progress indicators of how far they have come.
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Conditional Logic (Optional): Sometimes, the form might adjust the steps based on previous answers and make it more relevant.
HubSpot uses a multipage form approach. You create separate forms for each step and use hidden fields to pass data between them. The submit button on each step redirects users to the next page of the form.
Benefits of Building HubSpot Multi-Step Form
There are several advantages to building HubSpot multistep forms instead of traditional single-page forms. Some of them are listed below.
Better User Experience
It can be intimidating for visitors to fill out a long form with many fields. Breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process less daunting and encourages visitors to complete it fully. It is also more visually appealing.
Higher Conversion Rates
When visitors complete the forms entirely because the form-filling process is easier and there is lesser cognitive overload, you can get more leads from your website.
Better Data Collection
Multistep forms allow you to collect more detailed information from users without overwhelming them. To get accurate data, you can ask qualifying questions later in the process. This way, you can also achieve better lead qualification and segmentation.
Reduced Form Abandonment
When users find it overwhelming and tedious to complete forms, they are less likely to quit halfway through filling out a multistep form. This leads to a more successful form submission, and you can capture a higher number of leads.
Improve Lead Quality
You can use conditional logic to show different questions based on previous answers. This helps you gather more relevant information and ensures you are getting high-quality leads. Better lead quality is not only important for follow-up but also because HubSpot’s pricing considers the number of marketing contracts in the CRM.
Save Costs
If you are getting high-quality leads, you will reduce the costs related to unqualified leads in your CRM.
Reduced Psychological Friction
Multistep forms minimize anxiety by breaking down the form into smaller interactions. Visitors feel less pressure, resulting in higher completion rates.
How to Create HubSpot Multi-Step Forms?
HubSpot has a lot of amazing features, including forms. HubSpot form builder allows you to create single static forms easily, which you can then add to your website and landing pages. It looks great and is very easy to build. However, there is no out-of-the-box logic and it lacks conversion-focused features.
Although you can build single forms using HubSpot, when it comes to multistep forms, some steps need to be taken to create them. Before looking at the top methods to create HubSpot multistep forms, you have to plan it.
How to Plan Your HubSpot Multi-Step Form?
Here are some key considerations for this phase:
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Form Goals: What information do you need from users? What additional details would be helpful but not essential? Prioritize based on your goals.
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Number of Steps: Aim for the sweet spot - enough steps to gather necessary data, but not so many that users abandon mid-way.
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Content for Each Step: Craft clear and concise questions and progress indicators for each step.
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Conditional Logic (Optional): Map out any conditional logic you want to implement to personalize the user experience.
How to Craft Your Multi-Step Forms with HubSpot
While HubSpot does not offer a native multistep form builder, here are two effective methods to achieve the desired outcome:
Method 1: Sequential Forms with Page Redirects
This approach involves creating separate forms for each step and using HubSpot's form redirect feature to guide users through the process.
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Designate a Landing Page: Create a dedicated landing page where your multistep form will reside. This page will house the first form and guide users through the process. Create three landing pages, each with clear messaging about the specific step users are on. Include compelling CTAs (call to action) that prompt users to complete the form.
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Form Redirects: Within the first form's "Options" tab, set a redirect URL to the next step's landing page after successful submission. Repeat this process for subsequent forms and create a sequential flow.
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Progress Indicators: Inform users of their progress by including a visual indicator like a progress bar or numbering the steps on the landing page.
Benefits
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Drawbacks
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Simple to implement and requires minimal technical expertise.
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Requires creating and managing multiple forms and landing pages.
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Offers flexibility in form design and content for each step.
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User experience might feel disjointed due to transitions between pages.
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Limited ability to conditionally display fields based on previous answers.
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Method 2: Using a Third-Party Integration
The HubSpot App Marketplace offers a variety of form builder integrations that allow you to create multistep forms. Let’s look at a general outline of this:
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Choose Your Integration: Research and select a reputable form builder app that integrates seamlessly with HubSpot. Popular options include Form Maker and Form Crafts.
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Build Your Multi-Step Form: Within the chosen app's interface, you can design your multistep form with the desired questions and branding.
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HubSpot Integration: Follow the app's specific instructions to connect it with your HubSpot account. This typically involves API keys or code snippets.
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Embed the Form: Once integrated, the app will provide an embed code for your multistep form. Paste this code onto the designated landing page within HubSpot.
Benefits
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Drawbacks
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Streamlined multistep form creation with a user-friendly interface.
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Additional cost associated with the app subscription.
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Enhanced user experience with smooth transitions between steps.
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Reliance on a third-party tool for form creation and management.
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Conditional logic capabilities for a more personalized experience.
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A learning curve associated with the chosen app's interface.
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How to Optimize Your HubSpot Multi-Step Forms
Now that you have built your multistep form, here are some optimization tips to help you maximize its effectiveness:
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Mobile-Responsiveness: Make sure that your form functions flawlessly on all devices, especially smartphones.
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Clear & Concise Language: Use simple, easy-to-understand language for questions and instructions.
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Error Handling: Implement clear error messages to guide users in correcting any mistakes during form submission.
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Thank You Page: Upon successful form completion, redirect users to a dedicated thank you page that expresses gratitude and provides any relevant next steps.
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A/B Testing: Test different layouts and button placements to see what resonates best with your audience and optimizes completion rates.
Conclusion
Multistep forms are a user-friendly way to collect information online. They benefit both the user experience and the data quality. While HubSpot offers numerous features, it does not offer a native multistep form builder. To use it, you can use the redirect feature or integrate it with third-party applications. Later, you can optimize it for better effectiveness.