Using forms on your XSite without turning off your visitors

A recent survey of consumer "pet peeves" about commercial websites by web hosting company Hostway Corp. found that 83 percent of consumers get annoyed with websites with registration log-on pages that block access to online content. But for many you, those registration required pages – or "doorway forms" as we call them here at a la mode – are an effective way to get quality leads from your XSite.

As you may know, you have two types of doorway forms available on your XSite: Page specific forms that allow you to specify individual pages that should be preceded by a form and global forms that allow you to establish "triggers" to activate the doorway form of your choice through the natural course of a visitor browsing your site. [After a visitor has clicked on three pages, for example.]

So how do you effectively use those doorway forms without annoying your visitors? The key is to use the forms sparingly, and only in places where the destination content is of particular interest and value to your visitors. For example, many XSite owners use global forms in their listings so that when a visitor requests a listing detail page, they're required to fill out a form such as "Looking to buy?" The visitor's contact information then flows automatically into a specified contact group so the agent can follow up.

To add doorway forms to your XSite, click on the XSite icon in the My Office area of your XSite and go to "Lead Capture."

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how and when to use your XSite's doorway forms – if you choose to use them at all. Many XSite owners have success with password-protecting their content pages and listings. However, if you're not seeing the traffic you'd like, you may want to consider taking the doorway forms down. Remember, the ultimate goal of your XSite is to generate quality leads that build your business!

To learn more about doorway forms, click here. As always, if you need help, call us on the tech lines at 1-800-211-4514 any time, day or night. We'll even be here on Christmas and New Year's Day. Promise.