Is your contact form actually working?
Many business owners don't realise their contact forms are broken until it's too late. Here's how to check and fix them.
The hidden problem with contact forms
Contact forms are one of the most critical elements on your website. They're how potential customers reach out to you. Yet many business owners discover their forms aren't working only after they've lost potential leads. This is especially common on website builder platforms where forms can break due to plugin updates, configuration changes, or simple oversights.
How to ensure your contact forms are always online
How to ensure your contact forms are always online
Test your form regularly
The simplest way to catch a broken form is to test it yourself. Fill out your contact form at least once a month from different devices (desktop, mobile, tablet) and check that you receive the submission. Don't just assume it's working. Verify it.
- Set a monthly reminder to test your form
- Test from different email addresses
- Check both desktop and mobile versions
- Verify you receive notifications in your inbox
Check your email configuration
Many form issues stem from email delivery problems. On platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress, forms often rely on email services that can be misconfigured or blocked by spam filters. Ensure your email settings are correct and that form submissions aren't being filtered.
- Check your spam/junk folder regularly
- Verify email addresses are correct in form settings
- Consider using a dedicated email service for form submissions
- Test with different email providers (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
Monitor form analytics
If your platform offers form analytics, use them. Track how many submissions you receive and watch for sudden drops. A decline in form submissions might indicate a technical issue rather than a lack of interest.
- Set up Google Analytics events for form submissions
- Compare monthly submission rates
- Investigate any sudden drops in form activity
- Use platform-specific analytics if available
Keep plugins and integrations updated
On WordPress especially, outdated plugins can cause forms to break. Keep your form plugins and any related integrations (like email services) updated. However, always test after updates to ensure nothing has broken.
- Update plugins regularly but test after each update
- Keep a backup before major updates
- Monitor plugin compatibility with your WordPress version
- Consider using well-maintained, popular form plugins
Have a backup contact method
Even the best-maintained forms can have issues. Always provide alternative ways for customers to contact you, such as a direct email address, phone number, or social media link. This ensures you never lose a potential customer due to a technical issue.
- Display your email address prominently on your contact page
- Include a phone number for urgent enquiries
- Add social media contact options
- Consider a live chat option as a backup
Consider professional maintenance
If managing your website and forms feels overwhelming, consider professional help. A managed website service ensures your forms are always working, your site stays updated, and you never have to worry about technical issues.
- Look for services that include form monitoring
- Choose providers that offer regular testing and maintenance
- Ensure they provide backup contact methods
- Ask about their response time for fixing issues
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