Order forms represent the future of streamlined ecommerce. Read on as we explore the data behind their rising popularity, walk through a step-by-step guide to implementation, review top tips from experts, and more in this 2500+ word ultimate resource.
The Growth of Online Order Forms
Before diving into the installation process, let‘s analyse why online order forms are exploding in popularity:
- Mobile Commerce Growth: M-commerce increases 200% year-over-year and already comprises 60% of digital orders. Order forms are mobile-friendly by default unlike complex cart checkouts.
- 69% Abandonment Rate: Shopping carts have abysmal completion rates. 69% are abandoned with clunky, distracting interfaces that offer too many chances to leave.
- Higher Conversions: Order forms reduce buying friction with fewer form fields. Completion rates for purchase-focused forms can exceed 85%.
Order forms meet rising mobile demand while streamlining checkout. But beyond improving user experience, they integrate directly with all core business systems as we‘ll explore next…
Top Benefits of Online Order Forms
Online order forms check all boxes:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Simplified Buying Process | Customers purchase directly without needing to browse catalogs or fiddle with carts first |
| Mobile Friendly | Order forms function perfectly on smartphones and tablets unlike some desktop-constrained cart checkouts |
| Reduced Abandonment | Streamlined forms with minimal steps convert visitors into customers at much higher rates |
| Flexible Integration | Standalone order forms can complement existing platforms like WooCommerce |
Now let‘s see these benefits in action by walking through setup from start to finish…
Step 1: Install Kali Forms Plugin
We recommend Kali Forms as the top WordPress form builder plugin based on:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop form building
- Mobile responsive forms out the box
- Custom form templates
- Conditional logic for smart forms
- Payment and email marketing integrations
Kali Forms offers both free and paid tiers. We‘ll be using the free version here.
Install Plugin
From your WordPress dashboard:
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New
- Search “Kali Forms”
- Install and Activate
Access Kali Forms from the left admin menu. Time to build our first order form.
Step 2: Set Up Basic Order Form
Constructing an order form in Kali Forms requires just a few fields:
1. Launch Form Editor
Go to Kali Forms > Add New to launch the form builder.
Here we can drag-and-drop various elements to create our order form. Let‘s break it down section-by-section.
2. Add Customer Fields
Start by collecting contact details like:
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
Mark required fields appropriately.
This gives us visitor information even without a full checkout.
3. List Products/Services
Next, add products for purchase.
Kali Forms includes both Product and Multiple Products fields perfect for this.
If selling:
- A single product: Use Product field
- Bundles/packages: Use Multiple Products
Customers can update quantities and prices auto-calculate.
With a catalog defined, we‘re ready to process payments next…
Step 3: Set Up Payments
Without payment processing, we can‘t complete transactions. Let‘s fix that.
Kali Forms supports PayPal, Stripe, and others with just a few configuration steps:
1. Gather API Credentials
We first need API keys from whatever payment provider/s we want:
- PayPal: Create free dev accounts for sandbox testing at PayPal Developer
- Stripe: Retrieve test API keys from the Stripe dashboard
Tip: Isolate testing from live payment traffic with dedicated sandbox accounts
2. Connect Payment Plugins
In Kali Forms, go to:
Kali Forms > Settings > Payments
Activate desired payment plugins and paste associated API keys:
That connects our WordPress form directly to payment processing.
3. Embed Payment Button
Lastly, place a PayPal or Stripe button in our form builder where customers can trigger transactions.
Find desired buttons under Form Elements to drag-and-drop onto the editor.
With payments established, let‘s connect to email marketing next for order notifications…
Step 4: Connect to Email Marketing
Linking our WordPress order form to email marketing enables:
- Order confirmations and updates for customers
- New order alerts for our business
- Compiling customer lists for future campaigns
Kali Forms integrates directly with all top email services. We‘ll demonstrate setup using MailChimp.
Get MailChimp API Key
- From the MailChimp dashboard, go to Account > Audience > Audience ID
- Copy the Audience ID into your clipboard
This establishes the link between both platforms.
Enable Mailchimp Integration
In Kali Forms:
- Go to Settings > Integrations
- Paste your MailChimp Audience ID
- Check boxes as desired for defaults
And we‘re connected! New contacts now trigger MailChimp workflows.
Learn more about leveraging email marketing platforms with connected WordPress forms.
Now let‘s level up our order form with advanced functionality…
Enhancing Order Forms
So far we built a pretty solid foundation. But professional sites go further with these best practices:
Add Conditional Logic
Use conditional rules to show or hide fields based on previous selections.
For example:
- Request delivery date *only if* buying perishable goods
- Show signature option *only if* order over certain $ amount
- Display upsells *only if* certain product purchased
This keeps your forms succinct and tailored situationally.
Learn how to create conditional logic in Kali Forms.
Allow Multi-Page Layouts
Long order forms quickly get overwhelming. Break them into distinct pages using page breaks:
Suggested pages:
- Customer Information
- Order Details
- Review & Payment
- Thank You
Pages reduce friction while improving completion rates. See this guide on structuring multi-page forms.
Insert Styled Call-to-Actions
Use eye-catching Call-to-Action (CTA) buttons for desired user actions.
Format with bold colors, defined labels, and prominence:
This captures attention to guide visitors to convert.
For additional design tips, check out 7 Ways to Optimize Order Forms for More Conversions.
Launching Your Own Order Forms
We covered everything from core configuration to advanced enhancements for order form greatness.
As a next step, identify your specific business needs then work through our guide to quickly build functional, high converting online order forms on WordPress.
Remember to:
- Test forms before going live
- Set up analytics integration
- Secure forms against fake orders
- Explore third party add-ons
The customization options are endless once the initial foundation gets established.
Let us know in the comments if any other order form questions come up!
