Forms often fail on small details: unclear labels, confusing formats and unhelpful errors. Fixing them is easy and effective.
Labels
- Use visible labels above fields, not only placeholder text that disappears when typing.
- Keep labels short and clear: “Mobile number”, not “Contact details”.
- Mark optional fields as “(optional)” rather than marking every required field.
Formats
- Show examples: “e.g. 98765 43210”.
- Accept common formats (spaces, +91) instead of rejecting them.
- Use the right keyboard on mobile: numbers for phone and PIN code.
Error messages
| Unhelpful | Helpful |
|---|---|
| Invalid input | Enter a 10-digit mobile number |
| Error | Enter your email in the format name@example.com |
| Required | Enter your city so we can check if we serve it |
- Show errors next to the field, in a colour with enough contrast (check with our contrast checker).
- Keep what the user already typed.
- Validate as they leave a field, not only on submit.
Success message
Confirm clearly what happens next, ideally on a thank-you page.
Plan your fields with our form question builder.
Want the full picture? This article is part of Landing pages: the complete guide, our in-depth guide with everything in one place.
