Enquiry Forms
Form fields
The field types available, custom data fields, and why a shorter form gets more enquiries.
Last updated September 2, 2026
Fields are what you ask for. Every one you add costs you some enquiries, so each should earn its place.
| Field type | For |
|---|---|
| Short text | A name, a postcode, a reference. |
| Long text | What they actually want. Usually the most valuable field on the form. |
| List — select one | A single choice from options you set. |
| List — select multiple | Several choices. |
| List — enter manually | A list where the customer can add their own. |
| True/false | A consent checkbox, or a yes/no question. |
| Number | Quantities, sizes, budgets. |
Custom data fields
Custom data fields carry values that are not asked of the customer at all — a campaign name, a page identifier, a default set by the form. They arrive on the enquiry and are useful for reporting.
Ask for less
- A name, a way to reach them, and what they want is usually enough.
- Everything else can be asked on the phone, by somebody who has already got the lead.
- A list beats free text for anything you will report on — free text cannot be counted.
- Consent checkboxes belong on the form, not in a follow-up.
THE FIELD THAT LOSES THE MOST ENQUIRIES
A telephone number marked required. Plenty of people will give you an email address and not a phone number, and asking for both loses the ones who will not.