What to include in a service request form.
Learn how to get better client leads by creating an in-depth request for service form.
Okay, so you’ve got your business website up and running, and now you’re ready to reel in the clients. You may have a simple Contact Us form on your website, but this can lead to a lot of jumbled messages that don’t always make your potential client’s needs clear. That’s where building a request for service form comes in.
What is a request for service form?
A request for service form is a fillable template that enables potential clients to detail their needs and requested services upfront. By including one of these forms on your website or anywhere else clients may contact you, you’ll save tons of time and guesswork when onboarding new clients or addressing requests for assistance from existing customers.
Service request forms allow companies to track the work requests they receive to remain as efficient and effective as possible when addressing client needs. This tracking also helps managers report on team processes and identify areas for improvement, such as improving resolution times or reducing the number of open requests. Reporting on these trends can even help leadership identify areas to improve products and services to cut down on how many questions or issues are received.
What to include in a request for service form.
Here are the most important elements to include in a request for service form:
- Requestor’s name
- Contact info (cell phone number, email, etc.)
- Type of service they’re requesting
- Detailed information about the problem they need to be solved
- Date and time they need service completed
How to create a service request form.
The steps for creating a request for service form are fairly straightforward.
- Decide whether to use an existing template or design one yourself.
- Consider using a streamlined format with a minimal number of fields while still collecting the details essential to be able to address the request.
- Determine where you want to include your form. Many companies include service request forms on their website under a help or contact section. Others choose to also include links to these forms in email signatures or footers.
- As with any web form, you’ll want to thoroughly test it to ensure that all of the fields are collecting data and the right team members are being notified when a submission is received.
Make your service request forms effective.
Including fields in your form that help your team sort and allocate service requests can help streamline processes from the start. Consider adding a field, or fields, that reflect different categories, such as common problems, features, or departments.
Making specific fields required is another way to ensure that you only receive valid service requests. Evaluate the exact information you would need to provide quality and timely service, such as preferred contact information and issue details.
Keep in mind that your form should also be user-friendly. Prefilling fields where available based on customer account details can cut down on the time it takes for a user to complete the form. Clearly label each data point, and only request information critical to complete the request.
Tips for organizing submissions from service request forms.
Staying organized is also essential to making sure teams can keep up with service requests in a punctual and professional way. Here are a few tips to keep your submissions on track.
- Map fields to your CRM. When a form is submitted, have the information instantly populated in your customer relationship management (CRM) system. This can help with teamwork and information sharing as well as reporting.
- Avoid free-form fields. While these give space for users to explain their issues, they can also lead to unclear or incomplete service requests.
- Make things mobile-friendly. Remember that many users may be attempting to access your form from devices other than a desktop computer. Make sure you create a form that works well on smaller devices such as smartphones and tablets to provide a seamless user experience.
- Consider onboarding. You can also build a client intake form for an easier onboarding process once you close clients or customers from the leads that come in from the service request form.
Use e-signatures to convert leads faster.
Once you’ve received your requests for service, try using digital contracts with e-signatures to sign on clients faster. With digital contracts, you won’t have to manage slow-moving document signings — clients can sign on from their own homes or offices. Find out how else Adobe Acrobat can help your business get more done using electronic documents and secure e-signatures.