Testing WordPress search with realistic queries
28/10/2026Designing WordPress form confirmations
28/10/2026Choosing fields for a WordPress enquiry form
Practical WordPress guides · Forms and collaboration
At a glance
Every additional field adds work for the person making an enquiry. Ask which information is really needed for the first useful response.
Approach and context
Give every field a defined purpose. Mark required information clearly and explain unusual requests beside the relevant input. Visible labels are more helpful than placeholders that disappear during typing. Test error messages and input behaviour on a phone. Whether information is technically or legally necessary must be established for the actual process.
Implementation checklist
- Record the purpose, requirement and recipient of each field.
- Make labels and instructions understandable without example answers.
- Try empty required fields, invalid entries and correction of mistakes.
Illustrative example
A first project enquiry may need contact details, a website address and a description of the task. Billing details and extensive company information can be collected at a more appropriate later stage.
A common pitfall
One large free-text field is not the best simplification for every type of enquiry.
How to check the outcome
A test participant understands the questions and can correct input errors independently.
Further official documentation: W3C WAI: Forms Tutorial. The exact controls depend on your theme, extensions and installed versions.