Up until 2010 I didn’t have a contact form on my blog. It didn’t even occur to me that someone would want to contact me outside of commenting on my blog. It was during a blog internship that I finally learned that it benefits my users if they have multiple ways of contacting me. (Link to BloggingwithAmy’s blog about having a contact page)
Why Would Someone Contact You?
1. Broken link
Some kind visitor to your blog might want to let you know that a link they clicked on was bad.
2. Guest blogging opportunity
Someone might want to write on your blog as a guest blogger. Alternatively, they might want you to write on their blog. This has happened to me a number of times – a very good use of a contact form.
3. Purchase something
If you sell an actual product your reader might want to contact you for more information on how to buy it. They might also have questions regarding size, shipping, and fiber content. You may have this information in your shop or on your blog but sometimes people don’t take the time to look they go straight to the contact form.
4. Custom order
A reader might read a blog post about your latest project and want you to make them one. If you don’t have a shop a reader can inquire via your contact form.
5. Privately comment on something you wrote about
Some readers just don’t take the time to comment because they don’t want their information out there. Maybe they don’t understand the commenting system or maybe they need to talk to you about a sensitive subject. A contact form meets all the needs of your readers.
6. Pitch a partnership opportunity for you (i.e. blog hop or challenge)
When I released Hooking for Cash I contacted a number of bloggers to see if they would review the eBook for me. Some said yes others were either too busy or not interested. If you don’t have a method of contact you can miss out on opportunities that build your blogging relationships.
7. Book or product review
Do you offer book reviews or product reviews? Obviously you need a way for people to contact you. Some bloggers will put their email address on their sidebar but then it can be easily lifted by robots who can use it for scrupulous reasons.
There are many reasons why you would need a form for people to get in touch with you but the preceding seven are important enough for a blogger.
About Sara Duggan
I do have a contact us page but nobody has ever used it. A lot of people do check out my about me page. Guess they would rather know me then they need me.
You might offer a contact me button or link on your about me page – do you have a way for your readers to contact you?
I agree, Sara. I think it's essential to have a contact page and I always include one on my sites.
Great Leanne, it was something I overlooked when I started out – now I think I remember for each blog I write.