If you run an online business, you know how challenging it can be to attract new customers. This is especially true if your business offers products or services with dynamic pricing. One way to solve this problem is by using tools that improve website engagement and user experience, like a multi-step calculator.
In this article, we’ll explore the multi-step calculators, and how you can achieve better results with them. We’ll also include a guide on creating a step-by-step calculator for your WordPress site.
What is a Multi-Step Calculator?
A multi-step calculator or form in WordPress is a form divided into several sections. Instead of displaying all the fields in one long list, the form is broken into smaller parts or pages. This makes it easier for users to complete and manage.
Multi-step calculators increase the engagement of users on your website. When you break tasks like entering details on the contact form into smaller steps, it keeps your visitors engaged and makes them stay on your page. Compared to a single-step form, a form with several steps helps reduce the bounce rates as users interact with it. They are less likely to abandon the process midway.
Advantages of Multi-Step Calculators
Let’s check the benefits of multi-step calculators:
- Simplify Complex Calculations. Multi-step calculators make complicated tasks simple by organizing them into smaller chunks. For example, if you provide web design services, your pricing might depend on design format, branding, and other factors. Instead of asking users to figure out all these details at once, you can break it into steps. This reduces confusion and prevents users from feeling overwhelmed.
- Boost Conversions. Multi-step calculators have the potential to boost conversions on your WordPress website. The reason is that people would be focused throughout the process, and actually enjoy it. They will complete the multi-step form and you will get new customers and more sales. Multi-step calculators improve the user experience by keeping the process simple and engaging.
Imagine you have an e-commerce store, you can use a multi-step product configurator. Customers select the product model in Step 1, customize the color and design in Step 2, and add accessories in Step 3. This encourages users to finish the process because it feels interactive.
- Real-Time Progress Indicators. Many multi-step calculators include progress bars or indicators. These show users how much of the process they’ve completed so far and what’s left to do. The clarity motivates users to finish the form.
For instance, a fitness website with a calorie intake calculator can add a progress bar to show users that they are 50% done after entering their weight and activity level which motivates them to complete the remaining steps.
- Customizable Workflows. Another benefit of utilizing the multi-step form is the option to customize the workflow. You can collect detailed input with each part or section of the calculator which allows for accurate and personalized outcomes.
Why You Need a Multi-Step Calculator
Multi-step calculators are useful in many industries, but they are extremely helpful tools for those that require detailed user input or personalized estimates. Here are a few examples:
- E-commerce. Lets users calculate costs or configure products before proceeding to checkout.
- Real estate. You can create interactive multi-step calculators for mortgage or rental affordability.
- Fitness or health websites. Offer tools like BMI or calorie intake calculators.
- E-learning and coaching. Potential learners will be able to calculate the course fees, and schedules, or check customized study plans for students and professionals.
- Travel and tourism. Multi-step calculators help users plan trips, estimate travel costs beforehand, and compare several vacation packages.
- Construction and renovation. Allow visitors to your website to estimate prices for home improvement. They will be able to calculate the cost of materials, or contractor services.
- Digital marketing. Generate pricing for advertising campaigns or calculate ROI on marketing efforts.
- Tech startups. Build and set up subscription or software pricing calculators tailored to user needs.
If your WordPress website requires complex calculations or customer interaction, a multi-step calculator can make things easier and more engaging for users and drive results.
How to Create a Multi-Step Calculator in WordPress
Let’s create a multi-step calculator for dental services. We’ll use the Cost Calculator plugin and follow these steps:
Step 1. Install and Activate Cost Calculator. Start by installing the Cost Calculator plugin. You can find it in the WordPress plugin directory or download it from the plugin’s page on WordPress.org. Once installed, activate the plugin.
Step 2. Create a calculator. Go to Cost Calculator in your WordPress dashboard. Click Add New Calculator, explore the templates library, and find the category your business matches. Type ‘Dental’ into the search box and select a ready template with the necessary fields tailored to your industry.
Step 3. Customize fields. Modify the template to fit your needs. Add new input fields or remove any that aren’t relevant. You can include sliders, dropdowns, checkboxes, and other elements to make your calculator user-friendly.
Step 4. Add the Page Breaker. To turn your dental services calculator into a multi-step tool, drag and drop the Page Breaker element from the sidebar. Place it where you want to divide the steps. For example, put it after the ‘Dental fillings’ field. Customize the options of each page and navigation buttons with names like “Next,” and “Previous” to suit your style.
Step 5. Configure settings. Fine-tune your calculator. Set up default values for your dental services and field dependencies. Enable progress indicators to show users their completion percentage. Set up notifications and confirmations for submissions.
Step 6. Embed the Calculator. Add the calculator to a page or post in one of three ways:
- Use a shortcode to insert it manually.
- Embed it directly on an existing page.
- Create a new page and add the interactive calculator there.
You can preview the page to make sure the calculator looks and works as expected.
Step 7: Test and Publish. Test the calculator thoroughly to ensure it works correctly and provides accurate results. Check the navigation between steps to make sure everything flows smoothly. Once you’re satisfied, publish your page to make the calculator live.
Conclusion
Multi-step calculators are becoming a must-have tool for websites that require user input. By making complex processes and estimations simple, they interact with your users and keep them engaged which leads to improved conversion rates. The Cost Calculator plugin’s page breaker element is designed to create a step-by-step calculator that matches your needs.
Start building your multi-step calculator today with Cost Calculator and boost your website’s interactivity!
