When you're deciding whether you should use a lead form, contact form, or a smart file to accomplish a task, you should know what each feature can do. Here's a breakdown of the differences in use cases and functionality:
| Lead forms | Contact forms | Smart files |
Capture and qualify new leads | Yes | Yes | No |
Allow clients to select services | Yes | No | Yes |
Allow clients to book and pay for services instantly | Yes | No | Yes |
Allow clients to schedule sessions, consultations, or meetings | Yes | No | Yes |
Share with anyone via public link (no contact information or pre-established project required) | Yes | Yes | No |
Connect to automations | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Embed on a website | Yes | Yes | No |
Must be sent through an existing project | No | No | Yes |
Will create a new project upon submission | Yes (though you have some control over this—learn more here) | Yes | No |
Lead forms are intended to be public-facing—anyone can fill out a lead form any number of times. Lead form submitters don't have to be your existing clients (in fact, it's recommended to use lead forms for lead generation). Note that when a lead form is submitted, by default, a new project will be created in HoneyBook
Smart files must be sent through a project, which are like the "folders" that house all of the communication, files, and information related to a specific "job." Any actions on a smart file can be completed only once per send. In other words, if you send a smart file questionnaire through a project, it can be filled out only once, by only one participant (though other participants can view it).
Ultimately, you should find yourself using lead forms to capture leads and spark relationships with prospects, then smart files to win clients and close projects. Contact forms are similar to lead forms, but with limited functionality.
Still have questions? Feel free to send us a message by clicking the Question Mark icon on any HoneyBook page. Our team is always happy to help!