Do you need more than a contact form? Sales Lead Funnels for Beginners

Joe
Aug 22
4 min read

A lead funnel is just the path from “I’m interested” to “booked.” On day one, you only need a simple form that collects basics, emails you the details, and saves the info where you can find it later. Start simple. Add tools when you actually need them.

Do you need a dedicated form builder

If your site is on Wix, Squarespace, or GoDaddy, start with the built-in form. Move to a separate form service only if you need extras like payments, file uploads, or conditional questions.

Popular lead form generators

Typeform

What it does: One question at a time. Looks like a conversation.
Why use it: Feels guided and polished for the client.
Pros: Clean design. Simple logic. Many integrations.
Cons: Higher cost than others. Like $50/month.
Recommended for: More experienced planners who care about design and have time to learn features. This is what we currently use on our Jess site if you click the "Get Started" button. It kills me to pay this, but until I find one that looks this good, we'll pay it.

Jotform

What it does: Drag and drop builder with many templates.
Why use it: Easy to add file uploads, e-signatures, and payments.
Pros: Strong free plan. Lots of widgets. Simple payment options.
Cons: So many options can feel busy.
Recommended for: Beginners and intermediates who need more than a basic contact form without getting too technical. This is what we used when we were first starting. It served its purpose, but wasn't super cool looking.

Google Forms

What it does: Simple and free forms.
Why use it: Fast setup. Saves answers to a Google Sheet.
Pros: Free. Easy. Great for basic intake.
Cons: Plain look. Fewer advanced features.
Recommended for: Complete novices who want to start today at zero cost. Doesn't look great, but gets the job done. Your kids third grade teacher probably sent you one for a potluck signup.

Form apps inside website builders

Wix Forms

Good for: Beginners on Wix.
How to use it well: Add a form. Turn on email notifications. Let submissions save to Wix Contacts. You can set a simple auto reply with Wix Automations.
Limitations: Fewer advanced features than Jotform or Typeform.

Squarespace Forms

Good for: Beginners on Squarespace.
How to use it well: Add a Form Block. Send responses to Email and Google Drive. Connect Mailchimp only if you already use it.
Limitations: Basic logic and payments.

GoDaddy Website Builder Forms

Good for: Basic contact capture.
How to use it well: Add a Contact Form section. Turn on email notifications.
Limitations: Limited customization.

Bottom line: Built-in forms are fine for most new planners. Upgrade only when you clearly need extras.

What planners forget to set up

1) Where the info gets saved

Do not rely on email only. Make sure each submission also saves to your site’s contact list or a Google Sheet. You need one place to track leads.

2) How fast you reply

Aim to respond the same business day. Set a short auto reply that explains next steps and links to your calendar. You'd be surprised how many people do not follow up quickly. Clients in this industry move on quickly.

3) What to ask on the form

Keep it short so people finish. You can ask more later.

Name
Email
Phone
Destination or trip type (helps to know if they are in your wheelhouse or not)
Dates or rough timing (helps to know if you're even going to be able to do it)
Budget range (helps to know what you're dealing with)
How many are traveling (helps to know if this is a group thing)
How they found you (helps to know what's working)

4) Calendar handoff

After submit, send people to a scheduling page. Google Calendar Appointment Schedule or Calendly free plan both work. Put the link on the thank you page and in the auto reply.

5) Payments and planning fees

If you charge a planning fee, do not collect card numbers in the form. Use a payment link. Jess.Travel has a payment page with Stripe, Square, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle. Add that link to the auto reply and the thank you page when you charge before the consult.

6) Spam control and inbox delivery

Turn on reCAPTCHA or your builder’s spam protection. If form emails land in spam, create a Gmail filter to mark them important.

7) Mobile friendliness

Open your form on your phone. If it takes more than two minutes, cut questions. Make sure buttons are large enough to tap.

8) One simple tracking list

Keep a master list of leads. Google Sheets is fine. Use consistent columns: First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Destination, Dates, Budget, Source, Status.