E-Mail Address versus Contact Form

When I see a website that has an e-mail address posted on it, I IMMEDIATELY want to take it down and replace it with a contact form. Why? Here are a few reasons:

• E-mail addresses on websites looks amateurish. It looks like someone doesn't know how to create a proper contact form, and it looks lazy.
  
  
• Spam bots LOVE it when people post e-mail addresses on their website! 'Nuff said on this point.
  
  
• Most people haven't configured their computer so that clicking on an e-mail address will actually open a working e-mail client. Usually the default thing will happen, Outlook Express will open, which VERY FEW people actually configure. So, most people will simply close the window that doesn't do anything for them and leave. A few will take the trouble to copy the e-mail address and go to their e-mail and send a letter, but that's not the majority. If you actually want people to contact you, why would you make it hard for them?
  

I know that creating a contact form is not a simple matter for most people, which is why I suggest trying this tool. It's really easy to use, and to post. Any webmaster worth the money you pay him/her should have no problem adding this web form to your site: http://www.tele-pro.co.uk/scripts/contact_form/

Using a contact form on your site instead of posting an e-mail address is more secure and professional looking. Your customers may not notice if you use a contact form, but they will definitely notice if you don't.


Cheers,
Chris