6 Ways to Use Conditional Logic in WordPress Forms (Top Use Cases)

By Naveed Ahmed | Reviewed by Syed Balkhi | September 27, 2024 | Reader Disclosure

As a WordPress expert with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how conditional logic can transform ordinary WordPress forms into dynamic and engaging tools. It’s not just about making forms more visually appealing; it’s about tailoring the user experience, collecting better data, and ultimately driving more conversions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top use cases for conditional logic in WordPress forms, showing you how to implement them using popular plugins like WPForms and Formidable Forms.

What Is Conditional Logic in Forms, and Why Is It Important?

Conditional logic is like a smart assistant for your WordPress forms. It allows form fields to change based on user input, making the form more relevant and user-friendly. Instead of bombarding every user with all possible questions, you can show or hide fields based on specific conditions, making the experience tailored to the individual.

Think of it like this: Imagine a customer satisfaction survey. If someone rates their experience as “low,” you might want to ask them to elaborate on their issues and how you can improve. But if they give a glowing review, a different question like “What did you like the most?” would be more appropriate.

Here’s why conditional logic is important:

• Improved User Experience: By showing only relevant fields, you create a cleaner, easier-to-navigate form that users are more likely to complete. This leads to higher submission rates.
• Higher-Quality Data: Users are more likely to provide accurate information when the questions are relevant to their previous answers. This gives you more valuable data for making informed decisions.
• Increased Conversions: With more precise data, you can target follow-up actions like emails or recommendations more effectively, leading to higher conversion rates.

How to Add Conditional Logic in WordPress Forms

Now, let’s get into the practical part! We’ll use two popular WordPress form builders: WPForms and Formidable Forms. Both offer a user-friendly interface for implementing conditional logic, but they cater to different needs.

• WPForms: Beginner-friendly, drag-and-drop functionality, over 1900 templates. Ideal for creating simple to complex forms quickly. Check out our WPForms review for more details.
• Formidable Forms: More advanced option for creating complex forms, including calculators and quizzes. You can read our Formidable Forms review for more details.

Before we begin, ensure you have either WPForms or Formidable Forms installed and activated on your WordPress website. You’ll need the premium versions of these plugins to access conditional logic features.

Use Case 1: Ask for Additional Information in Survey Forms

Conditional logic is invaluable for creating insightful survey forms. If someone leaves negative feedback, you want to learn more to address their concerns.

We’ll use WPForms and its ‘Surveys and Polls Addon’ for this use case. You’ll need at least the WPForms Pro plan to utilize this add-on.

**Steps:**

1. Create a New Survey Form: Go to WPForms » Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Select the ‘Survey Form’ Template: Choose the ‘Survey Form’ template from the list or search for it using the search box.
3. Install ‘Surveys and Polls Addon’: If you don’t have the add-on installed, a pop-up will prompt you to install and activate it. Click ‘Install and activate.’
4. Configure Conditional Logic: Click on the ‘How can we improve?’ field in the form builder. Navigate to the ‘Smart Logic’ tab in the field’s settings. WPForms has pre-configured conditional logic to show the ‘How can we improve?’ field only if a user submits a 1 or 2-star rating for the ‘Your Experience’ field. You can adjust these settings as needed.
5. Save Your Form: Click ‘Save’ to save your progress.

That’s it! You’ve created a survey form that intelligently adapts based on user responses.

Use Case 2: Show or Hide Options in Event RSVP Forms

Event RSVP forms are another excellent place to leverage conditional logic. If someone’s attending your event, you might ask if they’ll bring guests. But if they’re not attending, these questions are irrelevant.

We’ll continue using WPForms, this time utilizing the ‘Party Invitation RSVP Form’ template.

**Steps:**

1. Create a New RSVP Form: Go to WPForms » Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Choose the ‘Party Invitation RSVP Form’ Template: Select the ‘Party Invitation RSVP Form’ template.
3. Customize the Form: Use the drag-and-drop interface to edit the form fields. For example, change the label of the ‘Will you be attending?’ field.
4. Set Up Conditional Logic: Click on the ‘How many additional guests are you bringing?’ field. Go to the ‘Smart Logic’ tab and enable ‘Enable Conditional Logic.’ Configure the settings as follows:
• Show or Hide: Set to ‘Show.’
• Select Field: Choose ‘Will you be attending?’
• Is and other options: Select ‘is.’
• Select Choice: Choose ‘Yes.’
5. Save Your Form: Click ‘Save’ to save your changes.

Now, the ‘How many additional guests are you bringing?’ field will only appear if the user selects ‘Yes’ for attending the event.

Use Case 3: Display Different Fields in Job Application Forms

Job application forms often require specific information depending on the position. Using conditional logic, you can show relevant fields to each applicant.

We’ll use WPForms again, selecting the ‘Job Application Upload Form’ template.

**Steps:**

1. Create a New Job Application Form: Go to WPForms » Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Select the ‘Job Application Upload Form’ Template: Choose the ‘Job Application Upload Form’ template.
3. Add a Dropdown Field: Add a dropdown field for available positions. Label it as ‘What position are you applying for?’ and add your positions as choices (e.g., ‘Software Developer,’ ‘Graphic Designer’).
4. Add Checkbox Fields: Add checkbox fields for required skills related to each position (e.g., ‘Programming Languages Knowledge,’ ‘Design Software Skills’).
5. Configure Conditional Logic:
   • For the ‘Programming Languages Knowledge’ field, enable conditional logic and set the settings to ‘Show this field if ‘What position are you applying for?’ ‘is’ ‘Software Developer.’
   • For the ‘Design Software Skills’ field, enable conditional logic and set the settings to ‘Show this field if ‘What position are you applying for?’ ‘is’ ‘Graphic Designer.’
6. Save Your Form: Click ‘Save’ to save your changes.

Now, the appropriate skills fields will appear based on the candidate’s chosen position.

Use Case 4: Personalized Thank-You Messages

Conditional logic allows you to send personalized thank-you messages based on user selections. This can provide valuable, relevant information that enhances user engagement.

We’ll use WPForms again, building on the support form example.

**Steps:**

1. Create a New Support Form: Go to WPForms » Add New in your WordPress dashboard. Select a support form template or create one from scratch.
2. Add a New Confirmation: Go to Settings » Confirmations and click ‘Add New Confirmation.’ Give it a name (e.g., ‘Technical Support Inquiry Confirmation’).
3. Set Confirmation Type: Choose ‘Message’ as the confirmation type and write a custom thank-you message for technical support inquiries.
4. Configure Conditional Logic: Enable conditional logic and set the settings as follows:
• Use or Don’t Use: Set to ‘Use.’
• Select Field: Choose the field that represents the user’s inquiry type (e.g., ‘What can we help you with today?’).
• Is and other options: Select ‘is.’
• Select Choice: Choose the specific inquiry type for this confirmation (e.g., ‘Technical Support Inquiry’).
5. Save Your Changes: Click ‘Save’ to save your progress. Repeat these steps to create a separate confirmation message for other inquiry types (e.g., ‘Sales Inquiry’).

You’ve now set up personalized thank-you messages that are tailored to each user’s inquiry type.

Use Case 5: Set Up Multiple Notification Recipients

For forms designed to capture leads or inquiries, conditional logic can efficiently route leads to the appropriate teams. This streamlines your customer service and lead management processes.

We’ll use the same support form from the previous use case.

**Steps:**

1. Go to Notifications Settings: Navigate to Settings » Notifications in your WPForms builder.
2. Add a New Notification: Click ‘Add New Notification’ and give it a name (e.g., ‘New Technical Support Inquiry’).
3. Set Recipient Email: Enter the email address for your technical support team in the ‘Send To Email Address’ field. You can optionally include the {admin_email} smart tag if you want to send notifications to both the technical support team and the admin email.
4. Configure Conditional Logic: Enable conditional logic and set the settings as follows:
• Send or Don’t Send: Set to ‘Send.’
• Select Field: Choose the field representing the user’s inquiry type (e.g., ‘What can we help you with today?’).
• Is and other options: Select ‘is.’
• Select Choice: Choose the specific inquiry type for this notification (e.g., ‘Technical Support Inquiry’).
5. Save Your Changes: Click ‘Save’ to save your progress. Repeat these steps to create separate notifications for other inquiry types and teams.

With this setup, you’ve created notifications that automatically route inquiries to the appropriate teams based on the user’s selected inquiry type.

Use Case 6: Create a Chained Quiz

Chained quizzes offer a fun and interactive way to use conditional logic. Users get a personalized experience, with questions adapting based on their previous answers.

For this use case, we’ll switch to Formidable Forms. It’s a powerful tool for creating quizzes with chained answers and scoring systems.

**Steps:**

1. Install Formidable Forms: Install and activate the free version of Formidable Forms. Then, upgrade to the pro version from Formidable Forms » Global Settings.
2. Create a New Quiz Form: Go to Formidable Forms » Forms » + Add New.
3. Select a Quiz Template: Choose a quiz template from the ‘Form Templates’ panel. You can search for ‘quiz’ to find suitable templates.
4. Customize Questions: Click on each field to edit the questions and options. For example, change the first question from ‘Which one of these is not like the others?’ to ‘What is your primary fitness goal?’
5. Add Related Questions: Create additional questions for each option of your primary question. For example, if someone selects ‘Weight loss,’ you might ask ‘How many days a week will you exercise?’
6. Configure Conditional Logic:
   • For the ‘How many days a week will you exercise?’ field, enable conditional logic and set the settings to ‘Show this field if ‘What is your primary goal?’ ‘equals’ ‘Weight loss.’
   • For other fields, set conditional logic based on your quiz structure. For example, you might show ‘Do you prefer home or gym exercise?’ if the user chooses ‘3-4 times a week’ for exercise frequency.
7. Update Your Form: Click ‘Update’ to save your changes.
8. Embed the Quiz: Click the ‘Embed’ button to embed your quiz form into your website. You can choose to create a new page, select an existing page, or use a shortcode for manual embedding.

You’ve now created a dynamic quiz that provides a personalized experience for each user.

Redirect Users to the Personalized Fitness Plan Page After Form Submission

After completing your chained quiz, you’ll want to redirect users to personalized fitness plans based on their answers. This enhances the user experience by providing immediate value.

**Steps:**

1. Create Fitness Plan Pages: Create pages for each unique combination of answers in your quiz. For example, create a page for users who choose ‘Weight loss,’ ‘3-4 times a week,’ and ‘Gym.’
2. Add a Confirmation Action: In Formidable Forms, go to Settings » Actions & Notifications » Confirmation. Change the confirmation type to ‘Redirect to URL.’
3. Enter the Redirect URL: Enter the URL of the fitness plan page corresponding to the user’s answers in the ‘Redirect URL’ field.
4. Set Conditional Logic for Redirect: Enable conditional logic for the redirect action to ensure users are sent to the correct page based on their quiz answers.
5. Update Your Form: Click ‘Update’ to save your changes.
6. Test the Redirect: Submit a test quiz with different answers to verify that users are correctly redirected to the appropriate fitness plan pages.

This redirect feature seamlessly integrates with your chained quiz, providing a personalized and engaging experience for users.

Conclusion

Conditional logic is a powerful tool for transforming your WordPress forms into more interactive, relevant, and data-rich experiences. By tailoring the user journey and gathering valuable data, you can increase form completion rates, improve customer service, and ultimately achieve your business objectives.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using conditional logic. Explore the different features of your chosen form builder, experiment with different use cases, and find creative ways to make your forms work smarter, not harder.

FAQs

What are some other ways to use conditional logic in WordPress forms?

Besides the use cases discussed, here are some more ideas:

• Dynamic Pricing: Show different prices based on user selections (e.g., package options, quantity).
• Calculated Fields: Automatically calculate totals or discounts based on user input.
• Conditional Validation: Require specific fields based on user choices, ensuring data accuracy.

Can I use conditional logic with any WordPress form builder?

While many form builders offer conditional logic, not all features are equal. Some plugins offer more advanced features or might require a premium plan for access. Research the capabilities of your chosen form builder before making a decision.

How do I learn more about conditional logic in WordPress forms?

The best resources for learning more about conditional logic are:

• Plugin Documentation: Consult the official documentation for your chosen form builder. They often have detailed guides and tutorials.
• Online Tutorials: Many websites and YouTube channels offer tutorials specifically on conditional logic in WordPress forms.
• WordPress Forums: Engage with the WordPress community on forums to ask questions and learn from others’ experiences.

Is conditional logic difficult to implement?

Modern form builders have made conditional logic very user-friendly. Most plugins offer drag-and-drop interfaces and clear instructions, making it accessible even for beginners. However, some advanced use cases might require a basic understanding of logic and conditional statements.

Can I create a conditional logic form without any coding?

Yes, you can definitely create a conditional logic form without any coding knowledge. Popular form builders like WPForms and Formidable Forms provide visual editors that make the process straightforward. You can configure conditions using their intuitive interfaces, eliminating the need for manual coding.

How can I make my WordPress forms more engaging?

Here are some tips for making your forms more engaging:

• Keep it short and sweet: Don’t ask too many questions, and focus on the essential information.
• Use clear and concise language: Make sure users understand your questions.
• Break up long forms: Use sections or visual separators to make the form less overwhelming.
• Add progress indicators: Show users how far they’ve progressed through the form.
• Provide helpful tooltips: Explain complex questions or fields with tooltips or popups.
• Use visual cues: Highlight required fields or use color to draw attention to important information.
• Offer incentives: Consider offering a discount or bonus for completing the form.

Is there a free option for conditional logic in WordPress forms?

While some free form builders might have limited conditional logic features, you’ll often need to upgrade to a premium plan for more robust functionality. Consider the free versions for basic forms, but if you require advanced features like chained logic or multiple notification recipients, a premium plan is usually necessary.

How can I optimize my WordPress forms for SEO?

Here are some SEO best practices for your forms:

• Use descriptive form titles: Help search engines understand the purpose of your form.
• Optimize form fields with relevant keywords: Use keywords that people are searching for related to your form’s purpose.
• Use schema markup: Add schema markup to your forms to help search engines understand the form’s structure and data.
• Make forms accessible: Use ARIA attributes and alt text for images to make your forms accessible to everyone.

What are some of the best WordPress form builders for using conditional logic?

Besides WPForms and Formidable Forms, here are some other popular options:

• Ninja Forms: A powerful and versatile form builder with advanced conditional logic features.
• Gravity Forms: A highly customizable form builder with advanced conditional logic and complex workflows.
• Contact Form 7: A popular and free plugin with basic conditional logic capabilities.

How can I track the performance of my conditional logic forms?

You can track form performance using:

• Form analytics: Most form builders provide analytics to track submission rates, completion times, and other metrics.
• Google Analytics: Use Google Analytics to track user behavior on your forms and identify potential issues.
• A/B testing: Experiment with different form designs and conditional logic setups to find what works best for your audience.

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.