You move away from pen-and-paper forms to digital documents in order to save time and make things easier for your customers. Instead of quick turnarounds, you get decreased sales, confused messages, or lost customers.
Still, many people find it hard to complete forms online, even if the tools seem simple at first sight. If you want to offer a smoother experience to your clients, you need to understand what causes this problem and how to fix it.Â
How Is E-Sign Better Than Traditional Document Signing?
E-signatures have completely changed the way we handle paperwork. In the past, clients had to print, sign, scan, and send back documents. That could take days. With online signing tools, the whole process takes only a few minutes. Your client can review the file, add their digital signature PDF, or just draw it and hit “submit” — all from their smartphone or computer.
On the one hand, it saves time and money for both businesses and customers. On the other hand, it simplifies the whole process of document management: there is no risk the paper copy gets lost or destroyed with a cup of coffee someone unintentionally spills on it.
5 Top Reasons Recipients Don’t Complete Files Online
Even if your company offers customers the easiest ways of dealing with contracts and legal forms, it does not guarantee it will be effective. The slightest error can scare people, especially if they have no previous experience of signing documents online. Here are the most frequent issues that prevent clients from putting their electronic signatures in your documents:
1. Using unsecured toolsÂ
If your client receives a link from an unfamiliar service, they’re likely to hesitate. Some may fear it’s unsafe or could expose private information. That worry grows when the file doesn’t open easily, or the layout looks unprofessional. Use the platforms that have proven reputations and provide high data security levels so that your customers can be sure their personal information, like credit card numbers, does not get to third parties.Â
2. Complicated or vague instructionsÂ
People want things to be easy. If your message is full of extra details or technical terms, the person on the other side might not know what action you’re expecting from them. Be polite but direct. Say what the file is, what they need to do, and how long it should take. A clear message with two or three simple steps works better than long explanations.
3. Missing information in documentsÂ
Before you send anything, make sure all names, dates, and terms are already filled in. Anything left blank will cause second-guessing. People may stop halfway if they’re unsure who’s responsible for which part of the agreement or what consequences it will have for them. Want your clients to make no mistakes while signing documents online? Make sure the only thing they really need to do is actually put their signature.Â
4. Unmarked fieldsÂ
Many online tools let you prepare a PDF version of a document by showing exactly where the signature is needed. However, if those markers aren’t placed or are hard to see, the person may not know what they have to do.Consider using tools that allow you to convert PDF to fillable form, making it easier to guide the user through the signing process.
“Should I put my signature in the right or in the left corner of the document? Unger the name or before it?” Each such question automatically slows down all business processes. So, make sure the space for a signature is vividly marked.
5. No follow-upÂ
Sometimes, people open the link, plan to respond later, and then forget. Or, they will lose your letter in the “Spam” box. If you never reach out again, nothing might happen. A short message a day or two later — something like “Just checking if you had a chance to complete the form I sent” — can help bring things back to the top of their inbox in a polite way.
Tips for Helping Clients Use E-Signatures
You can save time and avoid back-and-forth emails by setting things up correctly from the start. Here are some ways to make the process error-free:
- Choose trusted platforms: Use reliable tools like Adobe Sign or Lawrina Sign — services people are more likely to recognize and trust.
- Write short, friendly emails: Say what’s being sent, what action you’re asking for, and how to do it. Don’t overwhelm people with too much information, but don’t leave them to face this task alone.
- Prepare and proofread the entire file before sending it: Add all known details so the recipient can focus only on the content but not on the errors.
- Mark input areas clearly: Use labels or tags that show where someone must type, click, or place their name. This avoids confusion.
- Offer help: Add a line saying one can reach out if something doesn’t make sense. The understanding there is always someone to help makes the task feel more doable.
- Be ready to follow up politely: A kind reminder after a couple of days keeps your request on their radar without putting pressure on clients.
Conclusion
E-signatures have significantly simplified the lives of business owners and customers who do not need to meet in one place, interact, and print piles of documents every day. However, this process can be smooth only if business owners, on their side, ensure the client does not face any problems and receives proper assistance. So, use reliable tools and enjoy a new level of document management experience.
