Everest Forms – Save and Continue Add-On is an extension for the Everest Forms plugin that enables users to save their form progress and return to complete it later. This feature is particularly useful for long or multi-step forms where users may not be able to fill out the form in one sitting. By offering the option to save and continue later, it increases user engagement and reduces form abandonment.

Key Features of Everest Forms – Save and Continue Add-On:

1. Save Form Progress:
   • Users can save their form progress at any point during the form-filling process and come back later to finish it. This is useful for complex forms, such as registration forms, multi-step surveys, or application forms where completing them in one sitting might be impractical.
2. Customizable Save Button:
   • The add-on allows you to customize the label and the appearance of the "Save and Continue" button. You can adjust the text to something that fits your specific use case, like "Save Progress" or "Save for Later".
3. Generate Unique Links for Users:
   • When a user saves their progress, they receive a unique URL link to return to the form later. This link is tied to their form progress, so when they open it again, their previously entered data will be restored automatically.
4. User-Friendly Interface:
   • The Save and Continue feature is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Users can easily click the "Save and Continue" button, and the plugin will save their data without needing to create an account or log in.
5. Email Notifications for Saved Progress:
   • After a user saves their progress, they can receive an email notification with the link to resume the form later. You can customize the email content to include instructions or reminders for completing the form.
6. Form Data Retention:
   • All form data (such as text inputs, selections, checkboxes, etc.) is securely stored in the backend, allowing users to resume from exactly where they left off. The data is saved temporarily until the form is fully submitted.
7. Works with Multi-Step Forms:
   • This add-on is especially helpful for multi-step forms, as users can save their progress at any step and continue from the exact place they left off. This reduces the likelihood of users abandoning multi-step forms.
8. No User Account Required:
   • Users can save and continue without needing to create an account on your site. The Save and Continue functionality is based on the unique link, ensuring ease of use while maintaining privacy.
9. Admin Notifications:
   • Site administrators can receive notifications when a user saves their form progress. This feature helps administrators track ongoing form submissions and follow up if needed.
10. Preventing Duplicate Entries:
    • The plugin ensures that saved forms are unique for each user, preventing duplicate submissions or overwriting of form progress. Each saved entry has a distinct identifier, ensuring the form data remains intact.
11. Security and Data Protection:
    • The Save and Continue Add-On is designed to ensure that the saved form data is securely stored and protected. It complies with standard security practices, reducing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.
12. Form Auto-Save Option:
    • If desired, you can enable an auto-save feature for forms. This ensures that the user's progress is periodically saved without them having to click the "Save and Continue" button manually.
13. Limit Form Expiry Time:
    • You can set a time limit on how long the saved data is retained. For example, you can define that the saved form link expires after 7 days or any custom period to encourage users to complete the form within a specific timeframe.
14. Progress Bar for Multi-Step Forms:
    • When used with multi-step forms, users can see their form progress through a progress bar, indicating how much they’ve completed and how many steps are left. This feature is helpful in guiding users as they proceed through the form.
15. Compatibility with Other Add-Ons:
    • The Save and Continue Add-On works seamlessly with other Everest Forms add-ons, such as conditional logic, payment integrations, and email notifications. This ensures full functionality while maintaining an excellent user experience.

Why Use Everest Forms – Save and Continue Add-On?

1. Reduced Form Abandonment:
   • Long or complex forms often lead to abandonment, as users may not want to fill them out in one sitting. The Save and Continue feature encourages users to complete forms by allowing them to return to the form later, reducing the likelihood of incomplete submissions.
2. Improved User Experience:
   • Offering users the ability to save their progress provides a more flexible and convenient experience, making them more likely to complete the form. This is especially helpful for forms that request a lot of information or require multiple steps.
3. Higher Conversion Rates:
   • By giving users the ability to save and come back later, you increase the chances of getting a final submission. This is especially important for forms that are tied to sales, bookings, registrations, or donations where completion is critical to conversion.
4. Efficient for Complex Forms:
   • For complex forms like applications, surveys, or registrations, the Save and Continue feature ensures that users don’t lose their progress midway. It allows them to complete the form at their own pace, which is more efficient for both the user and the website owner.
5. Better Tracking of Form Progress:
   • Administrators can track saved progress and follow up with users who have not completed their form submissions. This allows you to manage leads, registrations, or applications more effectively and reach out to incomplete submissions if necessary.
6. More Convenient for Users:
   • Users benefit from flexibility, especially when they need to gather information or complete forms that require time and attention. This makes the process more user-friendly and encourages them to finish filling out the form when they have time.
7. Ideal for Registrations or Applications:
   • This add-on is particularly useful for forms related to event registrations, job applications, or contest entries where users may need to gather information or complete lengthy forms before submitting.
8. Streamlined Data Collection:
   • Users can submit important information over multiple sessions. The Save and Continue feature ensures data is not lost, streamlining the process of gathering important details from users without overwhelming them.

Who Can Benefit from Everest Forms – Save and Continue Add-On?

1. Event Organizers:
   • For event registrations or conference applications, the ability to save and return later is helpful, as attendees can fill out registration forms over time or gather necessary information before completing their submission.
2. E-commerce Websites:
   • E-commerce businesses can use this feature for order forms, especially for larger purchases or custom orders, where customers may need time to gather their payment information or make decisions.
3. Nonprofits and Fundraising:
   • Nonprofit organizations can use the Save and Continue functionality to collect donations or volunteer registrations in stages. Donors can fill in details when they’re ready and complete the donation process later.
4. Job Application Forms:
   • Job application forms may require detailed information such as resumes, references, or work history. The Save and Continue feature allows applicants to return to their form if they need time to gather the necessary information.
5. Survey and Research Sites:
   • Surveys or research forms can be long and require careful attention. The Save and Continue feature helps prevent incomplete responses, ensuring that users can finish the survey over multiple sessions without losing progress.
6. Subscription Services:
   • Subscription services can benefit from allowing users to save their progress during the subscription process, especially if there’s a complex sign-up form that includes choices, payment details, or personal information.
7. Online Course Providers:
   • Educational institutions or course providers can use this feature for course registration forms, allowing users to come back later and finish the registration process.

Conclusion:

The Everest Forms – Save and Continue Add-On is a valuable tool for improving user experience, reducing form abandonment, and increasing form completion rates. Whether you're using it for event registrations, job applications, e-commerce orders, or surveys, this feature ensures users can complete their forms at their own pace. By offering a flexible, convenient way to save and return to forms, you improve engagement and ensure more users follow through to final submission. The Save and Continue add-on is an excellent solution for forms that require time, attention, or complex data collection.