The best way to learn a form builder is to build something real. In this guide, we create a registration form for a Vincy Mas band: masqueraders sign up, choose a section and costume size, and pay a deposit. Change the fields and the same steps work for a regatta entry, a school application or a guesthouse enquiry.
Step 1: List what you really need to know
For the band: name, mobile number, email, section, costume size, and whether the person is in St Vincent or flying in from abroad for Carnival. Resist the temptation to ask for more. Every extra field reduces the number of people who finish the form.
Step 2: Start from a template or blank
In Mailpro, open the form builder and choose the registration form template or a blank form. Drag the fields you need onto the page.
Step 3: Choose the right field types
- Drop-down for the band section, so spelling is consistent.
- Radio buttons for costume sizes.
- Phone field with the international format, so numbers are stored as +1 784 for Vincentian mobiles and correctly for overseas numbers.
- Email field with validation to catch typos.
- Yes/no for “Are you travelling from overseas?”
Step 4: Add conditional questions
If someone is travelling from overseas, show a question about arrival date through Argyle International Airport; otherwise, hide it. Branching logic keeps the form short for everyone.
Step 5: Ask for consent properly
Add two separate, unticked checkboxes: one to receive band news by email, one to receive updates by SMS. Say what people will get. SVG has no dedicated anti-spam law, but many masqueraders flying in live in Canada, the US or the UK, where rules like CASL and CAN-SPAM apply.
Step 6: Brand the form
Add the band’s logo and colours with the form design tools. Keep text readable on a phone in bright sunlight: dark text on a light background works best.
Step 7: Set up what happens after submission
Show a thank-you message with deposit instructions, send an email confirmation to the masquerader, and send an email alert to the band committee. Link the form to a contact list so you can send pick-up times and J’ouvert details later.
Step 8: Share and track
Share the link on social media and WhatsApp, embed it on the band’s website and print a QR code for the mas camp. Watch responses arrive in real time, export them to a spreadsheet for costume orders, and send reminders as Carnival Monday and Tuesday approach.
After Carnival
Do not let the list go to waste. Masqueraders who opted in can receive a thank-you with photos, a short feedback survey and, months later, the launch of next year’s band. Those who did not opt in should only receive messages about their registration.
Keep the data safe
Registration data includes phone numbers and sometimes payment references. Mailpro stores it in Switzerland, outside US jurisdiction, and never sells or rents it. Delete responses you no longer need after the season.
For other form ideas, see online forms in SVG, or learn how to create a subscription form.