Adding Forms to Your Squarespace Site
TL;DR:
- Form blocks work for contact forms, surveys, and detailed information gathering
- Newsletter blocks are perfect for building email lists on blogs and content pages
- Commerce forms handle customer transactions and custom product requests
- Cover page forms are available on Squarespace 7.0 only
- Set up proper form handling to manage submissions effectively
Squarespace offers several form options depending on what you need to collect from visitors. Here's how to choose the right one and set it up properly.
Form Block Options
Form Blocks
These are your go-to option for most information gathering. You can add multiple fields, customize questions, and place them on any page or blog post. They work well for contact forms, job applications, event registrations, or any time you need detailed information from visitors.
Newsletter Blocks
When you want to build an email list, newsletter blocks are the simplest approach. They typically include just an email field and work best on blog pages, news sections, or anywhere you share regular updates.
Commerce Forms
Available on Business and Commerce plans, these handle transactions and customer orders. You can add custom fields for product personalization, special instructions, or gift messages during checkout.
Cover Page Forms (Squarespace 7.0 Only)
If you're still using Squarespace 7.0, cover page forms work on landing pages where you need immediate visitor engagement. This feature isn't available in Squarespace 7.1.
Setting Up Newsletter Collection
Beyond standalone newsletter blocks, you can capture emails through promotional pop-ups or by adding signup options to your checkout process. The checkout approach works particularly well because customers are already engaged with your business.
Pop-ups can be effective but use them sparingly. Too many interruptions will annoy visitors rather than convert them.
Customizing Your Forms
Most forms can be tailored to your specific needs. Add fields for product engraving instructions, appointment preferences, or project details. The key is asking for information you'll actually use rather than collecting data for the sake of it.
Keep forms as short as possible while still gathering what you need. Every additional field reduces the likelihood someone will complete the form.
Managing Form Submissions
You need to decide where form submissions go before you publish. Options include:
- Direct email notifications to your inbox
- Storing submissions in your Squarespace dashboard
- Integrating with third-party services like Mailchimp or ConvertKit
For low-volume sites, email notifications work fine. If you expect many submissions or want automated follow-up sequences, third-party integrations make more sense.
Check your form settings regularly and test them to make sure submissions are reaching you properly.
FAQs
How do I add a contact form to my Squarespace site?
Add a Form Block to any page, customize the fields you need, and set up email notifications in the form settings.
What's the best way to build a mailing list on Squarespace?
Use Newsletter Blocks on content pages, or set up promotional pop-ups if you want more visibility.
Can I collect custom information during checkout?
Yes, with Business and Commerce plans you can add custom fields to product pages and checkout forms.
Where do my form submissions go?
You can receive them via email, view them in your Squarespace dashboard, or connect to third-party services depending on your plan and settings.
Jargon Buster
Form Blocks: Customizable sections that collect visitor information through multiple fields
Newsletter Blocks: Simple email collection tools for building subscriber lists
Commerce Forms: Transaction-focused forms for online stores and donations
Form Storage: Where submitted data is kept, whether in Squarespace, your email, or connected services
Wrap-up
Forms are essential for connecting with visitors and collecting the information you need to run your business. Start with the basics and add complexity as needed. The most important thing is making sure your forms actually work and that you're managing submissions effectively.
Ready to build better forms? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step tutorials and expert support.