Adding Google Forms to Your Google Site
TL;DR:
- Google Forms integrates seamlessly with Google Sites for quick contact form setup
- Responses automatically save to Google Sheets for easy data management
- Basic customisation options available but design flexibility is limited
- Third-party alternatives like JotForm offer more styling control
- Forms embed using simple HTML code copied from Google Forms
Adding a contact form to your Google Site doesn't need to be complicated. Google Forms gives you a straightforward way to collect visitor information, feedback, or inquiries directly through your website.
The biggest advantage is how everything connects. Create your form in Google Forms, embed it on your site, and watch responses appear automatically in Google Sheets. It's all part of the same ecosystem, so there's no juggling between different platforms.
Creating Your Google Form
Start by heading to Google Forms and either pick a blank form or choose from their templates. The question types cover most situations – short text for names, paragraphs for longer feedback, multiple choice for preferences, and dropdowns for things like location selection.
Keep your questions clear and direct. Every extra field you add increases the chance someone will abandon the form halfway through. Ask yourself whether each question is actually necessary for your goals.
If you need a longer form, use the Sections feature to break it into logical chunks. This makes it feel less overwhelming and helps guide people through step by step.
Embedding the Form
Once your form is ready, you'll need to get it onto your Google Site. Click the Send button in your form, then select the < > icon to get the embed code. Copy this HTML snippet.
In your Google Site, add an Embed element where you want the form to appear. Paste your code into the HTML section. The form will display directly on your page, not as a link to an external form.
Preview your site before publishing to check the form displays properly and test submitting a response. Sometimes the default size doesn't quite fit your layout, so you might need to adjust the width and height values in the embed code.
Managing Responses
Every form submission automatically creates a row in a linked Google Sheet. You can view this spreadsheet by opening your form and clicking the Responses tab, then the green Sheets icon.
The data appears in real-time, so you can check new responses as they come in. Google Sheets' filtering and sorting tools help you analyse patterns or find specific responses quickly.
Set up email notifications if you want alerts for new submissions. Go to the Responses tab in your form, click the three dots menu, and select "Get email notifications for new responses."
Design Limitations and Alternatives
Google Forms keeps things simple, which means limited styling options. You can change the header colour, add your own images, and pick from basic font choices, but that's about it.
If your site has a specific brand look or you need more sophisticated styling, consider third-party form builders like JotForm or Typeform. These platforms offer more design flexibility and still embed into Google Sites using the same process.
The trade-off is complexity. Third-party tools often require separate accounts and might have usage limits on free plans. For basic contact forms, Google Forms usually does the job fine.
FAQs
Can I customise how my Google Form looks?
You can change colours, fonts, and add header images, but the overall layout stays the same. For more design control, try JotForm or Typeform instead.
How do I make sure the form fits my page layout?
Adjust the width and height values in the embed code. Use your site's preview feature to test different sizes until it looks right.
What happens if someone submits a blank form?
You can make questions required by clicking the toggle switch when editing each question. Required fields must be filled before someone can submit.
Can I see who visits my form but doesn't submit it?
No, Google Forms only tracks completed submissions. You won't get data on partial completions or people who viewed but didn't fill it out.
Jargon Buster
Google Forms – Free form builder from Google that creates surveys, contact forms, and questionnaires
Google Sheets – Online spreadsheet application where form responses are automatically stored
Embed Code – HTML snippet that displays external content (like forms) directly on your website
Required Fields – Form questions that must be answered before submission is allowed
Wrap-up
Google Forms gives you the quickest route to adding contact forms on Google Sites. The automatic connection to Google Sheets makes managing responses simple, and the whole process requires no technical knowledge.
The main limitation is styling flexibility. If a basic form works for your needs, Google Forms is hard to beat. If you need something that matches a specific brand look, explore the third-party alternatives but expect to spend more time on setup.
Either way, having a contact form makes your site more interactive and gives visitors an easy way to get in touch.
Join Pixelhaze Academy for more Google Sites tutorials and web design training.