Squarespace Form Blocks Setup and Customization
TL;DR:
- Form blocks let you gather visitor information through contact forms, surveys, and polls
- Always connect a storage option to receive submissions – by default they go to your login email
- You can customize appearance and settings to match your brand
- Enable SSL encryption for security and add reCAPTCHA to prevent spam
- Use follow-up questions to create dynamic forms that adapt based on user responses
Form blocks are one of Squarespace's most useful features for collecting visitor information. Whether you're running surveys, gathering contact details, or creating polls, these blocks give you the tools to capture data effectively.
The key thing to remember is that form blocks don't store data themselves. You need to connect each form to a storage option. By default, submissions go to your login email address, but adding a secondary storage option like Google Drive or Mailchimp protects against data loss.
Creating Your First Form Block
Adding a form block is straightforward. Edit any page or post, click "Add Block," and select "Form." Once added, you can customize everything in the block editor.
The block editor has two main tabs: "Content" and "Design." The Content tab is where you'll spend most of your time setting up the form itself.
Customizing Form Content
In the Content tab, you can modify the form name, button text, and all form fields. You can add new fields, rearrange existing ones, or change field types as needed.
The Post-Submit section lets you control what happens after someone submits your form. You can show a custom message, redirect to another page, or both.
Quick tip: Always press Enter or click outside the form editor after making changes. This saves your settings and prevents lost work.
Design Options
The Design tab controls how your form looks. You can adjust button alignment, background colors, and spacing to match your site's style.
Most design changes appear immediately, so you can see how adjustments affect your form's appearance in real time.
Security and Compliance
Forms handle sensitive data, so security matters. Make sure your domain uses SSL encryption – this protects data as it travels between your visitors and your site.
Enable Google reCAPTCHA to filter out spam submissions. This helps distinguish real visitors from bots trying to flood your forms with junk data.
Important note: Squarespace forms aren't HIPAA compliant. If you're collecting medical information, use specialized platforms like Acuity Scheduling instead.
Advanced Features
Dynamic Follow-Up Questions
You can add follow-up questions to dropdown menus, checkboxes, and other multiple-choice fields. These create interactive forms that adapt based on user responses.
For example, if someone selects "Website Design" from a services dropdown, you could show additional questions about their specific design needs.
Managing Submissions
Check the Storage options to see where your form submissions go. You can connect multiple storage services to ensure you don't lose important data.
If you're building an email list, consider adding an Email Signup option. This integrates with your email marketing tools and helps grow your subscriber base.
Monitoring Performance
Use Squarespace's analytics to track form submissions. The form and button conversions data shows which forms perform best and where visitors might be dropping off.
This information helps you optimize forms for better engagement rates.
FAQs
How do I add a form block to my Squarespace page?
Edit a page or post, click "Add Block," and select "Form." You can then customize it in the block editor.
Can I customize the look of my form block?
Yes, use the "Design" tab in the form block editor to adjust button alignment, background colors, and spacing to match your site's style.
What should I do to secure the data collected from my form blocks?
Ensure your domain uses SSL encryption and enable Google reCAPTCHA to protect against spam and abuse.
Where do form submissions go by default?
By default, submissions are sent to your login email address. You can add additional storage options in the form settings.
Jargon Buster
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): Security technology that encrypts data transferred between a web server and a browser.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): US legislation that ensures data privacy and security for medical information.
Email Signup: A form feature that invites users to subscribe to newsletters or updates, integrating with your email marketing tools.
reCAPTCHA: Google's system for distinguishing human users from automated bots.
Wrap-up
Form blocks give you powerful tools for gathering visitor information and building relationships with your audience. The key is setting them up properly with appropriate storage options and security measures.
Start with simple contact forms and gradually add more advanced features like follow-up questions as you get comfortable with the system. Remember to monitor your form performance and adjust based on how visitors actually use them.
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