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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create/Add a Contact Form in GoHighLevel And How To Add Email Automations (Part 1)

When someone submits a form on your site, do you want your website to work for you by contacting that person via automations? 

If so you are in the right place. In this article, we’re going to cover:

  • how to create a contact form in GoHighLevel
  • how to add that form to your website
  • how to add a set of email automations that contacts that prospect for you with helpful info about your company. 

And don’t worry if your website is not in GoHighLevel …

We will cover how to add a contact form to a GoHighLevel site and to a non-GoHighLevel site.

Creating forms and setting up email automations in GoHighLevel can significantly enhance your marketing efforts. This guide will walk you through the entire process, making it easy for you to embed forms on your website and automate your email responses.

Let’s get started! 

Step 1 – Creating A Form In GoHighLevel

The most common form on a website is one where a prospect actually fills out their contact info, and then you get in touch with them. So, that’s the example we’re going to use and create today. 

To get started, you’ll need to create a form.

So, log in to GoHighLevel and click on “Sites” in the left main menu.

Then, in the top menu, click on Forms > Builder.

Click on “Create New Form.”

You can see GoHighLevel gives us a starting point with this generic form.

First things first, let’s name the form. You can see it’s currently named “Form 0” at the very top. 

For this example, this form is going to be on my contact page of a sample law firm site. So, I’m going to call the form “Contact Form – Website.”

Now, you may choose to use the default fields that GoHighLevel gives you or you can personalize them.

In this case, we are going to personalize them. You have a better chance of someone filling out a shorter form.  So, we are going to delete the “First Name” and “Last Name” fields by hovering over them and clicking the “x.”

Then, we will add the “Full Name” field instead.  

To do this, click on the “Add Form Element” button.  It is the plus sign at the top left of the screen.

Then, select “Full Name” and drag it on to the form at the top.

Now, your prospect has to enter their full name, their email, and their phone number. 

The Asterisk next to the field name means that it is a required field. So if you want people to enter the field, be sure that you have “Required” checked on the right.

In this example, we are not going to require texts. We just are going to have them enter their phone number, so we can get in touch with them as a prospect. Therefore, we will get rid of the SMS permissions field as well by clicking on the “x” again for this field.

Custom Fields in GoHighLevel

In our example, we want to allow people to write a message when they submit the contact form. Because we are using a sample law firm website, we are going to ask for some information about their case.  

To do this, we need to create a Custom Field in GoHighLevel.

This will require you to save the form and click on the “Back” button in the upper left-hand corner so you can see the main left-hand menu again.

Then, click on “Settings”, which is the last choice of the main menu on the left.

Then, once you are in the “Settings” menu, click on “Custom Fields.”

Click on “Add Field” in the upper right-hand corner.

As you can see, you can create almost any type of field, such as dates, times, text etc.

In this example, we are going to choose “Multi-Line.”

You will name your custom field, which is the “Label” of the field on the form.  You can also select a default value if you would like for the “Placeholder” field.

In the “Group” field, you will select where you want your custom field to show in the Contact’s profile. I almost always select “Additional Info” so my fields are separated from the default GoHighLevel fields.

Finally, if you expand the “Additional preferences” section, you can see what GoHighLevel is going to name the field within its unique keys. You can add a description of the field here, as well.

For this example, we named the field “Tell Us About Your Case” and selected “Additional Info” for the Group.

Click Save and your custom GoHighLevel field is live!

Click on “Go Back” to return to the “Form Builder” section and click on your form to open it again.

Now when you look at the available Form Elements, click on the “Custom Fields” tab to see your new field available to add.

Drag that element onto the form.

So now we have the full name, the email, the phone number, and tell us about your case. 

Do you want to add additional text to the GoHighLevel form? 

Maybe add a heading at the top?

Go back to the form elements and scroll to the bottom.  This is where the static elements are, like text and images.

For this example, let’s add a title to the form.

Grab the “Text” element and drag it to the top of the form.

You can add the title text in the settings on the right.

You can also change the font, font weight, color etc. using these settings as well.

At the bottom of the form, you can see that they by default provide you with a placeholder to put links to your “Privacy Policy” and your “Terms of Service.” You can delete the whole element if you would like to be clicking on that “x” to the right when you hover over the element.

However, because it is a form where people are entering data, for legal reasons, it is a GREAT idea to leave that text there and link to the policies that your website has.

To create that link, make sure that you have the text element selected on the form and highlight the “Privacy Policy” text.  

Once it’s highlighted, click on the 3 vertical dots symbol to get more options for the menu and select the symbol for the hyperlink.

This will trigger a pop-up where you will add the link to your website’s privacy policy and click on “Confirm.”

Once you click “Confirm,” you have an active URL.

Repeat this process and add the link to the terms of service. Be sure to click “Save” so all of your hard work is saved!

Now that the form is basically completed, let’s talk about the button, that bright shiny button that you want people to click!

So, you need to click on the button to bring up all of the settings on the right.

First, instead of the word “Button,” change the text to be something that will encourage users to submit their data.

In this example, we are just going to put “Submit Your information.”

In addition, there is an option to add “Sub Text,” which can explain the button’s use a bit more. It’s fairly popular to add a small message about not selling the data that is being submitted, so that is what we will change that text to.

Once you have your  text finalized, you will want to change the color of the button and the text so that it goes along with your branding.

Scroll down through the settings and you’ll find the ability to change the background, the text color and the sub text color.

In this example, we are going to change the button to be blue and all of the text to be white.

We now have a great looking button that will go within our website. Click Save to finish that part.

Once you have the form fields set up and the button the way you want it, it’s time to complete the general form information to finish the form up.

To get to this section called “Styles and Options,” click on the “Styles and Options” icon, which looks like 2 toggles in the upper-right corner of the screen.

If you scroll through everything that is available to you under “Styles,” there are a lot of changes you can make.

You can toggle agency branding on and off, you add a background image, you can add a header image, you can add custom CSS, etc. Basically, you can change the look of the form to be anything that you want it to be.

These settings are a bit more complicated and will be gone over more thoroughly in an upcoming video.  In this example, we are going to leave those alone and go to the “Options” tab.

Whenever a form is submitted, there are two main options (for this example) that can happen. The form can show a message that the form was submitted successfully, or the form can take you to a different URL.

So if you click on “Open URL,” you can actually put a whole new different page on here. A lot of people will choose this option if they are tracking conversions using Google Ads or Facebook Ads.  

Since this is a simple example, we are just going to have a success message.

The default success message that the form gives you is “Thank you for taking the time to complete this form.”

This message is fine, but I normally like to add a small bit at the end to customize it to my business tone…so, I added, “We will be in touch as soon as possible.” 

I like to give people a timeline for their submissions. If you want to add a line like this, add a timeline that you are comfortable with.  Most service-based businesses will include a message about being in touch within the next 5-15 minutes.

One more thing that is unique to GoHighLevel – “Sticky Contact.”

If you scroll the whole way to the bottom of the “Options” section, you’ll see a toggle for “Sticky Contact” turned off by default. If you turn this on, it will auto-complete the forms for the prospect if they have ever submitted anything else on your website before.

While this speeds up the process a little bit, we generally recommend keeping this turned off for a one-step form to our clients. If there are two steps, two sets of forms to complete, then we recommend turning this on.

For this example, we are leaving it turned off.

Don’t forget to click “Save” when you have completed all of the final steps for the form!

To summarize the entire form, a prospect will fill in their name, email, phone number and hopefully a little bit of information about their case. They will press the submit button and they will see a message thanking them and letting them know that someone will be in touch soon.

Let’s move on to part two, which is adding this form to the website. 

Step 2 - How to Add A GoHighLevel Form To A Website

Adding our new form to a GoHighLevel website is fairly straightforward.

In this example, I will be adding the form to the “Contact” page of a sample law firm website.

Go to your GoHighLevel website page that you want to add the form to and click on “Edit.”

Once we are inside the contact page, you will want to decide where you want to add the form.

Click on “Add Element” where you want the form to be located.

Then, select the “Form” element.

Once you click on the “Form” element, this will bring up a pop-up that has all of your available forms for the website.

Select the form that you just created in Part 1 of this article.

Once the form is selected, the screen will refresh and you should see the form that you created within the webpage.

Click “Save” and your form is ready to go for your website.

So, that is a very quick and easy way to add a form to your website using GoHighLevel. 

What do you do if you have a website that is NOT in GoHighLevel?

This is fairly easy as well.

Go back to the form that you created in Part 1 and click on the “Integrate button.”

The “Integrate” button gives you a bunch of options for different things that you can do with the form.

In most cases, people want to embed the form on their website. This means that they are going to choose the “Inline” option, which is the default.

Then, click on the “Copy Embed Code” button.

This button gives you all of the code needed to place your form on any website, no matter what that website is coded in. So, you can use WordPress, Wix, SquareSpace, Drupal etc.

Then, open the website editor where you want the form to be and add an HTML element to it. Once you can add code to the HTML editor, paste the embed code to your editor.

The code will look something like this:

Save the code and you should have a form that looks exactly like the one that you created in GoHighLevel embedded on your website.

Check out Part 2 of this article, which will create the automation set that alerts you to the submission and sends the prospect a set of emails!

Email Deliverability and the Upcoming Google Email Apocalypse

Do you or your business send mass emails to your clients from services like GoHighLevel, MailChimp, Active Campaign or others?

If so, your email deliverability may be in danger!  Simply put, your clients and prospects may stop seeing your emails in their inboxes.

Why is this?

Late last year, Google announced that they will be implementing new email security checks starting February 1, 2024.  They will also change the way that emails are accepted into the inbox.  

If you don’t meet these new requirements – NO INBOX FOR YOU!

Once Google made this announcement, other email providers jumped on this train as well, such as Yahoo and AOL.

So, what are these new sending requirements and how do you reach compliance?

Let’s talk about that…

Only Send Emails Using Your Branded Sending Domain

Make sure more people see your emails by taking charge of how your emails look. You can do this by creating a special sending name that represents you. This way, you won’t have the standard “sent via msgsndr.com” message, and your emails will have a better chance of reaching inboxes. 

If you send a lot of emails to Google and Yahoo users, you’ll need to set up this special sending name starting in February. Just remember, it might take 2 to 4 weeks for everything to work smoothly after you set it up.

So, when your bulk email program asks who the sender is and the name, be sure to use you@yourdomain.com

DMARC Email Authentication

Okay, this is about to get fairly technical, so put on your IT hat (or get the nearest teenager to help you)…

DMARC stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance.  

It’s a type of TXT record that you add to your DNS records.  

DMARC, which stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance, is a rule that makes SPF and DKIM even better. It tells email providers what to do with emails that pretend to be from your business but don’t pass SPF or DKIM checks. This helps protect your business from fake or deceptive emails.

To create the record, follow these 5 steps

  1. Sign into your domain registrar and create a new record
  2. Select “TXT” as the type
  3. Set the “host” to _DMARC
  4. Set the “value” to v=DMARC1; p=none;
  5. Save the record and wait about 30 minutes for it to propagate

When setting up DMARC, you need to choose a policy for your emails—either none, quarantine, or reject. While Gmail suggests starting with “none” for basic protection, for stronger security, consider using “reject” or “quarantine.” 

However, be careful because this requires extra work to make sure it includes all the companies that send emails on behalf of your business. If you don’t set it up right, it could affect how your emails get delivered. 

Work with your tech experts to set up DMARC correctly and keep your emails safe.

To see if your settings work, send an email to a Gmail account and take a look at the header.  You should see that the email will PASS 3 times.

You can also check your records here: https://dmarcian.com/dmarc-inspector/

Keep the Brand Consistent

Make sure your email looks professional and is easily recognized by using the same domain for your “from” address as your main branded domain.

To follow DMARC rules, the domain in your “from” address should be the same as the main domain of your branded sending name. For instance, if your branded sending name is “lc.iftsdesign.com,” the main domain is “iftsdesign.com.” 

So, if you use “hello@iftsdesign.com” as your “from” address, it stays in line with the main domain. This helps keep everything connected and trustworthy.

Don’t Send As Gmail or Yahoo

Do you send emails via MailChimp or Active Campaign from ‘you’@gmail.com or ‘you’@yahoo.com?

Simple Solution – it’s time to stop.  Only send mass emails from your domain.

Mail providers like Gmail and Yahoo are getting more strict with their policies around the DMARC record.  So, if you are sending from one of the generic mail providers, it could affect if you land in the inbox vs the spam folder.

Unsubscribing Should Be Easy

These new requirements are all about making a person’s email inbox safer.  This includes them ONLY receiving emails they want.

So, how do you do this?

Make your unsubscribe option easy to find and one-click.

Place an unsubscribe link at the bottom of every mass email you send, which is where most people expect to find it.  

Be sure to check any pre-scheduled emails that you have…do they have an unsubscribe easily available?

Final Requirement – Keep Your Spam Rating Below 0.30%

Only send emails to people who want to receive them.  This is easy to do.

If too many people say your emails are spam, it can cause trouble. 

How many people is too many? 3 out of 1000…0.30%

What can happen if your spam rate goes above this?

Your emails might:

  • be late, 
  • go to the spam folder, 
  • or not be sent at all

Stay below 0.30%!

But how do you know what the spam rate is?

You can check Yahoo spam complaints in the Spam Reports. However, Gmail keeps their Spam Reports private. 

If you want to keep an eye on Gmail complaints, use Google Postmaster Tools. You’ll have to sign up with your domain and add a TXT record to prove that you own it.

This helps make sure your emails go where they’re supposed to without any problems.

Not Sure What To Do Next?

If this seems like a lot to accomplish, or you are not quite sure where to start, give IFTS a call at 412-559-7177 or email us at si@iftsdesign.com  

We have put together a package that will:

  • Audit your domain records
  • Review your deliverability
  • Set up the requirements from above
  • Get more emails delivered to your list

Do Not Click… Common Schemes to Look Out for Over the Holidays and Beyond

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and unfortunately, increased cyber threats. As we exchange gifts and festive greetings online, cybercriminals are working diligently to exploit the holiday spirit for their own gain. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and informed about the common cyber schemes that tend to surge during this time of year and beyond. Here are some examples to help you navigate the digital landscape safely.

1. Phishing Scams: Naughty Emails in Disguise

Phishing scams are a perennial threat, but they often become more sophisticated during the holidays. Cybercriminals send emails that appear to be from reputable sources, such as shipping companies or online retailers, asking recipients to confirm personal information or track a package. Clicking on the links in these emails can lead to malware installation or credential theft.

Example: You receive an email or text message claiming to be from a well-known delivery service, asking you to click on a link to track a package. Before you click, verify the sender’s email address or phone number and double-check with the actual delivery service through their official website or customer service.

2. Can You Hear Me? The Phone Call Scam That Speaks Volumes

In this devious phone scam, scammers ask innocent-sounding questions like “Can you hear me?” or “Is this [your name]?” during a call. The twist? They’re recording your response with the sinister intent of using it against you later. A casual “Yes” from you becomes a voice recording in their hands, ready to be manipulated to make it seem like you’ve agreed to fraudulent charges or entered into a fake contract. Stay alert to these audio schemes during the holiday season!

Example: you receive a call from an unfamiliar number. The caller, using a friendly tone, asks, “Can you hear me okay?” Instead of responding with a straightforward “Yes,” respond with phrases like “I can hear you fine” or inquire about the caller’s identity before providing any affirmative answer.

3. Gift Card Scams: 'Tis Better to Receive Than Be Deceived

Gift cards are a popular and convenient present during the holiday season, but cybercriminals have found ways to exploit them. Scammers may impersonate friends or family, asking for gift card codes via email or social media, claiming they need help or are in a difficult situation.

Example: You receive a message from a friend urgently asking for gift card codes to help them out of a supposed tight spot. Always verify such requests through a separate means of communication before taking any action.

4. Facebook Business Account Removal Scam: Protecting Your Online Presence

Scammers are deploying a new tactic to exploit business owners on social media platforms. The Facebook Business Account Removal Scam is a scheme that preys on the fear of losing one’s online presence. 

Example: Business owners receive a Facebook message claiming to be from the platform’s support team. The message warns that their business account is at risk of removal due to policy violations or unauthorized activities. To rectify the supposed issue, the scammer instructs the user to click on a link or provide sensitive information.

Fear of losing access to a business account can prompt quick and unthinking reactions. Clicking on the provided link may lead to a phishing site designed to steal login credentials or inject malware into the user’s device. Alternatively, providing personal information directly to the scammer could result in identity theft or unauthorized access to business-related accounts.

Authentic communication from Facebook will generally come through official channels. Double-check the sender’s profile, and if in doubt, contact Facebook directly through their official support channels.

5. Social Media Scams: Festive Frauds in Your Feed

With the increased use of social media during the holidays, scammers leverage these platforms for various schemes. Be cautious of fake contests, giveaways, or friend requests from unfamiliar profiles.

Example: You come across a post claiming to offer a fantastic holiday giveaway, requiring you to input personal information. Always verify the legitimacy of such offers directly through the official channels of the alleged organizer.

Give The Gift of Cybersecurity Awareness

As the holiday season unfolds with joy and festivities, it also brings an unfortunate surge in cyber threats. In the spirit of giving and connecting online, cybercriminals are tirelessly working to exploit vulnerabilities. To navigate this digital landscape safely, arm yourself with knowledge about prevalent scams, from phishing emails to phone call schemes, gift card cons, and social media deceptions.

Click carefully, respond to calls wisely, and double-check before sharing sensitive info. Remember, the most wonderful time of the year should also be the most secure time in the digital realm.

Share this information with friends and family to ensure a safe and secure online experience this season.