Details
Forms are a great way to collect data from users - you can use them to allow users to subscribe to a list, collect survey data, RSVP to an event, allow users to update preferences or unsubscribe from a list ...just to name a few!
Our system has four core form types (as outlined below) - each designed with a specific purpose in mind. When creating a new webform, be sure to select the correct one - as you can't change a form type from one to another.
Forms use lists to store the information that users enter. As such, you'll need to have a list before you can add a form to it. If you don't yet have any lists in your account, please refer to Add a New List.
Only certain account types / plans have the ability to add additional forms to a list (over and above the included default forms).
Understanding Different Form Types in Our System
Subscription Form
A subscribe form type is used for contacts to subscribe to, or join, your list. This type of form is often embedded onto a website for subscribing to a newsletter, etc.
This form type will automatically change and appear as a special Registration form (instead of a Subscription form) whenever you have an event (that's been created in our platform) assigned to the relevant list for that form.
You can also trigger automations off the Subscribe event - Welcome a New List Subscriber With a Message
Preferences Form
A preferences form type allows users to set their communication preferences with you. However, this is only used if you are using the list preferences function.
Update Profile Form
An update profile form type functions as a means of adding or editing data you already have for existing contacts on your list. You can also use an Update Profile form type to display data-already-on-file to your existing contacts and allow them to edit it.
In our example at the start of this article, the Survey form would generally be created as Update Profile forms - as the contact already exists on your list, but you are asking them for new information.
In most cases, the contact will be required to enter their email address or mobile number (you can choose which field to display on the login form) before they can see or change their data stored on file. You can optionally add a password field to this form too - but this will only work if your contacts had entered something into this field at the time of sign-up (on your Subscription form).
This form type will automatically change and appear as a special Registration Update form (instead of an Update Profile form) whenever you have an event (that's been created in our platform) assigned to the relevant list for that form.
Unsubscribe Form
This form type is usually linked-to from an email footer, allowing contacts to unsubscribe from your list.
Further Reading
- Add a New Form to a List
- Add a New Field to a Form or List, or Edit a Field
- Add a Form to a Website
- Design & Customise the Appearance of a Form