How Do I Create Forms for a WordPress Website?

When it comes to gathering information from website visitors, forms are essential. Whether you’re looking to generate leads, take orders, or receive feedback, a well-designed form can make all the difference. If you’re wondering how to create forms for your WordPress website, you’re in the right place. Below, I’ll walk you through three of the most common approaches: using Klaviyo, building a custom-coded form, and leveraging Elementor Pro Forms. Each has its strengths, and the best choice for you depends on your specific needs.

1. Using Klaviyo to Create Forms

Klaviyo is a powerful marketing automation platform with built-in email list management and form-building capabilities. It’s especially popular for eCommerce websites and businesses that need forms to tie directly into email marketing campaigns. Here’s why Klaviyo might be the best option for you:

Benefits of Klaviyo:

• Easy Integration with WordPress: Klaviyo integrates smoothly with WordPress via a plugin, meaning you won’t need extensive technical expertise to get started.
• Email Marketing Integration: One of the biggest selling points is how seamlessly Klaviyo connects form submissions with your email marketing efforts. You can trigger campaigns, workflows, and automations directly from form submissions.
• Customizable Forms: Although limited compared to custom forms, Klaviyo forms allow for easy design customization without needing to know code.
• Pop-Ups and Embedded Forms: Klaviyo provides a range of form types like pop-ups, fly-outs, and embedded forms. You can use these to capture emails, offer discounts, or gather user data directly on your site.

When to Use Klaviyo:

• Email Marketing is a Priority: If your business relies heavily on building email lists and sending targeted campaigns, Klaviyo is an excellent tool.
• You’re Running an eCommerce Store: Many eCommerce businesses rely on Klaviyo’s powerful marketing automation to grow their sales.
• Limited Customization Required: While Klaviyo forms offer some flexibility, they may not be the best option if you need highly specialized forms with complex logic or unique design features.

How to Create a Form in Klaviyo:

1. Install the Klaviyo plugin in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Connect your WordPress site with your Klaviyo account.
3. Go to Signup Forms in Klaviyo and choose the type of form (e.g., pop-up, embedded).
4. Customize your form’s fields, design, and behavior.
5. Publish your form and integrate it into your WordPress site.

2. Custom Coded Forms for Maximum Flexibility

For business owners who want complete control over their forms without being constrained by plugins or platform limitations, a custom-coded form is the way to go. By coding a form from scratch, you can design it to meet your exact specifications and integrate it with any database or third-party service.

Benefits of Custom Coded Forms:

• Unlimited Customization: You can tailor every aspect of the form, from its appearance to its behavior. Whether you need complex conditional logic, multi-step forms, or unique design elements, custom coding allows for full flexibility.
• Database and API Integration: With custom code, you can store form submissions directly in your preferred database (MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.) or connect with external APIs (like Google Sheets, Salesforce, or CRMs).
• No Plugin Limitations: Many form plugins, including free versions, have limitations on the number of fields, submission storage, or integrations. With custom code, you’re not restricted by these limitations.

When to Use Custom Coded Forms:

• You Need Advanced Functionality: If your form requires advanced features, such as conditional fields, multiple file uploads, or integrations with complex systems, custom coding is the best solution.
• You Have Technical Resources: Custom forms are more time-consuming to build and maintain, so having a web developer on hand is crucial.
• Avoid Plugin Bloat: Some businesses prefer to minimize the number of plugins on their website to reduce the risk of conflicts, security vulnerabilities, and slow load times. Custom coding can help keep things lean and efficient.

How to Create a Custom Form in WordPress:

1. Design the Form: Map out the fields, design, and any behaviors (e.g., form validation, redirects) you want the form to have.
2. Code the HTML: Write the form’s structure using HTML. Include the necessary fields (text inputs, radio buttons, file uploads, etc.).
3. Add Form Validation and Logic: Use JavaScript or PHP to add form validation, conditional fields, or dynamic behaviors.
4. Process Submissions: Write a PHP script to handle the form submission, either saving the data to your WordPress database or sending it to an external API or email address.
5. Embed the Form: Place the form on your WordPress site by embedding the code in a page or post, or within a theme template.

Example Code for a Basic Custom Form:

<form method="POST" action="your-action-url.php">
  <label for="name">Name:</label>
  <input type="text" id="name" name="name" required>
  
  <label for="email">Email:</label>
  <input type="email" id="email" name="email" required>
  
  <button type="submit">Submit</button>
</form>

This code can be expanded to include more fields, validation, and processing logic, depending on your needs.

3. Using Elementor Pro Forms

Elementor is a popular WordPress page builder that allows you to design custom pages with drag-and-drop functionality. Elementor Pro comes with a form widget that makes it incredibly easy to create visually appealing forms without writing any code. It offers a good balance between customization and ease of use.

Benefits of Elementor Pro Forms:

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: You can build forms visually by dragging and dropping fields into place, making it beginner-friendly.
• Styling Options: Elementor allows you to customize the look of your forms, ensuring they match your site’s branding and design.
• Advanced Form Features: Elementor Pro Forms come with advanced features like conditional logic, multi-step forms, and integrations with services like Mailchimp, HubSpot, and Zapier.
• No Coding Required: Unlike custom-coded forms, Elementor Pro forms can be set up quickly without needing a developer, but still offer flexibility and customization options.

When to Use Elementor Pro Forms:

• Design is a Priority: If you want full control over the look and feel of your forms and other site elements, Elementor is ideal.
• You Want Flexibility Without Code: Elementor allows you to add conditional fields and custom design without needing technical skills.
• You Need Integration Options: Elementor Pro integrates easily with email marketing platforms and CRMs, making it a solid option for growing businesses.

How to Create a Form in Elementor Pro:

1. Install and activate the Elementor Pro plugin on your WordPress site.
2. In the Elementor editor, drag the Form widget onto the page.
3. Customize your form fields by adding text inputs, radio buttons, and checkboxes as needed.
4. Set up actions after form submission, such as sending an email, redirecting users, or connecting with an external CRM.
5. Style your form using Elementor’s design tools to match your website’s branding.
6. Save and publish the form on any page using Elementor.

Conclusion

Choosing the right method to create forms for your WordPress website depends on your business goals and technical capabilities. Klaviyo is perfect for businesses focused on email marketing, custom-coded forms offer unmatched flexibility for more complex needs, and Elementor Pro is ideal for those who want beautiful forms without dealing with code. Each option provides unique advantages, so assess your needs and choose the one that aligns best with your business objectives.