About This Article
"I'm interested in HubSpot, but migrating my whole site is too much..." "I just want to try the forms first."
For those needs, embedding HubSpot forms in your existing site is recommended. It's the easiest way to start with HubSpot.
Forms Alone Provide Real Value
Even just HubSpot's form features enable the following.
Visitor submits form (inquiry, resource request, seminar registration, etc.)
Register as contact, record submission content, link visit history
Auto-send thank-you email, notify team member, auto-nurture with workflows
Difference from Regular Forms
How are HubSpot forms different from WordPress's "Contact Form 7" and similar?
Comparison Table
| Feature | Contact Form 7 | HubSpot Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Form creation | ○ | ◎ (drag & drop) |
| Submission notification | Email only | Email + Slack, etc. |
| Data storage | None (email only) | Auto-save to CRM |
| Visit history | None | Auto-linked |
| Auto-reply | △ (requires setup) | ◎ (easy setup) |
| Follow-up automation | None | Workflow integration |
| Analytics | None | Submission count, conversion rate |
| Cost | Free | Free+ |
HubSpot Form Strengths
- Submission data accumulates in CRM: Review past inquiry history anytime
- Links to visit history: Know "what pages did they view before submitting"
- Automation integration: Auto-create emails and tasks triggered by form submission
Embedding Methods
There are three main ways to embed HubSpot forms in your existing site.
Method 1: Embed Code (Easiest)
Paste the embed code generated by HubSpot into your site.
Steps:
- Create form in HubSpot
- Copy embed code from "Embed" tab
- Paste code into any WordPress page
Benefits:
- Done in minutes
- No special knowledge needed
Drawbacks:
- Limited design adjustment
Method 2: HubSpot WordPress Plugin
If using WordPress, the official plugin is convenient.
Steps:
- Install "HubSpot" plugin in WordPress
- Connect with HubSpot account
- Select "HubSpot Form" from block editor
Benefits:
- Easy insertion from block editor
- Tracking code also auto-installed
Method 3: API Integration (Advanced)
Send submission data to HubSpot while maintaining your existing form design.
Benefits:
- Complete design control
- Use existing forms as-is
Drawbacks:
- Development skills required
Form Creation Steps
Here's how to create a form in HubSpot.
Step 1: Create New Form
- Log in to HubSpot
- Marketing → Lead Capture → Forms
- Click "Create form"
Step 2: Set Up Fields
Add fields with drag and drop.
Common fields:
- Email address (required)
- Full name
- Company name
- Phone number
- Message (text area)
Step 3: Configure Options
After submission behavior:
- Show thank-you message
- Redirect to different page
- Send thank-you email
Notification settings:
- Email notification on submission
- Slack notification
Step 4: Publish & Embed
Publish the form and get the embed code.
Use Case Examples
Example 1: Contact Form
Replace basic contact form with HubSpot.
Setup:
- Fields: Name, email, company, message
- After submit: Show thank-you message
- Notification: Email to team member
- Automation: Auto-send thank-you email
Example 2: Resource Request Form
Form for whitepaper or catalog requests.
Setup:
- Fields: Name, email, company, job title
- After submit: Redirect to download page
- Automation: Send follow-up email after 1 week
Example 3: Seminar Registration Form
Event or webinar registration form.
Setup:
- Fields: Name, email, company, preferred date
- After submit: Auto-send confirmation email
- Automation: Send reminder email day before event
Integration with Visit History
HubSpot forms' greatest strength is integration with visit history.
Install Tracking Code
Installing tracking code along with forms reveals:
- What pages they viewed before submitting
- How many times they visited the site
- Which link (ad, email, etc.) brought them
Application for Sales
With this information, sales reps can prepare in advance.
| Visit History | Sales Insight |
|---|---|
| Viewed product page 3 times before inquiry | High interest, specific evaluation stage |
| Viewed pricing page | Likely interested in cost |
| Came from specific blog article | Likely has challenge related to that topic |
Considerations
1. Clean Up Existing Forms
When adopting HubSpot forms, stop existing forms (like Contact Form 7). If both are running, data gets fragmented.
2. Update Privacy Policy
Since HubSpot will manage data, privacy policy updates may be needed.
3. Spam Protection
HubSpot forms have built-in reCAPTCHA and spam filters, but add additional settings as needed.
FAQ
Q: Can I use it for free?
A: Yes, HubSpot forms are available on the free plan.
Free plan limitations:
- HubSpot logo is displayed
- Advanced automation features are limited
Q: Can I change the design?
A: Customization is possible to some extent.
- Adjust colors, fonts, spacing
- Detailed CSS customization (paid plan)
Q: Can I migrate existing form data?
A: Yes, via CSV import. Past inquiry history can be imported to HubSpot.
Q: Can I use on multiple sites?
A: Yes, you can embed the same form on multiple sites or use different forms per site.
Next Steps
Once form integration is working, consider these next steps.
Step 1: Set Up Automation
Add settings to auto-create emails and tasks triggered by form submission.
Step 2: Add Chatbots
Consider chatbots to add another entry point for inquiries.
Step 3: Leverage Analytics
Analyze which forms get the most inquiries, which pages drive the most, and improve accordingly.
Summary
Even just implementing HubSpot forms achieves:
- Automated lead management: Inquiries auto-register in CRM
- Visible visit history: Know what pages they viewed before inquiring
- Automated follow-up: Automate thank-you emails, team notifications
- Analytics: Visualize form performance
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Implementation cost | Free+, done in hours |
| Impact on existing site | Minimal |
| Value gained | Efficient lead management |
The most recommended way to start for those who "just want to try it first."