Ghost.io How to Collect Submissions is a powerful content management system (CMS) that allows bloggers, publishers, and businesses to manage and distribute their content seamlessly. While Ghost is widely known for its elegant and minimalist approach to content creation, many users seek ways to collect submissions—whether for guest posts, newsletters, or community contributions. If you’re wondering how to collect submissions on Ghost.io, this guide will walk you through various methods and tools to streamline the process.
Ghost.io How to Collect Submissions?
Before diving into the methods, let’s explore why collecting submissions is essential for your Ghost-powered website:
- User-Generated Content – Engaging your audience by allowing them to contribute guest posts, stories, or opinions.
- Newsletter Signups – Expanding your subscriber list for better engagement and marketing.
- Surveys and Feedback – Gathering insights from readers to improve content and services.
- Event Registrations – Accepting entries for events, webinars, or online courses.
Methods to Collect Submissions on Ghost.io
There is no built-in submission feature in Ghost.io, but you can integrate third-party tools and services to collect submissions effectively. Below are the best methods:
1. Using Ghost’s Native Membership Forms
If your goal is to collect emails and submissions related to subscriptions or newsletters, Ghost’s built-in membership system can help.
Steps to Enable Membership Forms in Ghost
- Log into your Ghost Admin Panel and navigate to Settings > Membership.
- Enable the Signups option and customize your sign-up form fields.
- Add the membership form to your site using Ghost’s Portal or a custom signup form.
- If you need additional fields for collecting specific information, consider integrating a custom HTML form with Ghost.
This method is perfect for newsletter-based submissions but is limited if you need more detailed responses.
2. Using Google Forms for Submission Collection
For collecting articles, guest posts, or general user submissions, Google Forms is an easy and free solution.
How to Embed Google Forms in Ghost
- Create a Google Form with fields that match the submission requirements (e.g., name, email, content submission, file upload).
- Click the Send button and copy the Embed HTML code.
- In Ghost, go to the post or page where you want the form to appear.
- Click the HTML card in the Ghost editor and paste the Google Forms embed code.
- Publish the page, and users can now submit content easily.
This method works well for collecting structured responses but lacks branding customization.
3. Using Typeform for Interactive Submission Forms
Typeform provides an engaging and visually appealing way to collect submissions. If you want a more interactive experience, this is a great choice.
Embedding Typeform on Ghost
- Sign up on Typeform and create a new form with your desired fields.
- Customize the form to match your website’s branding.
- Click on Share > Embed in a Website and copy the provided HTML code.
- Paste the code into an HTML block in your Ghost post or page.
Typeform is a powerful option, but it may have limitations in the free version.
4. Using JotForm for Advanced Submissions
JotForm is a flexible alternative to Google Forms and Typeform, especially if you need file uploads, conditional logic, or automated responses.
Steps to Use JotForm with Ghost
- Create a free account on JotForm.com.
- Select a template or start a new form from scratch.
- Customize the form by adding fields, including text, emails, and file uploads.
- Click on Publish > Embed and copy the HTML embed code.
- Paste it inside a Ghost HTML block where you want the form to appear.
JotForm offers a high degree of customization but has limited free submissions per month.
5. Using Zapier to Automate Submission Collection
Zapier connects Ghost with other apps, allowing you to automate submission collection.
How to Automate Submissions with Zapier
- Create a Zapier account and connect it to Ghost.io.
- Set up a “Zap” that triggers when a form is submitted via Google Forms, Typeform, or JotForm.
- Choose an action, such as saving the submission to Google Sheets, sending an email notification, or creating a new Ghost post.
- Activate the Zap, and submissions will be automatically processed.
This method is useful for handling multiple submission types without manual intervention.
6. Using Formspark for Serverless Form Submissions
If you prefer a code-based approach, Formspark allows you to collect form submissions without backend configuration.
How to Set Up Formspark with Ghost
- Create an account on Formspark.io.
- Generate a form endpoint from Formspark.
- Use a simple HTML form in Ghost, pointing to the Formspark endpoint:
- Formspark will store submissions and allow you to view them.
This is an advanced solution for those comfortable with custom coding.
Best Practices for Submission Collection on Ghost.io
Regardless of which method you use, follow these best practices to ensure a smooth experience:
- Use Clear Instructions – Tell users exactly what information you need.
- Enable File Uploads – If needed, allow users to upload documents or images.
- Ensure Mobile-Friendliness – Test forms on mobile devices.
- Automate Responses – Send confirmation emails after submission.
- Secure Data Collection – Use encryption and data privacy measures.
Conclusion
Collecting submissions on Ghost.io may not be a built-in feature, but with integrations like Google Forms, Typeform, JotForm, Zapier, and Formspark, you can create a seamless submission process. Whether you’re gathering guest posts, feedback, or newsletter signups, these tools will help you efficiently manage user contributions while enhancing engagement on your Ghost-powered website.