I wonder if I can embed an 'email sign up form' (html code) into a Storyline slide?
I would like to allow the user to insert their name and email address into the form fields ... and submit their details to receive more information about a certain topic.
Is it possible to do this? I'd appreciate your advice... thanks.
However, I need to know if I can insert html forms from autoresponder services like Aweber, Mailchimp, Get Response etc and have the form submission work correctly.
The only issue is that you will need to run some PHP code so that the email will send without bringing up the users email client. To run PHP you will need to host it on a server that can run php code. (Most current servers do). If you plan to run this from an LMS or Sharepoint, you may run into some problems because most LMSs and Sharepoint block this type of file from being uploaded. You'll have to look at your specific application to see if you can unblock this and how to do it.
The best way to place an email form within Storyline would be through an embedded web object. There are many email forms that can be downloaded from the web so you don't have to create your own. Just search "free email forms". You will need the HTML and the PHP file. Embed the HTML file into the slide you want. When you publish the file, make sure that the PHP file is in the same folder (or where it is supposed to be according to the code). If not, drag it in there. Then FTP everything up to where you want it.
Jerson, that's helpful, but I can't just use any form. I'm using a subscription form for an email service (Mailchimp) and so their code is what I will use. Theirs is more flexible than aweber at least, but I can't see exactly where to put this code.
I am still not hearing exactly where or how to put this code into my presentation. Any instructions or videos on how to do this? Anything specific to Mailchimp?
I figured it out. Very tricky, indeed, but it worked. The signup form must be in a .html file and then you select the folder where it is and it will pull it in. It totally does not happen the way it is expected to work, so keep at it until it works if you are having difficulty. It will work after you select the folder--don't try to force it to select the file.
Hi Joseph! I'm not sure if Jerson is still subscribed to this thread, but you are welcome to utilize the Contact Me option on the user profile if needed.
Hi Joseph, How are you testing the mail form? If it's on your local system it won't work. It has to be hosted on a server so that the PHP works. If mailchimp can host it, I would just embed a webobject that points to the http address.
Hi Joseph great post I am wanting to work out the very same thing. How is it coming along? Jerson great to have your input also. Hoping we can solve this one.
Are you hosting it on a share drop site? If you are, this isn't going to work. Share drives like dropbox, box, and amazon's service block php scripts from executing. You need to host this on your website server.
If the email form works by itself, then it should work in storyline. I would first make sure that it works on whatever server you have it hosted.
Yep, Jerson, that did the trick. I had used the dialog box to upload the file, but didn't realize that it wasn't really wanting a file. It only wanted the URL which I didn't realize because it asked for a file and used a folder button to access the file. I didn't see the "test link" button was meant to test the link.
25 Replies
Wayne;
not being a programmer I have had good success embedding google forms into my story files and collecting the data that way.
Tim
Thanks Tim, that's good to know.
However, I need to know if I can insert html forms from autoresponder services like Aweber, Mailchimp, Get Response etc and have the form submission work correctly.
cheers
Wayne
No one gave an answer on this in 2 years? I'd really like to know for myself!!
Hi Joseph! Well, you've brought the thread back to life, so perhaps someone in the community has a suggestion for you :)
Yes, I'd like to use a form to subscribe people to mailing list and don't know how/where to do it.
The only issue is that you will need to run some PHP code so that the email will send without bringing up the users email client. To run PHP you will need to host it on a server that can run php code. (Most current servers do). If you plan to run this from an LMS or Sharepoint, you may run into some problems because most LMSs and Sharepoint block this type of file from being uploaded. You'll have to look at your specific application to see if you can unblock this and how to do it.
The best way to place an email form within Storyline would be through an embedded web object. There are many email forms that can be downloaded from the web so you don't have to create your own. Just search "free email forms". You will need the HTML and the PHP file. Embed the HTML file into the slide you want. When you publish the file, make sure that the PHP file is in the same folder (or where it is supposed to be according to the code). If not, drag it in there. Then FTP everything up to where you want it.
Jerson, that's helpful, but I can't just use any form. I'm using a subscription form for an email service (Mailchimp) and so their code is what I will use. Theirs is more flexible than aweber at least, but I can't see exactly where to put this code.
I am still not hearing exactly where or how to put this code into my presentation. Any instructions or videos on how to do this? Anything specific to Mailchimp?
I use mailchimp too and I'll try to look into it and post what I find here.
Wonderful!!
Thanks for jumping in to assist Jerson!
I'm ready to put my Mailchimp form into my presentation and see that nothing happened here. Jerson, can you update me??
I figured it out. Very tricky, indeed, but it worked. The signup form must be in a .html file and then you select the folder where it is and it will pull it in. It totally does not happen the way it is expected to work, so keep at it until it works if you are having difficulty. It will work after you select the folder--don't try to force it to select the file.
As it turns out, the form itself does NOT work. It doesn't even load. Any help on this would be appreciated.
Hi Joseph! I'm not sure if Jerson is still subscribed to this thread, but you are welcome to utilize the Contact Me option on the user profile if needed.
Hi Joseph, How are you testing the mail form? If it's on your local system it won't work. It has to be hosted on a server so that the PHP works. If mailchimp can host it, I would just embed a webobject that points to the http address.
Hi Joseph great post I am wanting to work out the very same thing. How is it coming along? Jerson great to have your input also. Hoping we can solve this one.
It is on a server and it doesn't work. I hope to solve it as well.
Thankyou Joseph For the update
Are you hosting it on a share drop site? If you are, this isn't going to work. Share drives like dropbox, box, and amazon's service block php scripts from executing. You need to host this on your website server.
If the email form works by itself, then it should work in storyline. I would first make sure that it works on whatever server you have it hosted.
Hmmm. I've got this on Amazon AWS and it is set as a webhost so it serves the files. It's not a shared drop site since it is configured as a host.
Can you type the address location of the email form in your browser and does it come up correctly?
I will have to try that! Jerson, that's a great idea.
Glad that Jerson was able to pop in and assist you Joseph.
Yep, Jerson, that did the trick. I had used the dialog box to upload the file, but didn't realize that it wasn't really wanting a file. It only wanted the URL which I didn't realize because it asked for a file and used a folder button to access the file. I didn't see the "test link" button was meant to test the link.
Problem solved.
Awesome news Joseph! Thanks for the update.
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