How can I eliminate spam emails on my website and my client websites in Webflow?
TL;DR
- Enable Google reCAPTCHA in Webflow's form settings and configure it with site/secret keys.
- Use third-party form services like Formspree, Typeform, or JotForm for better spam protection.
- Add a honeypot field (hidden input) to trap bots without affecting real users.
- Set up email filtering rules to block known spam patterns and scam-related keywords.
- Use custom JavaScript validation to require user actions before allowing form submission.
- Regularly monitor spam patterns and adjust filters to block recurring spam sources.
Spam emails on Webflow forms can be reduced using various techniques. Follow these steps to minimize spam submissions on your website and client websites.
1. Enable Webflow’s Built-in reCAPTCHA
- Go to Project Settings > Forms and scroll down to the reCAPTCHA Settings section.
- Enable Google reCAPTCHA v2 or reCAPTCHA v3.
- If using v2, Webflow will show a checkbox in the form; v3 works invisibly in the background.
- Get the reCAPTCHA Site Key and Secret Key from Google reCAPTCHA and paste them in Webflow.
- Save and publish your site to activate reCAPTCHA.
2. Use a Third-Party Form Handling Service
- Webflow’s native forms don’t allow advanced spam filtering. Consider using third-party form services like:
- Formspree (supports spam filtering and CAPTCHA).
- Typeform (integrates with Webflow and offers built-in anti-spam).
- JotForm (provides spam protection with CAPTCHA).
- Embed the form using the Embed element and follow the instructions based on the chosen service.
3. Add a Honeypot Field
- A honeypot is a hidden input field that bots fill out but real users won’t see.
- Add a custom HTML embed inside the form with this hidden input:
<input type="text" name="honeypot" style="display:none;">- If a submission contains text in this field, it’s likely from a bot and can be ignored using a backend filter.
4. Block Specific Spam Email Patterns
- Use Google Workspace or custom email rules to filter out known spam patterns.
- Block emails using keywords like free proxies, scam phrases, or auto-generated domains.
5. Use Custom JavaScript Validation
- Inject custom JavaScript to prevent automated bots from submitting forms.
- Example: Require a simple user action before revealing the Submit button.
6. Regularly Monitor and Adjust Spam Filters
- Analyze incoming spam to detect patterns and update filters as needed.
- If a particular IP or domain sends constant spam, create email rules to block them.
Summary
To reduce spam emails in Webflow, enable reCAPTCHA, use third-party form handlers, add a honeypot field, block spammy email patterns, implement JavaScript validation, and monitor incoming submissions regularly. These methods help keep spam away from you and your clients’ inboxes.