Is it possible to allow users to contribute rich-content with integrated images on my moderated Webflow community news and information site, without giving them access to the backend? I want to be able to moderate the content.
TL;DR
- Create a CMS Collection and a Webflow form with fields for text and image uploads.
- Use an external uploader (e.g., Uploadcare, Cloudinary) to handle image uploads and store URLs in a hidden input field.
- Automate submission to Webflow CMS using Zapier, setting posts as drafts for moderation.
- Review and approve submissions manually in Webflow CMS before publishing.
- For user authentication, integrate Memberstack, Outseta, or Webflow Memberships if needed.
Yes, you can allow users to submit rich-content posts with integrated images on your Webflow site while maintaining full moderation control. Here’s how:
1. Use Webflow Forms for Submission
- Create a CMS Collection for community posts, including fields for text, images, and metadata.
- Design a Submission Form using Webflow's native form functionality.
- Ensure the form includes:
- A Rich Text Field for text content.
- An Upload Field for images (You’ll need a workaround for image uploads since Webflow forms don’t store files directly—see next step).
2. Handle Image Uploads Externally
- Since Webflow forms cannot store uploaded files, use a third-party file uploader like Uploadcare, Cloudinary, or FileStack.
- Steps:
- Embed the uploader in your Webflow form.
- Store the returned image URL in a hidden input field.
- Submit the form, capturing the link alongside text content.
3. Automate Submission to Webflow CMS with Zapier
- Use Zapier or Make (formerly Integromat) to send form data to your CMS.
- Zapier steps:
- Trigger: When a new form submission occurs.
- Action: Create a new draft CMS item (not published) with the submitted content and image URL.
- This keeps posts private until manually approved.
4. Moderate Content in Webflow CMS
- Navigate to CMS Collections in Webflow.
- Review submissions in their draft state.
- Edit and Approve submissions before publishing.
5. Optional: Enhance with Member Accounts
- If your community requires authenticated submissions, integrate Memberstack, Outseta, or Webflow Memberships.
- This allows user-specific submissions and history tracking.
Summary
By combining Webflow Forms, an external file uploader, and Zapier automation, you can collect rich content submissions and maintain moderation control. Once reviewed, approved posts can be published manually within Webflow CMS. This ensures a user-driven content model without exposing backend access.