"I need to integrate our website forms with Pardot using Pardot Form Handles - but how am I doing this?"

Form handlers are powerful tools that allow you to capture lead data from external forms while maintaining your website's existing design and functionality.

Unlike Pardot forms, form handlers work with your custom-built website forms and send data to Pardot, instead of Pardot capturing prospect directly.

What Are Form Handlers?

Form handlers serve as a bridge between your external web forms and Pardot, offering a seamless way to capture and process submissions. By providing a dedicated endpoint URL, form handlers enable you to:

• Preserve your website's carefully crafted form design and validation
• Maintain consistent branding across all your web properties
• Process submissions from any external form system
• Integrate with forms built on platforms like WordPress, custom CMS, or any other technology

When To Use Form Handlers

Form handlers are ideal when:

• You want to keep your existing form design and functionality
• You want to integrate existing website landing page that shouldn't be moved to Pardot
• You don't need Form specific features
• You don't want to embed Pardot forms via iFrame
• You're working with forms built in systems like WordPress or custom CMS

Setting Up a Form Handler

Let's walk through the three key steps to set up your form handlers effectively.

1. Create the Form Handler

1. Navigate to Content > Form Handlers in Pardot
2. Click "Add Form Handler"
3. Give your form handler a descriptive name
4. Configure success and error locations (optional - can be managed via Website)
5. Create fields

2. Configure Field Mapping

Map your form's field names to corresponding Pardot fields:

• Match each form field to its Pardot equivalent
• Create new custom fields if needed

3. Implementing the Form Handler

Once your form handler is published, you'll receive an endpoint URL (e.g., https://go.company.com/l/1045412/2025-02-15/4212c) that needs to be shared with your website administrator.

When implementing the form handler on your website, ensure the following requirements are met:

• Method: Set to POST
• Action: Use the Pardot form handler endpoint URL (e.g., https://go.company.com/l/1045412/2025-02-15/4212c)
• Form Fields:
  • Name: Must match exactly the external field names specified in your Pardot form handler
  • Type: Set appropriate HTML input types (text, email, tel, etc.)
  • Mandatory: Include all fields that were mapped in your Pardot form handler

Best Practices

Let's look at some best practices to decrease the risk of failing to integrate the form handler with your website.

Form Field Naming

Use consistent naming conventions for your form fields:

• Match Pardot field names when possible
• Use clear, descriptive names
• Avoid special characters or spaces
• Document your field mapping for future reference

Testing

Always test your form handler thoroughly:

• Submit test data through your form
• Verify field mappings are correct
• Check success and error redirects
• Confirm completion actions are working
• Test across different browsers and devices

Security Considerations

Protect your form handler from spam and abuse:

• Enable reCAPTCHA on your forms
• Implement honeypot fields
• Monitor submission patterns for suspicious activity

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your form handler still don't work, have a look at these typical erros.

Form Submissions Not Recording

If submissions aren't appearing in Pardot:

1. Verify the form handler URL is correct
2. Check field names match exactly
3. Confirm required fields are being submitted

Data Mapping Problems

When field data isn't mapping correctly:

1. Compare field names in your form HTML
2. Check for case sensitivity issues
3. Verify field types match (text, number, etc.)
4. Review any custom field configurations

Need expert help setting up your Pardot form handlers? Our team specializes in Pardot implementations and optimizations. Get in touch with us to discuss your specific requirements.