HubSpot Multi-Step Forms Beta: What Custom Page Developers Need to Know

Hey there, ESHOPMAN readers! As experts deeply embedded in the HubSpot ecosystem and the world of e-commerce, we often see fascinating discussions pop up in the HubSpot Community. These threads are goldmines of real-world challenges and clever solutions from users just like you. Recently, a conversation caught our eye that’s particularly relevant for anyone using custom-coded landing pages and eyeing HubSpot’s new multi-step forms beta.

The original poster, a HubSpot user driving significant traffic via Google Ads to custom-coded HubSpot landing pages, had a very practical question: Can HubSpot’s new multi-step forms (currently in public beta) be reliably embedded on custom-coded landing pages within the HubSpot CMS?

This isn't just a technical curiosity; it’s a critical inquiry for marketers and RevOps professionals who rely on precise control over their page design and conversion tracking. Their main concerns were spot on:

• Would the multi-step form render correctly on custom templates?
• Would steps, field grouping, and progress indicators work as expected?
• Would there be conflicts with existing custom CSS or JavaScript?

The Iframe Dilemma: Why Custom Code and Beta Forms Don't Mix (Yet)

While the original poster initially received no immediate answers, a helpful community member eventually stepped in to shed some much-needed light. And the answer, as is often the case with new beta features, came with a significant caveat.

The core issue, it turns out, is how these new multi-step forms are embedded. Unlike the older, single-step forms that often use raw HTML embed code, the multi-step forms beta currently relies on an iframe. If you're running a sophisticated setup, perhaps as part of your overall strategy to create online shop website, this distinction is absolutely crucial.

Why does an iframe matter so much for custom-coded pages? The community expert explained that an iframe essentially creates a separate browsing context within your page. It's like embedding a mini-webpage inside your main webpage. This isolation is great for security and preventing conflicts, but it introduces significant challenges for custom styling and scripting.

Technical Hurdles Explained:

• Rendering and Styling Conflicts: Your custom CSS, meticulously crafted to match your brand and user experience, will not penetrate the iframe. The multi-step form will render using its own default styles, ignoring your page's CSS entirely. This means progress indicators, field groupings, and overall aesthetics might clash severely with your custom template.
• JavaScript Interaction Breakdown: Cross-origin restrictions are a major hurdle. Any custom JavaScript on your landing page designed to interact with form elements (e.g., dynamic field updates, custom validations, or event listeners for Google Ads conversion tracking) will be blocked from accessing the content within the iframe. This can break critical functionalities and data flows.
• Critical Conversion Tracking Risks: For businesses running Google Ads campaigns, accurate conversion tracking is non-negotiable. If your custom JS for conversion pixels cannot interact with the form submission event inside the iframe, your tracking data will be unreliable, leading to inaccurate campaign optimization and wasted ad spend. This is perhaps the biggest real risk for ESHOPMAN users who rely on precise analytics to drive their e-commerce growth.

Navigating the Present: Solutions and Best Practices for ESHOPMAN Users

Given these limitations, what's the best course of action for ESHOPMAN users and HubSpot developers?

Option 1: Hold Off on Native Multi-Step Forms (For Now)

Based on the community insights, the most prudent advice is to wait for HubSpot to release a raw HTML embed option for their multi-step forms. The community member noted that HubSpot is actively working on this based on user feedback. Until then, rebuilding your forms with the native beta might lead to significant styling and tracking headaches, especially for custom-coded pages.

Option 2: Leverage Third-Party Form Builders for Immediate Needs

If multi-step forms are critical for your current campaigns and you cannot wait, a third-party form builder that integrates seamlessly with HubSpot is your best bet. Tools like Formcrafts (and others available on the HubSpot marketplace) offer full control over CSS and JavaScript. They allow you to build sophisticated multi-step forms that can be embedded directly into your custom-coded pages using raw HTML, ensuring your styling, scripting, and conversion tracking work flawlessly.

These third-party solutions typically send submissions directly to HubSpot contacts, deals, and tickets, maintaining the integrity of your CRM data. For ESHOPMAN users, HubSpot is already the central nervous system for your e-commerce operations. This seamless integration is precisely why many consider HubSpot the best CRM with Shopify and other e-commerce platforms, ensuring all customer data flows into a unified system, regardless of the form tool you use.

Option 3: Strategic Re-evaluation for Your E-commerce Storefront

Beyond specific form tools, this discussion highlights the importance of a flexible and robust integration strategy for your e-commerce storefront. ESHOPMAN is built to leverage HubSpot's power, providing a comprehensive solution. When evaluating new features or integrations, always consider their impact on your existing custom code, conversion funnels, and overall RevOps strategy. Prioritize solutions that offer maximum control and data integrity.

What's Next: The Future of HubSpot Multi-Step Forms

HubSpot is known for its responsiveness to community feedback. The fact that they are reportedly working on a raw HTML embed option for multi-step forms is a positive sign. We anticipate that future updates will provide developers with the flexibility needed to integrate these powerful forms into any custom-coded environment without the current iframe limitations. Keep an eye on HubSpot's product updates and the community forums for the latest developments.

Conclusion: Empowering Your HubSpot E-commerce Strategy

While HubSpot's multi-step forms beta offers exciting potential, custom-coded landing pages currently face significant challenges due to the iframe embedding method. For ESHOPMAN users who demand precise control over their site's aesthetics and critical conversion tracking, waiting for a raw HTML embed option or utilizing a robust third-party form builder integrated with HubSpot is the recommended path.

At ESHOPMAN, we empower you to build and manage your online store directly within HubSpot. Understanding these technical nuances ensures your marketing and sales efforts are always optimized, driving sustainable growth for your e-commerce business. Stay informed, stay strategic, and keep building amazing customer experiences!