How to redirect users after submitting Google Forms

How to redirect users after submitting Google Forms

Google Forms is widely used for surveys, quizzes, event registrations, and more. Thanks to its ease of use and seamless integration with other Google services, it’s often a first choice for form building. However, one commonly sought-after feature that’s missing from Google Forms is the ability to automatically redirect users to another web page after they submit a form. Fortunately, there are some useful workarounds to achieve this functionality. This blog post will explain why redirecting users can be helpful and teach you several ways to make it happen..

Why should you redirect users after form submission?

Redirecting users after they submit a form enhances user experience by guiding respondents toward the next step you want them to take. It can

  • Lead respondents to a custom “Thank You” page.
  • Offer respondents additional resources or downloadable content.
  • Encourage respondents to explore your website or make a purchase.
  • Improve data tracking and user analytics.

How to set up a Google Form redirect

If done effectively, redirecting users after they submit a Google Form can transform results and help generate leads. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 

Step 1: Create your form

First, set up your Google Form as you normally would, by creating questions and building the basic layout.

google forms form template selections

Step 2: Use the confirmation message for redirection

Google Forms doesn’t support automatic URL redirection, but you can cleverly use the confirmation message to guide respondents to the next step.

  • Select the Settings tab at the top of your form.
google forms customer feedback form example
  • Select the Presentation tab.
google forms example interface showing the presentation option
  • Enter your custom message, clearly instructing users to click the provided link. For example:

“Thank you for your response! Click here to access your special offer.”

user entering the custom message with the words thank you for your response

Make sure your URL is easily clickable and compelling enough to encourage users to continue to the provided page.

Step 3: Third-party integrations for automatic redirect

If a clickable link in the confirmation message isn’t sufficient, consider third-party integrations like Google Apps Script. Here’s a basic outline:

  • Open your Google Form and select the Responses tab.
responses option selection on google forms
  • Click on the Google Sheets icon to link responses to a spreadsheet.
image showing the link to sheets button on the responses tab
  • Within Google Sheets, click Extensions > Apps Script.
image showing apps script option
  • Add a custom script to handle email notifications or automatic redirects (advanced users only).

However, this method requires familiarity with scripting and is slightly more complex.

A better alternative: Using Jotform for easy redirects

If you’re looking for seamless and effortless redirects without complicated setups, Jotform is a fantastic alternative to Google Forms. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

  • Simple redirects: Jotform allows you to redirect users automatically to any web page after form submission. No scripting needed.
  • Conditional redirects: You can easily set different redirect URLs based on users’ responses, guiding each respondent precisely where you want them.
  • Enhanced user experience: Customize your “Thank You” pages with branding, additional information, and even personalized messages.

How to redirect users with Jotform:

  1. Create your form in Jotform.
  2. Go to your form’s settings and select Thank You Page.
jotform form builder showing example thank you page directing the user to the settings option
  1. Choose Redirect to an external link after submission.
redirect to an external link after submission button on Jotform form builder
  1. Paste your URL.
enter URL section on jotform form builder

For conditional redirects:

  • Navigate to Settings > Conditions.
image showing conditional redirects on the conditions section of jotform form builder
  • Select Change Thank You Page.
on conditions user can find the change thank you page option to customize it
  • Set your conditions based on form answers.
customization interface of thank you page on jotform form builder
  • Enter specific URLs for each condition.
image showing jotform form builder user interface to redirect to an external URL

Pro Tip

Jotform’s comprehensive guide makes setting up redirects straightforward and stress-free.

Take your form experience further

While Google Forms is convenient, it has limitations when it comes to advanced features like post-submission redirection. Using Jotform as a Google Forms alternative gives you more flexibility, power, and customization to enhance the experience for your respondents and meet your business needs. If you’re ready to take charge of your forms and ensure continued engagement with your users, try it today!

This article is aimed at users of Google Forms who are looking for ways to redirect respondents to a custom page after form submission, and want practical workarounds to enable this missing feature.

AUTHOR
Jotform's Editorial Team is a group of dedicated professionals committed to providing valuable insights and practical tips to Jotform blog readers. Our team's expertise spans a wide range of topics, from industry-specific subjects like managing summer camps and educational institutions to essential skills in surveys, data collection methods, and document management. We also provide curated recommendations on the best software tools and resources to help streamline your workflow.

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