If you frequently collect form submissions through WordPress, doing so manually can become quite tedious. Keeping track of leads, orders, and feedback is crucial, but downloading each entry individually can be time-consuming and prone to error.
WordPress lacks a built-in option to auto-export form entries, but there’s a way to streamline this process with WPForms. This tool allows you to automate the export of these entries, meaning you can receive organized information without any hassle.
The Benefits of Auto Exporting WordPress Form Entries
By setting up automatic exports, you can effectively manage and back up form submissions without lifting a finger. Rather than logging in every time someone fills out your form, you can easily send the information to your email, cloud storage, or another application of your choice.
Implementing this system allows you to:
- Securely back up your entries.
- Reduce repetitive administrative tasks.
- Keep your data organized for easier access.
- Eliminate the risk of overlooking important submissions.
- Simplify reporting and follow-up processes.
Once configured, the automation runs behind the scenes, freeing you up to focus on more critical tasks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Auto Exporting WordPress Form Entries with WPForms
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Install and Activate WPForms: Begin by installing the WPForms plugin in your WordPress. After activation, input your license key to unlock all features, including the Entry Automation add-on.
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Create Your Form: Navigate to the WPForms dashboard to create a new form. You can use a pre-designed template or build one from scratch with the intuitive drag-and-drop builder. This form will be the source of your automatic exports.
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Set Up Automatic Export: In the form settings, navigate to the Entry Automation tab, and click on "Add New Task." Name your task meaningfully, like "Weekly Contact Form Export via Email."
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Configure Export Settings: Choose the task type "Export Entries." Next, customize the file name and format (CSV, Excel, PDF, JSON). After that, specify the destination for your export (email, Google Drive, Dropbox, or FTP).
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Select Form Fields and Filters: Decide what form data you want to include in the export, including any additional info that WPForms tracks, such as entry ID and dates. You can also set filters to ensure only relevant submissions are exported.
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Schedule the Export: Finally, define when the export will occur. WPForms allows you to set a frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly), specifying which days and at what time the export takes place.
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Manage Entries Post-Export: Optionally, you can add a task to delete submissions after they’ve been exported to keep your database from becoming bloated.
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Monitor Automation: Check your automation status and tasks in the WPForms Automation Dashboard, keeping track of everything in real-time.
Enhancing Automation Further with Uncanny Automator
For even more efficiency, you might consider using Uncanny Automator. It integrates with WPForms to set up custom workflows triggered by form submissions. This can enable actions across different platforms, such as notifications or data management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the challenges with using email for exporting form data?
Email can clutter your inbox and requires additional steps for organizing or backing up data. For larger sites, it’s advisable to use cloud storage solutions for better scalability.
How can spam submissions be prevented from being exported?
WPForms has built-in features to block spam, ensuring only legitimate entries are exported.
Can exporting entries help with database efficiency?
Yes, regularly exporting and subsequently deleting entries can keep your database lightweight, enhancing performance.
Will auto-export affect my site’s speed?
It should not affect your site’s speed significantly, as the process runs in the background without hindering user experience.
This guide outlines the basic steps to make your WordPress form management efficient and streamlined. Automating the export of form entries allows you to keep your data organized and readily accessible, saving you valuable time.
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