Lead Intake Forms
Capture leads directly from your website into Readybuild. This page covers all available methods for integrating lead capture with your website.
Overview
Readybuild offers three ways to capture leads from your website:
| Method | Best For | Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Public Lead Forms | Most users - visual form builder with built-in spam protection | Low |
| External Leads API | Developers needing complete control over form design | High |
| Zapier | No-code automation from other apps | Medium |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Public Lead Forms | External Leads API | Zapier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Builder | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Spam Protection | ✅ Turnstile CAPTCHA | User implements | Varies |
| Custom Styling | ✅ Yes | ✅ Complete control | N/A |
| Rate Limiting | ✅ Multi-tier | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Custom Fields | ✅ Contact & Project | ✅ Via metadata | ✅ Yes |
| Conversion Options | External or Direct | External only | External only |
| Duplicate Detection | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Activity Tracking | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Technical Skills Required | None | Developer | None |
Public Lead Forms
The visual form builder provides an easy interface for creating and customizing lead capture forms. Recommended for most users.
Key Features
- Visual form builder with drag-and-drop field arrangement
- Two conversion modes: External Lead (for review) or Direct Conversion (immediate contact)
- Built-in security: Cloudflare Turnstile CAPTCHA + multi-tier rate limiting
- Customizable styling: Colors, fonts, and custom CSS
- Email lookup: Detect returning customers and auto-fill addresses
Quick Access
Navigate to Settings > Marketing > Public Lead Forms
For complete setup instructions, field configuration, styling options, embedding guides, and troubleshooting, see the dedicated Public Lead Forms documentation.
External Leads API
The API endpoint provides flexibility for custom integrations but requires technical implementation. Best for developers who need complete control.
Overview
- Direct POST to
https://project.readybuild.com/api/public/leads - Bearer token or query parameter authentication
- External leads only (manual review required)
- Supports source and campaign attribution
Supported Fields
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
first_name | Lead's first name |
last_name | Lead's last name |
email | Email address |
phone_number | Phone number |
address | Street address |
city | City |
state | State |
zip | ZIP code |
notes | Additional notes |
bucket | Lead bucket/category |
source | Lead source |
campaign | Marketing campaign |
return_url | Redirect URL after submission |
Authentication
POST /api/public/leads
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN
Content-Type: application/json
{
"company_id": 123,
"first_name": "John",
"last_name": "Doe",
"email": "[email protected]",
"phone_number": "555-1234"
}
Alternatively, pass the token as a query parameter:
POST /api/public/leads?token=YOUR_TOKEN
When to Use the API
- Server-to-server integrations
- Chatbot integrations
- Complete control over form design/styling
- Custom spam protection requirements
- JavaScript not available on your website
For the complete API specification, field reference, and code examples in PHP, Node.js, Python, C#, and Ruby, see the External Leads Integration guide.
Zapier Integration
Use Zapier to capture leads from other apps and services without writing code.
Overview
Zapier connects Readybuild to thousands of other apps. You can create "Zaps" that automatically send leads to Readybuild when triggered by events in other apps (form submissions, CRM updates, etc.).
Setup
- Go to Settings > Integrations > Zapier in Readybuild
- Follow the connection instructions
- Create a Zap in Zapier that sends data to Readybuild
Common Use Cases
- Capture leads from Typeform, JotForm, or other form builders
- Sync leads from Facebook Lead Ads
- Import contacts from other CRMs
- Capture leads from landing page builders
For detailed setup instructions, see the Zapier Integration page.
Choosing the Right Method
Use Public Lead Forms When:
- You want quick setup with minimal technical work
- Built-in spam protection is important
- You need activity tracking and analytics
- Direct conversion to contacts is desired
- You want visual customization options
Use External Leads API When:
- You need complete control over form design
- You have server-to-server or chatbot integrations
- Custom validation or security is required
- Your website doesn't support JavaScript embeds
Use Zapier When:
- You want to capture leads from other apps (Typeform, Facebook, etc.)
- You prefer no-code automation
- You need to connect multiple services together
Configuration Requirements
All methods require:
- Allowed Domains - Configure in Company Settings
- Administrator Access - To set up and manage forms
Setting Up Allowed Domains
- Go to Settings > Company Settings
- Find the Allowed Domains section
- Add your website domain(s)
- Click Save
This security measure ensures only your authorized websites can submit leads.
Monitoring Lead Submissions
Viewing Incoming Leads
- Go to Contacts in Readybuild
- Filter by source or date created
- Look for recently submitted leads
- Review lead details and follow up
Activity Log
For forms using Public Lead Forms, each submission creates an activity log entry with:
- Submission timestamp
- IP address
- Form fields submitted
- Conversion result
Troubleshooting
Form Not Appearing
Problem: Embed code added but form doesn't show
Solutions:
- Verify the form hash is correct
- Check that your domain is in the allowed list
- Ensure JavaScript is enabled
- Check browser console for errors
Submissions Not Creating Leads
Problem: Users submit form but no lead appears
Solutions:
- Check the activity log for errors
- Verify domain is whitelisted
- Check if rate limits were triggered
- Review required field validation
Rate Limit Errors
Problem: "Too many requests" error
Solutions:
- Wait 5 minutes between submissions (for testing)
- Check if multiple forms are submitting from same IP
- Contact support if legitimate traffic is being blocked
Legacy API Errors
Problem: API returns authentication error
Solutions:
- Verify the token is correct
- Check that company_id is included
- Ensure Content-Type header is set
- Review server logs for details
Best Practices
Form Design
- Keep forms short - only ask for essential information
- Use clear field labels
- Mark required fields clearly
- Provide a compelling call-to-action
Security
- Always use HTTPS on your website
- Keep allowed domain list current
- Monitor submission activity regularly
- Review and clean up old/unused forms
Follow-up
- Set up notifications for new leads
- Define a follow-up process
- Assign leads promptly
- Track conversion rates
Related Documentation
- Public Lead Forms - Complete visual form builder guide
- External Leads API Documentation - Full API reference
- Zapier Integration - Connect Readybuild to other apps
- Contacts Management
- Sources
- Campaigns