How can I ensure that contact forms submitted on websites created using Webflow and exported to clients' hosting companies are still sent directly to the client's mailbox, rather than a third-party service like Mailchimp?

To ensure contact form submissions on an exported Webflow site are sent directly to a client's email inbox, you must replace Webflow's default form handling with a custom server-side form processing solution—since Webflow's built-in form processing does not work on exported sites.

1. Understand the Limitation of Webflow Exports

• When you export a Webflow site, the form elements remain, but Webflow's built-in form submission handler is disabled.
• Submissions won't be sent or stored unless you implement a backend script or external endpoint.

2. Add a Custom Form Handler (PHP or Similar)

• Use PHP, Node.js, or similar server-side language to receive form POST data and send it via email.
• Here's what you need:
• A form element with method="POST" and action="submit-form.php" (or similar).
• A server-side file (e.g., submit-form.php) that:
  • Extracts POST data (name, email, message)
  • Sends that info via email using PHP’s mail() function or a library like PHPMailer.

3. Important Form Tag Modifications

• Update the <form> tag in your HTML to include your script's endpoint:
• Example: <form method="POST" action="submit-form.php">
• Ensure form fields have name attributes like name="email" or name="message" to be processed correctly by your script.

4. Validate and Secure the Form

• Add server-side validation to prevent spam, missing fields, and bad inputs.
• Use CAPTCHA (e.g., Google reCAPTCHA), email sanitization, and referer checks if needed.
• Limit what your script accepts using filter_var() or other sanitizers.

5. Host Email from the Same Domain (SPF/DKIM Considerations)

• Configure the form to send “From” an email that matches the domain (e.g., noreply@clientdomain.com) to avoid spam filtering.
• Ask the client's host to set proper SPF and DKIM records to allow the server to send authorized emails.

6. Test on the Client's Hosting Server

• Upload the exported Webflow files and your custom handler to the client’s host via FTP or file manager.
• Test the form, check email deliverability, and monitor spam folders.

7. Use Hosting Features If Server-Side Code is Not Possible

• If the client’s host doesn’t allow server-side code, use their built-in form tools or configure a simple SMTP-to-mail script using services like:
• Formspree (free & paid plans)
• Netlify Forms
• Google Apps Script connected via a webhook

These still avoid Mailchimp and keep submissions going directly to a designated inbox.

Summary

To direct form submissions on exported Webflow sites to the client's email, you need to replace Webflow’s form handler with a custom backend script (e.g., PHP) hosted on the client’s server. Ensure proper form configuration and deliverability setup so submissions route directly to the desired mailbox without third-party automation tools like Mailchimp.