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How to Create a Petition on Google Forms A Step-by-Step Guide for Effective Online Advocacy

Creating a petition on Google Forms offers a simple and effective way to gather support for a cause. This free tool allows anyone to quickly set up an online petition and share it widely.

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A computer screen showing a person filling out a Google Forms petition with a title, description, and signature field

To create a petition using Google Forms, start by going to forms.google.com and clicking the plus icon to make a new blank form. Give your petition a clear title and description that explains its purpose. Add questions to collect signers’ names and any other relevant information.

Google Forms automatically saves responses in a spreadsheet, making it easy to track support for your petition. Share the form link via email, social media, or embed it on a website to maximize visibility and participation. This digital approach allows petitions to reach a broader audience compared to traditional paper methods.

Setting Up Your Petition

A person sitting at a desk with a laptop open, typing on the keyboard while creating a petition on Google Forms

Creating an effective petition on Google Forms involves careful planning and setup. A well-structured petition clearly communicates its purpose and makes it easy for supporters to add their signatures.

Choosing the Right Template

Navigate to Google Forms and click the “+” icon to start a new form. Select “Blank” to build your petition from scratch. This gives you full control over the layout and questions. Alternatively, browse the template gallery for pre-designed options that can be customized. The “Event Registration” or “Contact Information” templates provide good starting points for petitions.

Consider using Formifyr, a form creation tool that offers additional customization options and petition-specific templates.

Defining the Petition’s Purpose

Start by giving your petition a clear, compelling title that summarizes the issue. Use the description field to provide context about the problem and your proposed solution. Keep it concise but informative – aim for 2-3 sentences that explain why people should sign.

Add a section detailing your specific demands or requests. Use bullet points to break down complex issues into digestible points. This helps signers quickly understand what they’re supporting.

Creating a Signature Field

Add a “Short answer” question for the signer’s name. Label it clearly, such as “Full Name”. Make this field required to ensure all signatures are valid.

Include an email field to verify signers and keep them updated on the petition’s progress. Consider adding optional fields for address or phone number if relevant to your cause.

Add a checkbox for signers to confirm they support the petition. This acts as a digital signature and adds legitimacy to your campaign.

Sharing and Managing Responses

A person sitting at a desk, typing on a computer. The screen shows a Google Forms page with fields for creating a petition

Effectively distributing your Google Forms petition and handling the collected data are crucial steps. These processes enable you to reach your target audience and organize signatures for maximum impact.

Spreading the Word

Share your petition link through various channels to maximize visibility. Email the link to relevant contacts and supporters. Post it on social media platforms to reach a wider audience. Consider targeting specific groups or communities aligned with your cause.

Create a compelling message to accompany your petition link. Clearly explain the petition’s purpose and why signing is important. Encourage recipients to share the petition with their networks to amplify its reach.

For workplace petitions, distribute the link to employees through internal communication channels. Always ensure you have proper authorization before circulating petitions within an organization.

Collecting and Organizing Signatures

Google Forms automatically compiles responses in a spreadsheet, simplifying data management. Access this spreadsheet to view and analyze signature data in real-time. Sort and filter responses to identify trends or patterns.

Export the data for further analysis or to present to decision-makers. Create charts or graphs to visually represent the support for your petition. Regularly backup the response data to prevent loss of important information.

Consider using Formifyr to enhance your form creation and data management capabilities. This tool can provide additional features for organizing and visualizing petition responses.

Embedding the Petition on Your Website

Increase accessibility by embedding the Google Forms petition directly on your website. This method allows visitors to sign without leaving your site, potentially increasing participation rates.

To embed, go to the Google Forms editor and click the “Send” button. Select the “<>” embed option and copy the provided HTML code. Paste this code into your website’s HTML where you want the petition to appear.

Ensure the embedded form is mobile-responsive for users on different devices. Consider placing the petition on a dedicated page with additional information about your cause to provide context and encourage signatures.