Why this matters
Most small businesses keep their requests in a Google Sheet, and most of those rows were typed in by hand from an email. Every retyped request takes a few minutes, and every typo in an email address is a client you can't reach.
In this module you help Clearview Bookkeeping build a consultation request form with n8n's own form trigger: a required name, an email field that checks the format, and a dropdown of services. Each answer goes straight into the firm's Google Sheet with Append row in sheet, so nobody retypes anything.
What you’ll build
A form (Request a consultation) with Name (required), Email and a Service dropdown, connected to Append row in sheet, which adds each answer as a new row in a Google Sheet with Name and Email columns.
What you need
- Nothing to start the practiceThe editor, the form and the sheet are a practice copy. Clearview Bookkeeping and Priya Shah are made up.
- An n8n account, to do it for realSign up with this link (affiliate link: I may earn a commission, at no cost to you).
- A Google account and a sheetMake a Google Sheet called Consultation requests with Name and Email in row 1 (add Service too if you want it). You connect Google once in n8n with Sign in with Google.
Concepts
3 ideas you’ll use in the practice.
Form elements
Each question in an n8n web form is a form element with a Label and an Element Type: Text Input, Email, Number, Date, Dropdown, Checkboxes, File and more. + Add Attributes adds extras such as Placeholder or Required Field.
A dropdown keeps answers clean: the sheet gets "Tax preparation", never "tax prep" or "taxes".
Credentials
A credential is a saved, encrypted login to an app. You create it once (for Google, with Sign in with Google) and then pick it in every Google Sheets node.
Append row in sheet
Append row adds one row per item at the bottom of the sheet. n8n reads row 1 and lists each column under Values to Send; drag a form field onto each one. Add a column later? Use Refresh Column List in the ··· menu next to Values to Send.
Practice
Do every step yourself in a practice copy of the real tool. It checks your work, and “Do it for me” finishes any step you get stuck on.
Do it for real
Now repeat it in your own account. Tick each step as you go.
Downloads
- n8n Beginner cheat sheet (PDF)Forms, credentials and the Google Sheets actions.
Quick check
3 questions to check you’ve got it.
1. Why use a Dropdown for Service instead of a Text Input?
- It looks nicer
- Clients pick from your list, so the sheet gets the same spelling every time
- Text inputs can't go to Sheets
Show the answer
Clients pick from your list, so the sheet gets the same spelling every time. Clean, consistent values make the sheet easy to filter and count.
2. What is a credential in n8n?
- A saved, encrypted login to an app that nodes can use
- A password typed into each node
- An API key in the URL
Show the answer
A saved, encrypted login to an app that nodes can use. You create it once and pick it from a list in every node after that.
3. Append row in sheet lists only Name and Email under Values to Send, but you want Service too. What do you do?
- Add a Service column to row 1 of the sheet, then Refresh Column List
- Type Service into the node
- Use a new spreadsheet
Show the answer
Add a Service column to row 1 of the sheet, then Refresh Column List. n8n builds Values to Send from the sheet's headings.
Find and Use n8n Templates
You built a form-to-sheet workflow from scratch. Next, skip the blank canvas: find a ready-made template, import it and connect your accounts.
Start module 7 →