# Automate actions based on form submissions

https://help.circle.so/p/email-hub/marketing-automation/automate-actions-based-on-form-submissions

Category: [Email Hub](https://help.circle.so/p/email-hub) › [Marketing automations](https://help.circle.so/p/email-hub/marketing-automation)

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_Last updated: October, 2026_

Automating actions triggered by form submissions is an efficient way to engage your audience and streamline follow-up tasks. With an automation workflow, you can set up a series of actions that occur automatically when a form is submitted, ensuring timely and consistent responses.

## **Set up the entry rule for form submission**

Here’s how you can set up the entry rule for form submission:

1. Click  **Workflows**  in the left sidebar, then select  **Workflows**.

2. Create a new custom automation workflow. You can follow the detailed steps in our [**workflow setup guide**](https://help.circle.so/p/workflows/workflow-setup/set-up-a-custom-automation-workflow?locale=en#step-1-create-a-new-workflow).

3. In the **Entry rule** card, click the **Choose event** dropdown menu and select **Form submitted**. 

4. Then, click the **Choose form** dropdown menu and choose the specific form you want to trigger the workflow. 

5. In the **Action** card, choose your preferred action. You can include multiple actions within a single workflow by clicking the ➕ icon below the entry rule or action card.  

> 💡 **Tip** : To insert a delay action before any other action or between actions, click the **Choose an action** dropdown menu and choose **Time delay**. In the **Wait for** section, select the type of duration and amount of time duration. For detailed information on workflow delays, see our guide [here](https://help.circle.so/p/workflows/workflow-setup/add-delay-action-to-workflows).

## **Example use case**

Let’s say you want to nurture a new contact who shows interest by submitting a form. To keep the engagement going, you can set up a workflow with multiple actions spaced out with time delays. 

Here’s what that action sequence configuration might look like:

1. **Add a tag** : As soon as the form is submitted, add a tag to the contact, such as “New lead.”

2. **Send an email** : Follow up with a personalized thank you email, acknowledging their interest and introducing them to your offering.

3. **Time delay** : Include a 4-day delay before the workflow performs the following action.

4. **Send an email:**  Deliver your first newsletter with relevant information that builds on their initial interest.

5. **Time delay** : Include a seven-day time delay to space out your communications and avoid overwhelming the contact.

6. **Send an email:**  Send a second newsletter that deepens engagement with additional content or invitations to explore resources or specific areas of your community or brand.