Workflow Guide: Using a Query String in Trigger Links

Overview

Query strings are parameters added to the end of a URL. In BizStackPro, you can combine query strings with Trigger Links to pre-fill form fields using data already stored on a contact record.

This guide shows how query strings work, how to configure your form fields, and how to build Trigger Links that pass merge fields into a form automatically.

Source Document: Workflow Guide — Using a Query String in Trigger Links.

1) What are query strings?

A query string is the part of a URL that starts after a ? and contains one or more key=value pairs. Each pair passes a value to the destination page.

In BizStackPro, you typically replace hard-coded values (like John) with merge fields so the system inserts the right value for each contact.

2) How to add query strings to Trigger Links

Step A: Configure your form fields

1. Open your form in Sites → Forms.
2. Click a field you want to pre-fill (First Name, Email, custom field, etc.).
3. In the field settings, locate the Query String option (or equivalent).
4. Set/confirm the parameter key the field should accept (example: first_name).
5. Save the form.

Step B: Get the destination URL

1. Click Integrate in the form builder.
2. Copy the form URL (the page you want the contact to land on).

Step C: Create the Trigger Link and append parameters

1. Go to Marketing → Trigger Links and create a new Trigger Link.
2. Paste the form URL into the destination field.
3. Append your query string parameters using merge fields, for example:
   ?first_name={{contact.first_name}}
4. Add multiple fields by separating with &:
   ?first_name={{contact.first_name}}&last_name={{contact.last_name}}&email={{contact.email}}

3) Query string syntax rules

• The first parameter starts with ? (example: ?email={{contact.email}}).
• Additional parameters start with & (example: &first_name={{contact.first_name}}).
• Use valid BizStackPro merge fields for values (example: {{contact.email}}).
• Keys must match the query-string settings on your form fields.
• Blank contact fields pass as blank values.

4) Important limitations

• Query string pre-fill works best for existing contacts with saved values.
• If the contact record doesn’t exist yet, there may be no data available to insert.
• Form fields must be configured to accept the matching query-string keys.
• Special characters may require URL encoding (especially spaces and symbols).

5) Troubleshooting checklist

If your form isn’t pre-filling, work through these checks:

• Contact exists: Test with an existing contact saved in BizStackPro.
• Keys match: Confirm the form field query-string key matches your URL parameter name exactly.
• Syntax is valid: First param uses ?, additional params use &.
• Merge fields are correct: Use valid merge fields (example: {{contact.email}}).
• URL encoding: If values contain spaces/symbols, ensure they’re properly encoded.