Understanding iFrames: A beginner's guide

Blog / Understanding iFrames: A beginner's guide

Have you heard of “iFrames”? While it might sound technical and complicated, iFrames are actually a simple and straightforward way to embed external content on your website without any programming knowledge. This article provides an overview of how iFrames work and their potential uses.

What are iFrames?

An iFrame allows you to embed content from an external website or provider into your members' area or landing pages. Essentially, the iFrame acts as a “frame” that fetches and displays external content within your site.

Many external software solutions offer “embed codes” for this purpose. You simply need to insert this code into the backend of your site (such as the settings of your members' area). The external content will then automatically appear within your own members' area or on your landing page. This could include videos, maps, or forms. More about the applications can be found below.

Advantages of iFrames

The main advantage of iFrames is the ease with which you can embed external content on your website. Instead of linking to an external site, you display the content directly within your site through a “window” (the “frame”). Since the content is mirrored from an external source, you don’t need to worry about keeping it up to date. Any changes made to the external content will automatically be reflected in your iFrame.

Many online platforms provide the necessary code automatically. This code is usually referred to as an “embed code,” which you can generate via a button on the platform. No programming knowledge is required. All you need to do is copy and paste!

iFrames in COACHY

Easily integrate numerous third-party providers and external content into your website using iFrames. In COACHY, this functionality is available both in the members' area of your digital products and on the landing pages.

In the members' area, you can embed iFrames into any lesson via the "iFrame" tab.

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In the landing page builder, you can embed iFrames using the "HTML Element" feature.

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Typical Use Cases

To give you an overview of the possibilities, here are a few common use cases for iFrames:

Google Forms

Embedding forms on your website is both simple and practical. Using providers like Google Forms or Typeform, you can create custom forms tailored to your needs. You decide which fields or queries your form should include.

For instance, to create an iFrame for your Google Form, click “Send” on the form. Then, select the share icon (see screenshot) to get your iFrame code. Copy the HTML code and paste it into your Coachy members' area using one of the mentioned elements.

Webinar Registration

Many webinar registration forms can be seamlessly embedded into your website using iFrames. This allows interested participants to select an available webinar date and register automatically.

Appointment Calendar

Want to schedule appointments for live coaching sessions? With tools like Calendly, clients can easily book time slots in your calendar, eliminating the need for back-and-forth emails. You can configure your availability in advance. Using iFrames, you can embed the scheduler directly into your website.

Widgets

Using third-party providers like Elfsight, you can embed a variety of widgets via iFrame to enhance your website. These widgets can cover a wide range of functionalities, including:

Photo galleries
Social media feeds from Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
Review displays from Google, Facebook, or Trustpilot
Chat integrations from WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram
Pricing tables
And much more

Many widgets are free with limited features, with paid plans offering more comprehensive options.

Google Maps

Gone are the days of simple address listings. With Google Maps, you can embed interactive maps into your website, ideal for sharing your business location.

To generate the embed code for a specific address, click the share button on Google Maps, select "Embed a map," and the corresponding iFrame code will be provided.

Facebook Post

You can embed published Facebook posts using iFrames, enabling members of your site to engage in discussions on specific topics. To do this, click the menu icon on the Facebook post and select "Embed." The embed code will be automatically generated for you.

Slideshare

Using the “SlideShare” service, you can share presentations and other documents. With iFrames, these documents can be embedded directly into your website. This way, you can not only integrate text, videos, and audio into your Coachy members' area but also other documents.

If you have any questions or difficulties embedding an iFrame in your members' area, our support team is here to assist you.