If you have a contact form on your website, you’ve most likely had to deal with spam. What is spam? It is those strange messages that obviously are not from a real person. They may be random words, fake names, or even links that you definitely do not want to click.
To help stop this, many websites use something called Google reCAPTCHA.
This is what I have used on all the website I build to at least cut down on the spam.
Let’s break it down and make it simple.
In this post, we’ll review:
- What Google reCAPTCHA is
- If you need it for your website forms
- Review changes to reCAPTGHA that you need to be aware of
- Alternatives to reCAPTCHA for your forms
What is Google reCAPTCHA?
Google reCPATCHA is a small tool that helps websites tell the difference between a real human and a spam bot.
A “bot” is just a computer program that automatically fills out forms and includes “junk” in the messages, fake signups, and even access to links that they want to click that are harmful.
reCAPTCHA checks each form submission and asks:
“Does this look like a real person?”
You’ve seen it before:
- Sometimes it’s completely invisible, but you make see the reCAPTCHA logo displayed somewhere on the page that the form is located
- Sometimes you check a box that says “I am not a robot”
- Sometimes you have to click pictures (like traffic lights or crosswalks), which can be frustrating to the user
It is a job to keep the spam out without making visitors to your site jump through hoops to connect with you.
Do you need it on your website forms?
Every website that has a form should be testing for bots!
Even a small website can get spam. The bots do not care how big or small a business is. If you have a form on your website the bots will find it.
Using reCAPTCHA:
- Keeps your inbox free of annoying spam
- Protects your website from fake and harmful submissions
- Helps ensure that real people. like potential clients and customers, get through without issues
If you have ever opened your inbox and thought, “Why did someone send me this?” and it may even be in another language…well, this is what reCAPTCHA helps prevent.
Google is making a change!
ReCAPTCHA is getting a much needed update and this is what you need to know.
You will need to move your current reCAPTHCA setup to Google’s new system.
Think of it like an update to your phones operating system. Your apps will still work, but you need to connect to the updated version. The update won’t break your website, but it does need to be done.
Google is changing what is included in the free plan.
No surprise, but like most apps and other software there is now a premium version and free plan. Most small, low traffic websites like creative businesses, artist, coaches, etc will still fall under the free tier. But websites with a lot of traffic or lots of form submissions may start paying a small fee.
If you website is not updated, reCAPTCHA may slowly stop working.
Not immediately, but eventually it will happen.
This is why making the update before the year ends is a good idea. If you have a maintenance plan with me I will take of this for you. If not, this update is a great reason to do a check-in with your website to ensure that it is running on the most recent release of plugins, themes and WordPress, that it is on the new reCAPTCHA and any other updates that are needed to keep your website secure and running smoothing for visitors to your site.
Are there other options other than reCAPTCHA?
Yes there are and some of these alternatives are simpler and more user-friendly.
Cloudflare Turnstile: This has quickly become a favorite in the industry. It works in the background and rarely ask visitors to make additional clicks. Lightweight, easy for users and a great alternative for small businesses.
Honeypots (invisible trap fields): This method uses hidden fields that only the bots can see. If a bot fills the field in than the form blocks the submission. Humans never know the field is there and prevents bots without extra clicks for visitors to your website.
Built-in spam filters in form plugins: Many WordPress form tools (like WPForms and Gravity Forms) now include their own smart spam blockers. Just simply toggle them on within the plugin and you are all set.
Simple human questions: A little math problem or a simple question like “What year is it?” works perfect for small sites and basic low-risk forms.
What should you do?
If your website already has reCAPTCHA: You’ll want to have it updated before the end of 2025.
If you’re getting a lot of spam: Switch to reCAPTHCHA or one of the other options listed above.
If you’re building a new website: Add spam protection right from the start. It is simple to add and saves you from spammy email.
If you have an online shop: You may want to use a couple of the methods list above or purchase a plan with stronger spam protection. Sites with shop or online ordering tend to get targeted more often.
Final Thoughts
Your website should be a welcoming and safe space for your visitors and not a place where spam and bots are allowed.
Google’s update is simple a reminder to give your website a little tune-up so that it can keep working smoothly for you and your business.
If you are unsure what option is right for your website or need help updating your reCAPTCHA, I am here to help.
You don’t have to navigate the tech alone. You just need a guide who can assist you. I offer consultations and mentorship services. Just click the button below to book an appointment.
Your business deserves a secure website and you deserve peace of mind knowing that your site is functioning properly.
