How to Add a Mailchimp Subscribe Form to WordPress
If you’re looking to grow your email list, adding a Mailchimp subscribe form to your WordPress site is a fantastic way to start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to seamlessly integrate a Mailchimp subscribe form into your WordPress website using a plugin. Here’s how you can do it:
- Install the Mailchimp for WordPress Plugin
- Begin by logging into your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Plugins > Add New, and search for “Mailchimp for WordPress.” This plugin, often abbreviated as MC4WP, is developed by iCode.
- Click “Install Now” and then activate the plugin once it’s installed.
- Connect Mailchimp to Your WordPress Site
- After activating the plugin, navigate to MC4WP > Mailchimp.
- To link your Mailchimp account, you’ll need an API key. Click on the link provided to get your API key.
- This will open Mailchimp’s API Keys page in a new tab. Log in to your Mailchimp account.
- Go to Account > Extras > API Keys. Click “Create A Key,” name it (e.g., your website’s name), and generate the key.
- Copy the API key and return to your WordPress site. Paste the key into the appropriate field and save changes. Your Mailchimp account should now be connected.
- Create and Customize Your Subscribe Form
- Go to MC4WP > Forms. Click “Add New” to create a new form.
- Name your form (e.g., “Subscribe Form”) and click “Create Form.”
- You’ll see a form editor where you can add and customize fields. By default, fields like email address are included, but you can add more fields like the first name.
- Edit the field labels and placeholders as needed. Once you’re satisfied, click “Save Changes.”
- Embed the Form on Your Website
- Copy the shortcode provided for your form.
- Create a new page or post where you want the subscribe form to appear.
- Paste the shortcode into the content area and publish the page.
- Customize the Form’s Appearance
- To improve the look of your form, go back to the form editor and navigate to the Appearance tab.
- Choose a style from the available options (e.g., basic, light, dark) and save the changes.
- Test Your Subscribe Form
- Visit the page with your form and test it by entering sample data.
- Adjust settings such as form messages, double opt-in options, and thank you page redirection under the form settings.
- Manage Subscribers
- Review the collected data and manage your subscribers through the Mailchimp dashboard.
Adding a Mailchimp subscribe form to your WordPress site is a straightforward process that can significantly boost your email marketing efforts. For a more detailed tutorial and additional resources, check out my free Mailchimp course at Ben’s Experience University.
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