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How to Add a Popup Email Subscription Form in WordPress (Beginner’s Guide)
Want to grow your email list on your WordPress site? One of the most effective ways is to add a popup email subscription form. When done right, popups can dramatically increase your sign-up rates—without annoying your visitors.
While popups sometimes have a bad reputation, smart design and timing can turn them into powerful lead-generation tools.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to add a popup subscribe form in WordPress, recommend the best plugins, and share tips to optimize your forms for higher conversions.
Why Use a Popup Email Form on Your WordPress Site?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s look at why popups are worth your attention.
Email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to engage your audience and drive ROI. A well-timed popup makes it easy to capture leads before they leave your site.
Benefits of email popups:
– Immediate visibility – Popups grab attention fast.
– Higher conversion rates – Studies show popups can boost opt-ins by over 1,000%.
– Action-oriented – Timed popups encourage visitors to act.
If building your email list is a priority, popups should be part of your strategy.
What to Know Before Adding a Popup Form
Not all popups are created equal. A poorly designed popup can frustrate users. Here are key best practices to follow:
– Use smart triggers – Display popups based on exit intent, scroll depth, or time delays.
– Keep it clean – A simple design and clear CTA work best.
– Be mobile-friendly – Make sure your popup looks great on all devices.
– Stay compliant – Include GDPR checkboxes and privacy links if needed.
With these tips, your WordPress popup will enhance the user experience—not hurt it.
Top WordPress Popup Plugins for Email Signups
Looking for the right tool? Here are some of the best email popup plugins for WordPress:
1. OptinMonster
– Best for: Advanced targeting and A/B testing
– Pros: Drag-and-drop builder, exit-intent tech, powerful integrations
– Cons: Paid plans only (starts at $9/month)
– Why it stands out: Ideal for serious marketers
2. Popup Maker
– Best for: Beginners on a budget
– Pros: Free version, flexible targeting, works with major form plugins
– Cons: Limited design features without add-ons
– Why it stands out: A great entry-level option
3. Mailchimp for WordPress
– Best for: Mailchimp users
– Pros: Seamless integration, easy to use, shortcode support
– Cons: Fewer customization options
– Why it stands out: Perfect if you’re already using Mailchimp
4. Elementor Pro (Popup Builder)
– Best for: Elementor users
– Pros: Full visual control, animations, pre-built templates
– Cons: Requires Elementor Pro
– Why it stands out: Great if you already use Elementor for design
All of these plugins integrate with popular email platforms and make it easy to collect leads.
How to Add a Popup Subscribe Form in WordPress (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to create a popup using Popup Maker, a free and beginner-friendly plugin.
Step 1: Install Popup Maker
– Log in to your WordPress dashboard
– Go to Plugins > Add New
– Search for “Popup Maker”
– Click Install Now > Activate
Step 2: Create a New Popup
– Go to Popup Maker > Add Popup
– Name your popup (e.g., “Email Signup”)
– Add a headline and insert your form shortcode (from Mailchimp, WPForms, etc.)
Example:
Subscribe to Our Newsletter!
Get the latest updates straight to your inbox.
[mc4wp_form id=”123″]
Step 3: Set Triggers
– Scroll to Popup Settings > Triggers
– Click Add New Trigger
– Choose Time Delay / Auto Open
– Set a delay (e.g., 5 seconds)
Optional: Upgrade for exit-intent or scroll-based triggers.
Step 4: Choose Where It Appears
– Under Targeting, choose where the popup shows (homepage, blog posts, etc.)
– You can target specific pages, categories, or custom URLs
Step 5: Publish the Popup
– Click Publish
– Visit your site to test it and make sure everything works
That’s it! You now have a working email popup on your WordPress site.
Tips for High-Converting Popups
Want better results? Try these proven tactics:
– ✅ Offer a lead magnet – Free guides, discounts, or checklists work well
– ✅ Use strong CTAs – Phrases like “Send Me the Guide” perform better
