Growing an email list can feel like a tough climb. You pour effort into your site, and you want folks to sign up, but often they don’t. It’s a common worry for those of us who use WordPress. The good news? There’s a way to change that. With the right tools, you can turn site visitors into email subscribers with little trouble. The plugins below will help you with just that. They’re made to make email list building a smooth part of your site.
The Power of Email List Building
Email list building is not a simple task, it’s a must if you’re serious about your site. An email list lets you talk to your folks in a way that social media never could. Think of it like this: you get to send a note directly to people who have said they want to hear from you. Social media, on the other hand, is like yelling into a crowd, hoping a few will pay attention. With email, you have a direct line. This means you can:
- Share big news: Announce new stuff, sales, and other big events.
- Build real links: Start lasting bonds with your fans.
- Drive more traffic: Bring people back to your site over and over.
- Increase sales: Turn your subscribers into loyal buyers.
- Own your audience: Your email list is a part of your site that you own, while relying only on social media, you risk a platform deciding your fate.
- Segment your audience: Allows you to divide your audience into different categories, so you send the right messages to the right people.
- Personalize your marketing: Sending personal emails makes your subscribers feel like you care for them.
- Test and Optimize: You can always test different subject lines, and email contents to see what works best for your audience.
An email list is like a gold mine for your site, but it can only produce the results you want if your audience agrees to sign up. Here’s where email list building plugins become your best friends.
Why Use a Plugin for Email List Building?
You could, in theory, get people to sign up for your list by simply placing an email signup form on your site. But that would be like taking a horse to a drag race. A plugin makes the whole process smooth, smart, and way more effective. Here’s why:
- Easy Setup: No need to know a lot about code, most plugins are built with a focus on simplicity.
- More sign-ups: With features like pop-ups, slide-ins, and forms right in your content, these plugins help get the word out.
- Work with email systems: Plugins often connect to the biggest email marketing platforms, so when someone signs up, they go straight to your list.
- Track progress: See which forms and methods are working, and which aren’t.
- Target the right folks: Show different forms to folks based on where they are on your site or what they like.
Think of it as having a helper who always knows how to get your message across. Now, let’s look at some of the best of these plugins.
7 Best Email List Building Plugins (2024)
Choosing the right plugin is a big step. It’s the key to growing your email list the right way. Here are seven of the best, with their best points, costs, and how they work with your WordPress site:
1. OptinMonster
OptinMonster is more than just a tool, it’s a powerhouse for turning site visits into email sign-ups. It is often considered the best way to get new subscribers. With a wide range of options to try, you can make sure your forms fit your site like a glove.
Best Points:
- Lots of form types: Choose from pop-ups, slide-ins, floating bars, and more.
- Drag-and-drop builder: Craft forms without any code, it’s that simple.
- Targeted forms: Show special offers to folks based on what they read, or where they come from.
- Easy A/B testing: Check which forms perform best, and change as you like.
- Exit intent technology: Show a pop-up just as someone is about to leave, offering one last chance to join your list.
- Works with lots of platforms: Connects with almost all email marketing services.
- Page-level targeting: Use different opt-in forms for different pages, to customize based on what your reader is looking at.
Cost: Plans start at about $9 per month, and there are lots of different plans based on what you need.
How it works with WordPress: OptinMonster has its own WordPress plugin which lets you install forms on your site with a few clicks. You build the forms on OptinMonster’s site, then you show them on your WordPress site.
OptinMonster shines with its many options and its focus on getting you real results. It’s the way to go if you’re after more than just a simple signup box.
2. Bloom
Bloom, from Elegant Themes, is a good option for folks who want strong design with a simple setup. If you are also a fan of their themes, then Bloom will make a great addition to your site. It mixes powerful features with a style that can match your needs.
Best Points:
- Lots of ways to show forms: Bloom can put opt-in forms on your pages, in pop-ups, or in a bunch of other places.
- Good looking forms: Bloom’s forms look good right out of the box, and you can adjust them a lot.
- Easy to use: It’s simple to get new forms ready and on your site.
- Works with 19 email services: Bloom connects to most email marketing services.
- Trigger options: Pick when forms show up, so they do not always show up for your users.
- A/B Testing: Check your conversions by running experiments on different designs and options.
Cost: It is included in Elegant Themes membership, which costs about $89 a year.
How it works with WordPress: Since it is a plugin designed for WordPress, it integrates right into your WordPress dashboard. This means that you can make and adjust forms without ever having to leave your site.
Bloom is good for those who care about how their site looks and want an easy way to show their forms. It’s a great tool that’s part of a bigger toolkit for WordPress users.
3. Thrive Leads
Thrive Leads is made for folks who want to make sure every spot on their site is working hard to grow their email list. It’s a solid option for anyone who is serious about marketing and wants a plugin that’s just as serious.
Best Points:
- Many opt-in types: From pop-ups to slide-ins and more.
- Easy drag-and-drop builder: Create the forms you want, no code needed.
- Targeting options: Show certain forms to folks based on where they are on your site or what they’ve read.
- A/B Testing: Test different designs and triggers to see what brings in the best results.
- Smart triggers: Set rules that show your opt-in forms only at the best time.
- Detailed data: See how well your forms are performing, with easy-to-understand reports.
- Works with lots of tools: Thrive Leads connects with many email platforms and services.
Cost: Single site licenses start at around $99 a year.
How it works with WordPress: Thrive Leads works as a plugin. After installing it, it shows up in your WordPress admin area. It’s built to work well with Thrive Themes products and works well on its own.
If you see your site as a way to bring in subscribers and you want a tool that does it all, then Thrive Leads will be right up your alley.
4. Mailchimp for WordPress
The Mailchimp for WordPress plugin is a good option for those who already use Mailchimp and want a smooth way to bring email signup to their WordPress site. It’s a simple and very direct option for many website owners who rely on Mailchimp.
Best Points:
- Simple setup: It makes connecting your Mailchimp account to your WordPress site a piece of cake.
- Many sign up forms: Put forms in lots of spots on your site, like pages, posts, or sidebars.
- Works well with Mailchimp: If you use Mailchimp, it’s a solid choice that will work smoothly.
- Easy to customize forms: You can change how your forms look to match your brand.
- Detailed reports: It tracks how many folks sign up, and where they came from.
Cost: The plugin itself is free, but you’ll need a Mailchimp account, which has its own prices based on your list size.
How it works with WordPress: It is a plugin, and it installs into your WordPress admin area. This makes connecting your Mailchimp account and adding forms to your site a very simple job.
For folks who are happy with Mailchimp, this plugin is a great way to start. It’s a free plugin that will help your email list.
5. ConvertKit
ConvertKit is a popular tool, mainly among folks like bloggers and content creators. It is often praised for its simplicity and focus on list growth and automation. Its WordPress plugin brings its solid performance to your site.
Best Points:
- Simple design: Its forms are simple, they load fast, and look great on any site.
- Great for content creators: If you make content online, ConvertKit understands what you do.
- Easy to use: Setting up forms and linking them to your ConvertKit account is straightforward.
- Works great with their email platform: It connects to ConvertKit to bring your data over.
- Landing page builder: Allows you to make landing pages that are made to get sign-ups.
- Tagging feature: Allows you to send emails to the right folks, by segmenting your audience.
Cost: ConvertKit’s prices start at $29 per month, but if you get the plugin only, it’s completely free.
How it works with WordPress: The plugin adds a place in your WordPress admin area, from where you can create and place your forms using shortcodes or custom blocks. It links your WordPress site to your ConvertKit account with very little effort.
If you are looking for a tool that’s made for creators, with features that will help you grow your email list, ConvertKit might just be right for you.
6. Hustle
Hustle by WPMU DEV is a very versatile plugin for getting leads, offering a bunch of ways to grow your email list. It is often seen as a good, budget-friendly option if you are on a tight budget.
Best Points:
- Lots of ways to opt in: You can create pop-ups, slide-ins, embedded forms, and other types.
- Works with lots of email services: It can link to many email marketing services.
- Customization is easy: It lets you change how forms look to fit your brand.
- Targeted forms: You can show certain forms on different pages, or show them to certain types of folks.
- Free version available: The basic version of the plugin is free.
- Social sharing: Allows you to display social sharing icons that can increase your social presence.
Cost: The free version is good to start. The pro version costs a small fee, or it is included in a WPMU DEV membership.
How it works with WordPress: It’s a WordPress plugin, and it adds an area to your admin panel. Making it easy to get forms onto your site with no problems at all.
Hustle offers a ton of options for a very affordable price, making it good for those who are just starting out, and also for those who are ready to grow with advanced options.
7. Sumo
Sumo offers a wide range of marketing tools, and its email list-building tools are worth looking at. It offers a full suite of tools for growing your audience and reaching them effectively.
Best Points:
- Lots of opt-in forms: You can pick from several form types like pop-ups, slide-ins, and welcome mats.
- Easy to use: You can quickly set up new forms and get them on your site.
- Works with many services: It connects to lots of email marketing platforms.
- Analytics: It provides easy reports on form views and conversions.
- Social sharing: Lets you add share buttons to get your content out on social media.
- Heatmaps: It lets you see where folks click on your site. This can help you improve the way your site looks.
Cost: They offer a free plan, and their paid plans start at around $39 a month.
How it works with WordPress: It comes with its own WordPress plugin. This makes it easy to use on your site. It does not require a lot of work to get new forms up and running.
Sumo is a good option for anyone who needs a lot of marketing tools in one place. From email capture to social and heatmaps.
Choosing the Right Email List Plugin
Picking the perfect email list building plugin depends on what you need. Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide:
- For folks who want every feature: OptinMonster is best for those who want all the options, targeting, and A/B tests.
- For those who love design: Bloom is great for its great style and ease of use.
- For serious marketers: Thrive Leads is perfect for anyone who is focused on conversion.
- For Mailchimp users: Mailchimp for WordPress is best for folks who already use Mailchimp and want easy setup.
- For content creators: ConvertKit will do the job if you are a content creator, and want simple forms and lots of automation.
- For those on a budget: Hustle is a great, budget-friendly option.
- For those who want full marketing tools: Sumo is great if you need a set of marketing tools to start.
Take a moment to ask yourself what you really need, and what your budget is, then pick the plugin that makes the most sense for you.
Tips for Using Email List Building Plugins Effectively
Once you have chosen your plugin, you will need to use it right, or else it won’t work as you expect. Here are some tips to help you get results:
- Make your forms look good: Choose colors, fonts, and designs that match your site.
- Offer a reason to sign up: Tell folks what they’ll get if they join your list, like special deals or guides.
- Make your forms easy to find: Put forms in places where folks will see them, such as the top or bottom of pages.
- Use A/B testing: Try out different forms to find out which ones work the best.
- Do not show pop-ups at the wrong time: Do not show pop-ups right as a person is getting to your site. Give them a few seconds to read a bit before showing them a pop-up.
- Make sure it looks good on mobile: Most folks look at sites on their phones, so make sure your forms look just as good on smaller screens.
- Give your list a clear purpose: Let folks know what kind of emails they’ll get.
- Keep your emails in check: It’s good to send emails on a constant basis. But too many might upset your subscribers.
- Make your unsubscribe easy: Let folks leave whenever they want, it’s better to have engaged followers than an inactive list of subscribers.
- Comply with laws: Keep in mind rules such as GDPR and others, and comply with them all.
By following these tips, you’ll get more folks to join your email list.
Taking Your Email Marketing to the Next Level
Once you’ve built an email list with your chosen plugin, you’ll need to take your email marketing efforts to the next level. Here are a few ways you can do that:
- Send a welcome email: Thank new subscribers for joining your list and let them know what to expect.
- Create valuable content: Send your subscribers useful, relevant, and engaging content.
- Segment your list: Divide your subscribers into different categories based on their interests, so you can send them specific content.
- Personalize your emails: Address your subscribers by their names, and send them emails based on what they want.
- Send regular emails: Keep your audience engaged, and keep your site in their minds.
- Track your results: Check your open rates and click-through rates to see how your emails are performing.
- Try new things: Keep trying new ideas to see what works the best.
By putting these methods to work, you’ll build deeper links with your audience and reach more folks with the power of email.
Is Building an Email List Worth the Effort?
Growing an email list takes some work, and it might feel like a big job at times. But, if done right, it is one of the best things you can do for your site. With an email list, you have a way to talk to your audience directly. You can share the news, and deals, and make sure they keep coming back to your site.
An email list is more than just a set of addresses, it’s a way to build a long-lasting audience.
Ready to Grow Your Email List?
Growing an email list can turn your site into a powerful channel for connecting with your audience. By now, you know that with the right plugin and the right plan, you can change casual visitors into loyal subscribers. Do not let email list building feel like a hard task. Instead, make use of the plugins that are made to make email list building smooth. Pick the tool that works best for you, and you’ll see a positive change in your list. It’s time to take that big first step towards a solid email list.
