Connecting Mailchimp newsletter to WordPress

A newsletter is an effective way to stay in touch with your visitors and customers. Mailchimp is one of the most widely used email marketing platforms and integrates seamlessly with WordPress. In this article, we explain step by step how to connect Mailchimp to your WordPress website.

Creating a Mailchimp account

Before you start with the WordPress integration, you need a Mailchimp account:

  1. Go to mailchimp.com and click "Sign Up Free"
  2. Fill in your email address, username, and password
  3. Confirm your email address via the link you receive
  4. Go through the setup wizard to fill in your business details
  5. Create your first audience (mailing list)

Tip: The free Mailchimp plan supports up to 500 contacts and 1,000 emails per month, ideal for getting started.

Setting up audience and signup form

After your account is created, you need to configure an audience:

  1. Go to "Audience" > "All contacts"
  2. Click on "Settings" > "Audience name and defaults"
  3. Set the default "From name" and "From email"
  4. Under "Form settings" you can customize the confirmation messages

Creating a signup form

  1. Go to "Audience" > "Signup forms"
  2. Choose "Embedded forms" for a form you place on your website
  3. Select the form type (Classic, Condensed, or Horizontal)
  4. Customize the fields you want to collect
  5. Copy the HTML code for later use

Installing and configuring MC4WP plugin

The easiest way to connect Mailchimp to WordPress is via the MC4WP plugin (Mailchimp for WordPress). This free plugin is optimized for speed and works excellently on Theory7 hosting.

Installing the plugin

  1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard
  2. Go to "Plugins" > "Add New"
  3. Search for "MC4WP" or "Mailchimp for WordPress"
  4. Click "Install Now" and then "Activate"

Connecting API key

  1. In WordPress, go to "MC4WP" > "Mailchimp"
  2. Click the link to generate an API key in Mailchimp
  3. In Mailchimp: go to "Account" > "Extras" > "API keys"
  4. Click "Create A Key" and copy the generated key
  5. Paste the API key in WordPress and click "Save"

Creating a signup form

  1. Go to "MC4WP" > "Forms"
  2. Customize the default form or create a new one
  3. Choose which fields you want to display (email, name, etc.)
  4. Set the thank you message that appears after signup
  5. Use the shortcode to place the form

Embedding the form on your website

There are several ways to display your signup form:

Via shortcode

Place in a page, post, or widget. This is the most flexible method.

Via widget

  1. Go to "Appearance" > "Widgets"
  2. Add the "MC4WP Form" widget to your sidebar or footer
  3. Select the form and save

Many themes support footer widgets. Place the form there for maximum visibility. Read more about footer customizations in WordPress.

Setting up GDPR-compliant opt-in

Since GDPR legislation, it is mandatory to request explicit consent for newsletters. Here is how to set this up correctly:

Activating double opt-in

  1. In Mailchimp: go to "Audience" > "Settings" > "Audience name and defaults"
  2. Enable "Enable double opt-in"
  3. This ensures subscribers must confirm their signup via email

Add a required checkbox field in MC4WP:

Linking privacy policy

Make sure your privacy policy clearly describes:

  • What data you collect
  • What you use the data for
  • How long you keep data
  • How subscribers can unsubscribe

Alternative plugins

Besides MC4WP, there are other options to connect Mailchimp:

  • Mailchimp for WooCommerce - Specifically for webshops, synchronizes customer data
  • Elementor Forms - If you use Elementor, you can directly connect Mailchimp to your forms
  • Contact Form 7 Extension - Adds Mailchimp integration to CF7 forms

Troubleshooting common problems

Form does not appear

  • Check if the shortcode is correctly placed
  • Clear your WordPress cache
  • Check if the plugin is activated

Signups are not coming through

  • Verify the API key in MC4WP settings
  • Check your email spam folder
  • Check the Mailchimp audience if signups are arriving there

Confirmation emails land in spam

Make sure your SPF and DKIM records are correctly set up. This significantly improves the deliverability of your emails.

Tips for a successful newsletter

  • Offer value - Give people a reason to sign up (discount code, e-book, tips)
  • Keep frequency consistent - Weekly or monthly, but be predictable
  • Make it personal - Use the first name in the greeting
  • Test your emails - Always send a test before sending to your entire list
  • Analyze results - Look at open rates and click percentages to optimize