How to embed ConvertKit forms on WordPress

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Embed ConvertKit forms on WordPress by installing the ConvertKit plugin, creating forms in your ConvertKit dashboard, and inserting them using shortcodes, blocks, or widgets. You can display forms inline, as popups, or in sidebars throughout your WordPress site.

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Prerequisites

Active ConvertKit account
WordPress website with admin access
ConvertKit WordPress plugin installed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Install and Activate ConvertKit Plugin

Go to your WordPress admin dashboard and navigate to Plugins > Add New. Search for ConvertKit and install the official ConvertKit plugin. After installation, click Activate to enable the plugin on your site.

Make sure you're installing the official ConvertKit plugin by ConvertKit LLC, not a third-party alternative.

Connect Your ConvertKit Account

In your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings > ConvertKit. Enter your ConvertKit API Key and API Secret, which you can find in your ConvertKit account under Settings > Account > API Keys. Click Save Changes to establish the connection.

Keep your API credentials secure and never share them publicly or in support forums.

Create Your Form in ConvertKit

Log into your ConvertKit dashboard and navigate to Grow > Landing Pages & Forms. Click Create New and select Form. Choose your preferred form type (inline, modal, slide-in, or sticky bar) and customize the design, fields, and settings. Click Save & Continue when finished.

Test your form design on different screen sizes to ensure mobile responsiveness.

Embed Form Using Gutenberg Block

Edit the WordPress page or post where you want the form. Click the + button to add a new block and search for ConvertKit. Select the ConvertKit Form block, then choose your form from the dropdown menu. The form will appear immediately in your content.

Use the block settings panel to adjust alignment and spacing around your form.

Add Form Using Shortcode Method

For older WordPress themes or specific placements, use the shortcode method. In your ConvertKit dashboard, go to your form and copy the shortcode from the Embed tab. Paste [convertkit form=FORM_ID] directly into your WordPress content where FORM_ID is your form's ID number.

Shortcodes work in text widgets, page builders, and custom post types where blocks aren't supported.

Configure Form Display Settings

In your WordPress admin, go to Settings > ConvertKit > Forms. Configure global settings like default forms for categories, tags, or specific pages. Set up Non-subscriber forms to show different forms to existing subscribers versus new visitors.

Use conditional display settings to avoid showing signup forms to users who are already subscribers.

Test Form Functionality

Visit your live website and locate the embedded form. Enter a test email address and submit the form. Check your ConvertKit dashboard under Subscribers to confirm the submission was recorded. Also verify that any automated sequences or tags are properly applied.

Use a different email address than your ConvertKit account email to properly test the subscriber experience.

Optimize Form Placement and Performance

Monitor form performance in your ConvertKit dashboard under Grow > Reports. Test different placements like sidebar widgets, footer areas, or within blog post content. Use the ConvertKit Widget in Appearance > Widgets to add forms to widget areas.

Forms placed at the end of blog posts typically have higher conversion rates than sidebar forms.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Form not displaying on website

Check that the ConvertKit plugin is activated and your API credentials are correctly entered in Settings > ConvertKit. Clear any caching plugins and verify the form is published in your ConvertKit dashboard.

Form submissions not appearing in ConvertKit

Verify your API connection is working by checking Settings > ConvertKit for any error messages. Ensure the form ID in your shortcode matches the actual form ID from your ConvertKit dashboard.

Form styling conflicts with theme

Add custom CSS to your theme's Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS to override conflicting styles. Use browser developer tools to identify specific CSS selectors that need modification.

Plugin causing website performance issues

Ensure you're using the latest version of the ConvertKit plugin. Disable other conflicting plugins temporarily to identify conflicts. Consider using async loading for forms if performance issues persist.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official ConvertKit website before purchasing.

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