M Mailchimp

How to embed Mailchimp forms on WordPress

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18
Quick Answer

Embedding Mailchimp forms on WordPress involves creating a signup form in your Mailchimp dashboard, copying the embed code, and pasting it into your WordPress page or post. You can also use the official Mailchimp WordPress plugin for easier integration.

Try Mailchimp Full Mailchimp Review

Prerequisites

  • Active Mailchimp account
  • WordPress website with admin access
  • Basic understanding of WordPress dashboard
  • Mailchimp audience list created

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Access Your Mailchimp Dashboard

Log into your Mailchimp account and navigate to the Audience section from the main menu. Select the audience list you want to create a signup form for by clicking on All contacts.
Make sure your audience list is properly configured with relevant tags and segments before creating forms.
2

Create a New Signup Form

Click on Signup forms in the audience dashboard, then select Form builder. Choose Embedded form from the available options to create a form that can be embedded directly into your WordPress site.
3

Customize Your Form Design

Use the form builder to customize your signup form. Add or remove fields by dragging them from the left panel. Customize the form's appearance using the Design tab to match your website's branding. Configure form settings like confirmation messages and error handling in the Settings section.
Keep your form simple with only essential fields to increase conversion rates.
4

Generate the Embed Code

Once you're satisfied with your form design, click Save and publish. Mailchimp will generate an embed code. Copy the HTML code from the Embed code section - this will be a <div> element containing your form.
5

Add Code to WordPress

In your WordPress dashboard, go to the page or post where you want to embed the form. If using the block editor, add a Custom HTML block. If using the classic editor, switch to the Text tab. Paste the Mailchimp embed code into the HTML area.
You can also add the code to widget areas or theme templates using the WordPress Customizer.
6

Alternative: Install Mailchimp Plugin

Go to Plugins > Add New in WordPress and search for Mailchimp for WordPress. Install and activate the official plugin. Navigate to MC4WP in your WordPress menu, enter your Mailchimp API key, and use the shortcode [mc4wp_form id="123"] to embed forms.
The plugin method offers better integration and doesn't require copying HTML code manually.
7

Test Your Form

Visit your website's frontend and locate your embedded form. Test the signup process by entering a test email address. Check your Mailchimp audience to confirm the subscription was recorded. Verify that confirmation emails are being sent if enabled.
Use a test email address that you can easily access to verify the complete signup flow.
8

Monitor Form Performance

Return to your Mailchimp dashboard and go to Reports > Landing Pages to view form analytics. Monitor signup rates, form views, and conversion metrics. Use this data to optimize your form placement and design for better performance.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Form not displaying properly on website

Clear your website cache and check if your theme has CSS conflicts. Try adding the form to a test page to isolate the issue. Ensure the embed code was copied completely without any missing characters.

Subscribers not being added to Mailchimp list

Verify that your Mailchimp account is not suspended and that your audience list is active. Check your spam folder for confirmation emails and ensure double opt-in settings are configured correctly in your form settings.

Form styling doesn't match website design

Use the Mailchimp form builder's design options to customize colors and fonts. Alternatively, add custom CSS to your WordPress theme to override the default Mailchimp form styling using !important declarations.

Plugin installation fails or shows errors

Ensure your WordPress version is compatible with the Mailchimp plugin. Check that you have sufficient server permissions and storage space. Deactivate other plugins temporarily to identify conflicts, then reactivate them one by one.

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