Connecting with your readers is paramount in an author’s life. But a WordPress author mailing list plugin will make that very possible.
A mailing list gives you a direct line to your audience.
With a good author mailing list plugin for your WordPress site, you can share updates, sneak peeks, special offers, and anything else to keep your readers excited and engaged.
It’s more like building a loyal community of fans which is always ready to hear from you.
If you have just started building your audience or are looking for an upgrade in your current strategy, these plugins can help you connect with your readers and grow your following with only a plug-and-play method.
What To Focus On When Selecting A WordPress Mailing List Plugin
Selecting the most appropriate mailing list plugin for your WordPress blog page can be daunting, especially when there are numerous choices.
Well! It time to relax since have gathered for you the main aspects that you need to watch out for so as to make a perfect choice:
1. User-Friendly Interface
To say this politely, not everyone is a technology guru.
And, it’s alright!
So, select a plugin that is both affordable and easy to set up, manage and operate.
Step-by-step instructions and drag-and-drop functionalities make a difference.
2. Compatible with Email Marketing Tools
Your plugin should play nice with popular email marketing tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit.
Why?
Everyone wants to send professional emails, track results, and keep readers engaged without extra hassle.
3. Customization Options
Your brand is distinct.
Therefore, your sign-up forms should be too!
Select a plugin that allows you to customize forms with pre-set templates and artistic features.
This way, your forms can blend seamlessly with your website and stand out to your readers.
4. Compatibility with Your Website
No one wants their site to malfunction, correct?
Test that the plugin is compatible with the theme of your WordPress site and all the plugins that you are currently using.
Such consideration helps to avoid future tech issues.
5. Expandable Pricing As You Continue To Grow
Consider the pricing as well as the possible expansion of your mailing list.
Some plugins offer cheap pricing without features or limitations on the number of subscribers.
So, select one that suits your current finances but does not constrain the growth of your audience.
Best WordPress Plugins for Author Mailing Lists
There are many outstanding plugins for maintaining mailing lists, but I’ll cover only 7 for now.
If you are an author, compiling a mailing list is one of the most effective decisions, which WordPress plugins have made very easy to implement.
Let’s check some of the plugins that has made this possible:
1. Mailchimp for WordPress (MC4WP)
This is the plugin that allows direct connection between WordPress and Mailchimp, one of the best email marketing platforms.
It’s just so easy to work with mailchimp and works seamlessly with Mailchimp.
With it, you can create registration forms that correspond with your website’s aesthetic.
You can also keep track of how well your campaigns and social media activity is performing.
Best for: Writers who seek simple solutions for email marketing and reader segmentation.
2. Kit (Formerly ConvertKit) WordPress Plugin
Designed as a plugin with creators in mind, it allows users to grow and nurture their audience with the tools provided.
It has automation tools that you can use to send personalized emails on autopilot.
You can segment your audience by their interests or behavior by subscriber tagging.
It also offers landing pages to capture readers’ attention and get email sign-ups.
Best for: Authors who want a single tool that covers all the needs of a creative.
3. OptinMonster
This is a robust tool for turning website visitors into subscribers.
It offers opt-in forms galore. Did I hear pop-ups, floating bars, or slide-ins? Grab their attention.
They also have exit-intent tech so you can engage readers that are planning to leave your site.
With their A/B testing you can explore the different options and find what your audience appreciates.
Best for: Authors who can never have enough high-converting forms to maximize mailing list growth.
4. WPForms
It is a form builder plugin for creating subscription forms for beginners.
You don’t have to know how to code to create forms since they have a drag-and-drop builder.
It connects with Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and other email tools.
Best for: Authors wanting a simple interface for no fuss email collection.
5. Newsletter Plugin
Newsletter plugin is a WordPress-friendly plugin that makes it easy to send newsletters.
With ready to use templates, you can effortlessly begin with professionally crafted templates.
Determine effective strategies from ineffective ones using their analytics.
Since it’s GDPR compliant, it keeps your mailing list within legal boundaries.
Best for: Authors who prefer taking full control over everything in WordPress.
6. Bloom by Elegant Themes
It is an attractive plugin for email registration pop-ups and forms.
Bloom Email Opt-In plugin is lovable for its stylish forms enabling the building of stunning registration forms.
It how forms according to how your readers interact.
Best For: Authors who are looking to boost their subscriber list while maintaining an aesthetic website.
7. Sendinblue WordPress Plugin
It is a complete email marketing solution featuring deep integration with WordPress.
Sendinblue plugin comes with email design tools giving perfect newsletters within minutes.
It also has transactional emails, excellent for sending thank you emails or order notifications.
You can also see how effective your emails are on the spot.
Best for: Authors in need of a more powerful option that evolves with their audience.
A Side by Side Comparison of WordPress Mailing List Plugins for Authors
We’ve broken down the key details of the top plugins to help you find the perfect fit for your mailing list needs.
| Plugin | Key Features | Pricing | Pros | Cons |
| Mailchimp for WordPress | – Works smoothly with Mailchimp- Customizable forms- Analytics tracking | Free for up to 500 contactsPremium starts at $99/year | – Very easy to use- Great for organizing email lists | – Costs can increase as your list grows |
| ConvertKit WordPress Plugin | – Automation features- Tagging subscribers- Landing pages | Free trial availablePaid plans based on number of subscribers | – Perfect for creative professionals- Simple to use | – Pricing can get high as your subscriber list grows |
| OptinMonster | – Pop-ups and exit-intent triggers- A/B testing- Multiple opt-in forms | Starts at $7/month | – Helps grow your mailing list fast- Customizable | – No free version- Premium features can be expensive |
| WPForms | – Easy drag-and-drop form builder- Works with email platforms | Free version availablePaid plans start at $49.50/year | – Simple to create forms- Versatile and flexible | – Advanced features need the premium version |
| Newsletter Plugin | – Ready-made templates- Good analytics- GDPR compliant | Free version availablePremium plans start at $69/year | – Manage everything in WordPress- Strong tracking tools | – Some features might take time to learn |
| Bloom by Elegant Themes | – Beautiful templates- Customizable triggers and animations | Part of Elegant Themes subscription ($89/year) | – Visually attractive forms boost conversions | – Only available with an Elegant Themes subscription |
| Sendinblue WordPress Plugin | – Email design tools- Transactional emails- Real-time stats | Free plan available (limited features)Paid plans start at $25/month | – All-in-one email solution- Great for newsletters and campaigns | – Free version has limited features |
Which Plugin Is Right for You?
Best for Beginners:
Newsletter Plugin: This subscription features a drag and drop interface with an unlimited subscriber list. Excellent for starters.
WPForms: This form making plugin is fit for those newly initiated with it’s user friendly drag and drop interface.
Best for Budget:
Newsletter Plugin: Highly recommended for authors because the free version offers unlimited subscribers and critical components.
Mailchimp for WordPress: Excellent for beginners as it has a free plan for up to 500 contacts.
Best for Advanced Features:
OptinMonster: Advanced features like A/B testing, detailed analytics, and smart targeting make it ideal for optimizing email strategies.
Sendinblue: Offers automation and in-depth analytics, perfect for authors who need a complete email marketing tool.
Best All in One Solution:
Sendinblue: Works from a single plugin, combines email marketing with email transactional features.
Mailchimp for WordPress: Seamless integration with Mailchimp’s all-in-one platform for managing campaigns and newsletters.
Best From Conversion Optimization:
OptinMonster: Strong tools including, but not limited to, popups and exit initiatives that maximize mailing list growth potential for most authors.
Bloom: Stylish opt-in forms with triggers for improved conversion rates.
Conclusion
In your journey of becoming an expert author, it is very important to keep and manage an email list in order to engage with your audience and promote yourself.
It would be wise to consider these WordPress author mailing list plugins, and choose a plugin that can integrate into your workflow.
This can be helpful whether you’re a beginner, looking for cheaper solutions, or already established.
The plugins mentioned in this article have been strategically chosen to help you improve your email marketing campaigns, build a devoted following, and increase the number of books sold through your website.
Choose the right mailing list plugin for your author goals and your WordPress platform will grow!