How I Increased Signups With MailerLite WordPress Plugin

When I first started using the MailerLite WordPress plugin, I had no idea it would completely change how I manage email signups on my website. I’d struggled for months trying to find a balance between design freedom, speed, and conversion optimization. 

The question that kept me up at night was simple: How can I increase my email signups without overwhelming my visitors or spending hours on setup?

In this article, I’ll share exactly how I used the MailerLite WordPress plugin to grow my subscriber list effectively. Each step covers the tools, tweaks, and strategies I applied to achieve measurable results you can replicate.

Understanding The MailerLite WordPress Plugin

If you’ve ever wanted to simplify your email marketing directly from your website, the MailerLite WordPress plugin is one of the most intuitive ways to do it. 

It acts as a bridge between your MailerLite account (where you manage campaigns, automation, and subscribers) and your WordPress site (where your visitors actually sign up). 

I’ll walk you through how it integrates, why it’s worth using, and why I personally chose it over other email plugins.

How The MailerLite Plugin Integrates With WordPress

When you install the MailerLite plugin, it connects your MailerLite account directly to your WordPress dashboard through an API key — a small code that allows the two platforms to “talk” to each other securely.

Here’s how it works in practice:

• From your MailerLite dashboard, go to Integrations > WordPress > Use to find your API key.
• Then, in WordPress, head to Settings > MailerLite and paste that key into the field.
• Once connected, you can embed signup forms anywhere on your site — posts, sidebars, or pop-ups — without touching code.
  

What’s happening behind the scenes is simple: every time someone fills out a form on your site, the plugin sends that data directly to your MailerLite list in real time. No exporting CSVs, no manual uploads.

This integration is lightweight, too. Unlike some plugins that slow your site, MailerLite’s code is optimized for WordPress speed, meaning your site performance won’t take a hit.

Benefits Of Using MailerLite For List Building

The biggest win for me with MailerLite is how user-friendly and automation-ready it is right out of the box. You don’t have to be a marketer or designer to set up effective signup forms or email campaigns.

Some of the benefits that make a real difference:

• Drag-and-drop form builder: You can create beautiful pop-ups, embedded forms, and landing pages visually, without coding.
• Automatic syncing: Every new subscriber from your website is automatically added to your MailerLite list.
• Behavioral targeting: You can set forms to appear based on user activity (like scroll depth or exit intent).
• Integrated analytics: MailerLite’s dashboard gives you live stats — open rates, click-throughs, and conversion tracking — to measure what’s actually working.

I also love that MailerLite integrates easily with WooCommerce, Elementor, and Google Analytics, so your list-building efforts connect naturally with your store, design, and traffic insights.

Why I Chose MailerLite Over Other Email Plugins

Before MailerLite, I tried a few big-name plugins. Some were powerful but bloated with features I never used, while others looked great but lacked automation. MailerLite hit the sweet spot.

Here’s why it stood out for me:

• Ease of setup: I connected my account in under five minutes. No developer required.
• Free plan generosity: The free version supports up to 1,000 subscribers with full email automation — perfect for small businesses and bloggers.
• Consistent deliverability: Emails sent via MailerLite tend to avoid spam folders better than many competitors.
• Clean interface: Everything in the dashboard is clearly labeled — you’ll find “Campaigns,” “Subscribers,” “Forms,” and “Automation” without confusion.

In short, MailerLite is powerful enough for marketers but simple enough for beginners. It’s the rare plugin that feels built for real humans, not just power users.

Setting Up The MailerLite Plugin The Right Way

Getting the MailerLite plugin running properly takes only a few minutes — but those minutes matter.

A clean setup ensures your signups sync correctly, your forms display where you want, and your automation runs smoothly.

Installing And Activating The Plugin Step-By-Step

Let’s start from the top.

1. From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
2. Search for “MailerLite.”
3. Click Install Now, then Activate.
4. Once activated, a MailerLite tab will appear under Settings.
5. Log into your MailerLite account, navigate to Integrations > WordPress, and copy your API key.
6. Paste that key into your WordPress MailerLite settings and save changes.

That’s it — your plugin is now connected.

Pro tip: After activating, create a test form and submit it yourself to confirm your subscribers appear inside your MailerLite dashboard under Subscribers.

Connecting Your MailerLite Account To WordPress

The plugin needs your API key to access your MailerLite data. This might sound technical, but it’s just a copy-paste job.

Once connected, you can:

• Display signup forms with a shortcode (e.g., [mailerlite_form form_id=1]).
• Use MailerLite’s Gutenberg block to insert forms directly into posts.
• Add widgets to sidebars or footers for consistent placement.

Each form syncs automatically with the MailerLite group (or audience segment) you assign — no manual syncing required.

Configuring Signup Forms For Maximum Conversions

After connecting, you’ll want to make sure your forms are doing more than just collecting emails — they should convert.

Here’s what I’ve learned through trial and error:

• Use fewer fields. A simple form with only Name and Email usually converts 20–40% better.
• Add a clear value statement. Instead of “Subscribe,” try “Get weekly marketing tips.”
• Place forms strategically. Top of blog posts, before comments, or as a timed pop-up after 20 seconds on-page often perform best.
• Leverage exit-intent pop-ups. MailerLite lets you trigger pop-ups when users move their mouse to close the tab.

Inside MailerLite, go to Forms > Embedded Forms > Create Form and then customize your layout. Once published, grab the shortcode and place it anywhere you want on WordPress.

Designing Signup Forms That Actually Convert

Once your plugin is set up, it’s time to make your forms look and feel irresistible. Good design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about reducing friction so people want to subscribe.

Choosing The Right Form Type For Your Audience

MailerLite gives you several form types:

• Embedded forms: Ideal for blog posts and landing pages.
• Pop-ups: Great for capturing attention when visitors show exit intent.
• Slide-ins: A subtle form that slides in after a user scrolls halfway.

For example, I use a slide-in form on my blog posts because it feels natural — not intrusive. But on my homepage, I use a pop-up with a lead magnet (a free guide), since visitors there are usually more open to subscribing.

If your audience tends to browse on mobile, stick with embedded forms or slide-ins to avoid disrupting their experience.

Customizing Design Without Slowing Down Your Site

MailerLite’s design editor works like a drag-and-drop builder — no coding needed. You can adjust colors, fonts, and button styles to match your site branding.

Here’s how to do it efficiently:

• Use the Preview feature to test how your form looks on desktop and mobile.
• Keep image uploads under 100 KB to prevent slowdowns.
• Use MailerLite’s default fonts when possible — they load faster than custom Google Fonts.
• Disable animations if your site is already image-heavy.

If you’re using a page builder like Elementor or Divi, embed your MailerLite form using the HTML widget or the built-in MailerLite block for faster rendering.

Adding Smart Triggers And Placement Rules For Engagement

Timing and placement make or break form performance. MailerLite’s built-in rules let you control when and where forms appear.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Trigger by scroll depth: Show a form after a user scrolls 50% of the page.
• Time-based pop-ups: Wait 10–15 seconds before displaying your offer.
• Exit intent: Catch users just as they’re about to leave — it’s surprisingly effective.
• Hide for subscribers: Avoid annoying returning subscribers by excluding them.

You can set these rules inside MailerLite > Forms > Behavior. Experiment for a week or two, and check which combination yields the highest signups.

Pro Tip: Always A/B test your form designs. Try changing button colors, CTA text, or headline copy — even small tweaks can lift conversion rates by 10–20%.

Using MailerLite Automation To Capture More Leads

If you’re only collecting emails with the MailerLite WordPress plugin but not following up automatically, you’re missing out on conversions. 

Automation is where the real magic happens—it’s how you turn casual subscribers into loyal readers or paying customers without manually sending a single email. 

Let’s walk through how I set mine up and why it boosted my signup performance so much.

Setting Up Automated Welcome Emails That Build Trust

When someone subscribes, that’s your golden moment. They’re paying attention. A well-crafted welcome email makes all the difference in whether they stay or drift away.

Here’s how I set mine up inside MailerLite:

1. From your MailerLite dashboard, click Automation > Create Workflow.
2. Choose When subscriber joins a group as the trigger (this “group” comes from your WordPress form’s assigned audience).
3. Add an Email step. This will be your welcome message.
4. Write something short, warm, and human. Example: “Hey, I’m glad you joined! Here’s the free guide I promised.”
5. Set a small delay—about 5 minutes—so the email feels timely but natural.

Pro tip: Instead of just saying “Thanks for subscribing,” offer something specific like a free resource, a first-purchase coupon, or your best blog post. That first impression often decides if subscribers will open your next email.

I also suggest adding one or two follow-up emails spaced a few days apart—maybe a mini-story about your brand or an introduction to your best-performing product. It builds connection before you ever make a sales pitch.

Creating Segmented Campaigns Based On User Behavior

This is where MailerLite starts feeling less like a tool and more like a smart assistant. You can segment your subscribers automatically based on what they do—not just who they are.

For example:

• If someone clicks a link about “SEO tips,” add them to a “Marketing” segment.
• If they download a product guide, tag them as “Interested in Product A.”
• If they haven’t opened your last five emails, move them into a “Re-engagement” segment.

Here’s how to do it:

From your dashboard, go to Subscribers > Segments > Create segment. Choose conditions like Has clicked a specific link or Subscribed via form X. Then, build automations that deliver the right message to that group.

One of my favorite setups is a 3-email mini-sequence triggered when someone clicks a blog post link. Email 1 provides a deeper guide, Email 2 shares a case study, and Email 3 subtly introduces my paid product.

The conversion rate from this sequence was nearly double compared to sending a single broadcast email.

How Automation Improved My Conversion Rate By 30%

Before automations, my signup numbers looked good—but my engagement was flat. Once I implemented personalized follow-ups, my click-through rate jumped by 22%, and overall conversion increased by around 30%.

Here’s what made the difference:

• Speed: Automations deliver instantly, keeping the subscriber’s attention.
• Relevance: Segmentation made each email more personal.
• Consistency: The system worked even while I slept.

If you want to see similar results, start simple: build one welcome flow and one interest-based follow-up. MailerLite’s analytics will show you what’s working—and you can fine-tune from there.

Optimizing Signup Performance With A/B Testing

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. A/B testing (or “split testing”) is the most effective way to find out what actually convinces people to subscribe.

MailerLite makes this process surprisingly straightforward.

Testing Different Form Headlines And CTAs

Small wording changes can have massive results. I once tested two signup form headlines:

• Version A: “Subscribe for Weekly Marketing Tips.”
• Version B: “Get Free Weekly Strategies That Grow Your Traffic.”

Version B won by 18%.

To set this up, go to Forms > Choose a Form > A/B Test. MailerLite will let you duplicate a form and test variations of:

• Headlines: Focus on clarity and benefits (“Get weekly tips” beats “Join my newsletter”).
• CTA buttons: Replace “Submit” with action-oriented phrases like “Send Me The Guide” or “Get Instant Access.”
• Visual layout: Test minimal vs. image-rich forms.

After running each variation for about a week, check conversion data under Reports > Forms > A/B Test Results.

Analyzing Performance Data Inside MailerLite

MailerLite’s built-in analytics show you not just how many people signed up, but how they interacted with your form.

In your dashboard, go to Forms > Reports. You’ll see metrics like:

• Views: How many times the form was shown.
• Conversions: How many signups happened.
• Conversion rate: The percentage that matters most.

You can also track device types—this helps you spot if mobile users are converting at lower rates. If they are, your form might be too large or not mobile-friendly.

How To Interpret Results And Make Data-Driven Improvements

Don’t just glance at numbers—ask what they’re telling you. If conversions drop, consider:

• Is your CTA too generic?
• Is your pop-up timing too aggressive?
• Did traffic sources change (e.g., new ads or SEO updates)?

Once you’ve identified a trend, adjust one variable at a time. I recommend a two-week testing cycle for each change so you’re basing your conclusions on enough data.

If you’re more data-driven, you can export these reports and combine them with Google Analytics to trace where subscribers came from and which posts are driving the most conversions.

Integrating MailerLite With Other WordPress Tools

MailerLite doesn’t exist in a bubble—it integrates beautifully with other popular WordPress plugins and tools.

These integrations help you create a seamless marketing ecosystem instead of juggling disconnected apps.

Combining MailerLite With WooCommerce For Lead Capture

If you run an online store, this integration is a must. MailerLite connects directly to WooCommerce so you can automatically add customers to specific email groups when they make a purchase.

Setup path:

1. In MailerLite, go to Integrations > WooCommerce.
2. Install the official MailerLite WooCommerce integration plugin in WordPress.
3. Connect using your API key.

Once connected, you can:

• Send post-purchase follow-up emails to boost repeat sales.
• Create product recommendation automations based on what users bought.
• Offer cart abandonment emails to bring people back.

For example, I set up a simple automation: “When someone buys Product X → wait 3 days → send them Product Y recommendation.” It consistently brought in extra revenue with no ongoing effort.

Using MailerLite With Pop-Up Builders Like Elementor

If you use Elementor to design pages, you’ll love how well it pairs with MailerLite. Instead of relying on the default form styling, you can embed MailerLite forms into Elementor pop-ups using an HTML widget or the official MailerLite block.

Here’s how:

• In MailerLite, create your form and copy its HTML embed code.
• In Elementor, drag the HTML widget to your layout and paste the code.
• Customize the pop-up trigger under Display Conditions > Triggers (for example, show on scroll or after 10 seconds).

This gives you advanced design control while still tracking every signup inside MailerLite.

Tracking Email Signups With Google Analytics Integration

To really understand how your forms perform, connect MailerLite to Google Analytics.

Go to MailerLite > Integrations > Google Analytics and toggle it on. Then add UTM parameters (tracking tags) to your forms or campaigns.

Example:

https://yourwebsite.com?utm_source=mailerlite&utm_medium=form&utm_campaign=signup

Now, inside Google Analytics, you can see exactly:

• Which blog posts bring in the most signups.
• Which pop-ups or pages convert best.
• How form design impacts overall traffic quality.

Once I started tracking signups this way, I realized most of my subscribers came from just three high-performing articles. That insight helped me focus my content strategy and grow even faster.

Pro Tip: The best part about MailerLite’s ecosystem is that it grows with you. Start with one automation and one integration, then build gradually. Each small optimization compounds—and before long, your WordPress site turns into a lead-generating machine that runs quietly in the background.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using MailerLite Plugin

No matter how good your strategy is, a few small mistakes in how you set up or use the MailerLite WordPress plugin can quietly chip away at your results.

I learned most of these the hard way, so think of this section as a friendly shortcut past my own trial and error.

Ignoring Double Opt-In Settings That Affect Deliverability

Double opt-in is that extra confirmation step subscribers take after signing up—usually by clicking a link in an email. It might sound like an unnecessary hoop, but skipping it can cause more harm than good.

Here’s why it matters:

• Better email deliverability: MailerLite uses double opt-in to confirm that subscribers actually want your emails. That means fewer spam complaints and higher sender reputation.
• Cleaner lists: You’ll filter out fake or mistyped emails automatically.
• Compliance: It keeps you aligned with GDPR and CAN-SPAM regulations, especially if you collect signups from different countries.

To enable it: From your MailerLite dashboard, go to Subscribers > Groups > Double opt-in settings. Then, toggle it on and customize the confirmation message to sound friendly and on-brand (not robotic).

I suggest keeping your confirmation email simple—something like: “Just click below to confirm your subscription and get your free guide!”

Skipping this might grow your list faster, but it’ll also lower your deliverability score over time. Trust me, quality beats quantity every single time.

Overcomplicating Form Design And Losing Conversions

It’s tempting to get fancy with forms—images, animations, long descriptions—but the truth is, complexity kills conversions. A cluttered design makes visitors pause, hesitate, and sometimes bounce.

When I first started using the MailerLite plugin, I built beautiful forms that nobody filled out. The problem? Too much going on.

Here’s what I recommend instead:

• Keep it short: Limit forms to one or two fields (Name and Email).
• Use whitespace: Let your CTA (call to action) breathe visually.
• Avoid distractions: Don’t overload with text or images.
• Stick to brand colors: But ensure high contrast for buttons—orange or green often works well.

Inside MailerLite’s Form Editor, use the Preview option to test how your form looks on mobile. About 70% of users will see it that way first, so responsiveness is non-negotiable.

Simple forms not only look cleaner—they also tend to convert 20–40% better according to MailerLite’s own benchmarks.

Forgetting To Monitor Spam And Bounce Rates

This one sneaks up on people. You set everything up, subscribers roll in, and you assume all’s well. But behind the scenes, you might be losing deliverability without realizing it.

Here’s what to check regularly:

• Spam complaints: Found under Subscribers > Clean up inactive.
• Bounce rate: Go to Campaign Reports > Bounces. If it’s over 2%, something’s wrong.
• Unsubscribes: A sudden spike often means your email content or frequency needs tweaking.

MailerLite’s deliverability report gives a clear breakdown of soft bounces (temporary issues like a full inbox) and hard bounces (invalid emails). Clean those out monthly to keep your sender score high.

I also recommend authenticating your domain (found under Account Settings > Domains > Authenticate). This tiny step improves trust between your emails and inbox providers like Gmail or Outlook, meaning fewer messages end up in spam.

Measuring Results And Scaling Your Strategy

Once your forms, automations, and campaigns are running, you’ll want to see how well they’re performing—and how to scale the success.

MailerLite’s reporting tools make this surprisingly easy once you know where to look.

How To Track Signup Growth Using MailerLite Reports

Inside your MailerLite dashboard, go to Reports > Overview. Here you can see:

• Total subscribers (and how it’s trending)
• Signup source (which forms or pages perform best)
• Unsubscribes and bounces

I like to check this weekly. If signups are climbing but open rates are falling, it might mean you’re collecting emails without enough audience alignment.

Pro tip: Click into each form’s report to see conversion rates. I usually compare week-to-week changes after tweaking headlines or CTAs. If conversions rise, I know that small copy adjustment worked.

Identifying High-Converting Pages In WordPress

You can use MailerLite’s built-in tracking or pair it with Google Analytics to identify where your most engaged subscribers come from.

In WordPress, install Google Site Kit (it’s free). It’ll show you which pages attract the most visitors. Then, inside MailerLite, check which forms have the highest conversion rates. When you cross-reference both, you’ll find your goldmine pages.

For instance, I noticed 60% of my new subscribers came from just two blog posts. Once I spotted that, I added new lead magnets and CTAs to those pages—and doubled my signups in under a month.

Scaling Email Campaigns Based On Data Insights

Once you know what’s working, scale it strategically. Here’s my approach:

• Automate top performers: If a campaign gets high open and click rates, turn it into an evergreen automation.
• Clone successful forms: Use your best-converting form as a template for new pages.
• Expand content types: If certain lead magnets perform well (like checklists), make variations targeting different audiences.

MailerLite’s Reports > Automation stats show which email steps convert best. If one message has a 40% open rate but low clicks, tweak the CTA. If another consistently drives conversions, use its structure as a template for new emails.

Scaling isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing more of what already works.

My Favorite MailerLite Features For WordPress Users

After using the MailerLite plugin for a while, a few features have become indispensable. They make everyday email marketing smoother, faster, and a lot more enjoyable.

Drag-And-Drop Form Builder For Quick Edits

This feature alone saves me hours. You can build and edit forms visually—just drag blocks for text, buttons, or fields. No code.

To use it:

1. In your dashboard, click Forms > Embedded Forms > Create Form.
2. Choose a layout and start dragging sections.
3. Edit text inline—what you see is exactly what you get.

I love that you can preview changes instantly, so I can adjust button colors or spacing without refreshing the page. It’s the kind of workflow improvement that feels small until you realize how much faster you move.

Custom Success Messages And Redirect Options

When someone subscribes, what happens next matters a lot. MailerLite lets you customize that moment beautifully.

You can:

• Show a custom success message (“Check your inbox for your free guide!”).
• Or redirect users to a “Thank You” page on your site.

To set it up, go to Forms > Success Page Settings.

I recommend using redirects—they’re perfect for tracking conversions in Google Analytics. Plus, they let you thank your new subscribers personally or share a quick bonus offer.

Integrations That Simplify Workflow Management

MailerLite plays nicely with most of the WordPress ecosystem. A few I use daily:

• WooCommerce: Automatically adds customers to email groups.
• Elementor: Lets me embed forms inside my page designs.
• Zapier: Connects MailerLite with tools like Notion, Trello, or Google Sheets.

This level of integration means you spend less time exporting and importing data manually and more time refining your campaigns.

One small but powerful integration I recommend is connecting MailerLite to Google Sheets via Zapier. Every new signup gets logged automatically—it’s a simple way to back up data and monitor growth trends over time.

Key Takeaways For Boosting Signups With MailerLite

Before wrapping up, let me summarize what’s truly made the difference for me in using the MailerLite WordPress plugin effectively.

What Worked Best In My Signup Optimization Journey

The biggest results didn’t come from big overhauls—they came from small, consistent tweaks:

• Simplifying form designs for clarity.
• Personalizing automation emails to sound human.
• Tracking what worked (and killing what didn’t).

It’s not about doing everything at once, but about experimenting, reviewing, and iterating based on data.

Lessons Learned About Email Marketing Simplicity

MailerLite reminded me that simplicity scales better than complexity. You don’t need 10 pop-ups or 5 lead magnets to grow—just one good offer, a thoughtful follow-up, and steady testing.

I also learned that automation isn’t about removing yourself—it’s about creating space to focus on connection. By automating the repetitive tasks, I could spend more time writing emails that feel like conversations, not campaigns.

The Future Of Using MailerLite For WordPress Sites

Email marketing continues to evolve, but MailerLite feels well-positioned for the next few years. With its clean design, automation depth, and WordPress-first approach, it’s ideal for creators, small businesses, and growing brands alike.

As I continue refining my strategy, I plan to:

• Expand my automations with behavior-based triggers.
• Use more dynamic content inside emails.
• Keep testing new signup form styles every quarter.

MailerLite isn’t just a plugin—it’s become the quiet engine behind my site’s growth. And the best part? Once it’s set up, it works while you sleep.

Pro Tip: Consistency is your real growth lever. Whether it’s weekly testing or monthly list cleanup, make it a routine. Every small improvement adds up, and before long, your email list becomes one of your most valuable business assets.