Getting notifications every time someone submits a form on your WordPress website is super important. It lets you respond quickly, track inquiries, and keep up with what people need from your site! Here, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make sure you get an email notification whenever someone submits a form. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Choose a Form Plugin
Most WordPress websites use a form plugin to create forms. The two popular ones are WPForms and Contact Form 7.
- WPForms – Beginner-friendly, with easy setup
- Contact Form 7 – Free and popular, but needs a bit more setup
Tip: If you’re new to WordPress, start with WPForms because it’s easier to use.
Step 2: Install Your Form Plugin
How to Install a Plugin
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard.
- Click on Plugins > Add New.
- In the search bar, type the name of the form plugin (e.g., WPForms or Contact Form 7).
- Click Install Now and then Activate.
Step 3: Set Up a Form
Creating Your First Form
With most plugins, you can start a new form by going to:
- WPForms: Go to WPForms > Add New
- Contact Form 7: Go to Contact > Add New
When you create a new form, you’ll see an editor where you can add fields like Name, Email, Message, etc.
Step 4: Enable Email Notifications
Setting Up Notifications in WPForms
In WPForms, the notification settings are built-in. Follow these steps:
- Open Your Form in WPForms.
- Go to Settings > Notifications.
- By default, WPForms sends notifications to the Admin Email (the main email address for your website).
- If you want notifications to go to a different email, enter it here.
- Save the settings.
Example: You could put your personal email here if you want all form submissions to go to your own email address.
Setting Up Notifications in Contact Form 7
In Contact Form 7, you’ll need to configure the email manually:
- Edit the Form you created.
- Go to the Mail tab.
- In the To field, enter the email address where you want notifications sent.
- Click Save.
Step 5: Test Your Form
After setting everything up, make sure to test your form! Submit a test message and check if you receive an email notification.
- Go to the page where your form is live.
- Fill out the form with sample information and hit Submit.
- Check your email to confirm you received the notification.
Diagram of Testing Process:
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re not getting notifications, here are some common fixes:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not receiving emails | Check the spam/junk folder in your email |
| Wrong email entered | Double-check the email in the notification settings |
| Plugin Conflict | Try deactivating other plugins temporarily |
| WordPress email not working | Use a plugin like WP Mail SMTP |
Using WP Mail SMTP for Better Email Delivery
Sometimes, WordPress has trouble sending emails. A tool like WP Mail SMTP can help by improving how your emails are sent.
- Install WP Mail SMTP from the Plugins area.
- Follow the setup guide to link it to a reliable email service (like Gmail or Outlook).
- Test your form again to see if notifications are working better.
Summary: Quick Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist for setting up notifications:
- Install and activate a form plugin
- Create and customize your form
- Set up notifications with your email address
- Test your form
- Troubleshoot if needed
With these steps, you should now be getting notifications whenever someone submits a form on your WordPress site. This way, you can stay on top of messages and never miss an important request!
FAQs you mights have
1. What is a WordPress form plugin?
A WordPress form plugin is a tool that allows you to create forms on your website. These forms can be used for contact forms, surveys, feedback, and more. Popular plugins include WPForms and Contact Form 7.
2. Why aren’t my email notifications working?
If you’re not getting email notifications, check the following:
- Ensure the correct email address is entered in the notification settings.
- Check your spam/junk folder.
- Install and set up WP Mail SMTP to improve email delivery.
3. Can I send notifications to multiple emails?
Yes, in most form plugins like WPForms, you can enter multiple email addresses in the notification settings, separated by commas. In Contact Form 7, you can add emails in the To field, separated by commas.
4. How do I test if my form is working correctly?
To test your form:
- Go to the page with the form.
- Fill out the fields and submit a test message.
- Check your email to ensure you received the notification.
5. What should I do if my form submissions go to spam?
If your form submissions go to spam, try using WP Mail SMTP to improve email delivery. This plugin connects your WordPress site to reliable email services like Gmail or Outlook, which helps avoid spam filters.
6. Can I customize the notification email content?
Yes, in most plugins, you can customize the subject line and message of the notification email. For example, in WPForms, you can use form fields (like Name or Email) to personalize the message.
5. What should I do if my form submissions go to spam?
If your form submissions go to spam, try using WP Mail SMTP to improve email delivery. This plugin connects your WordPress site to reliable email services like Gmail or Outlook, which helps avoid spam filters.
6. Can I customize the notification email content?
Yes, in most plugins, you can customize the subject line and message of the notification email. For example, in WPForms, you can use form fields (like Name or Email) to personalize the message.
7. What are some alternatives to WPForms and Contact Form 7?
Some popular alternatives include Ninja Forms, Formidable Forms, and Gravity Forms. Each plugin has unique features, so choose one that fits your needs.
8. How do I change the “From” name and email for notifications?
With plugins like WP Mail SMTP, you can set a custom “From” name and email address. This makes your emails look more professional and trusted by email providers.
