Introducing the Mailchimp for WordPress plugin

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Today I’m launching Mailchimp for WordPress, a new WordPress plugin built specifically for Mailchimp users.

About two years ago, I started working on Newsletter Sign-Up, a plugin that has now been downloaded close to 150,000 times. A lot of people use that plugin with Mailchimp, so building a dedicated Mailchimp plugin feels like the right next step.

Mailchimp for WordPress does everything Newsletter Sign-Up does, and more. Because this plugin focuses only on Mailchimp, I can make the setup easier, simplify the code, and add features that are specific to Mailchimp.

The plugin uses the Mailchimp API, so configuration is much smoother. You enter your Mailchimp API key, and the plugin fetches your lists and settings automatically. From there, setting up your sign-up form becomes a lot easier.

I also want the plugin to be flexible. You can write your own form HTML if you want full control. If you would rather not start from scratch, the plugin includes a field wizard that helps generate the form fields for you.

Almost all settings are optional. Install the plugin, enter your API key, add a sign-up form with the shortcode or widget, and you are ready to go.

This is a plugin I’m very excited about. It starts as a focused replacement for a common Newsletter Sign-Up use case, but I believe it can become the best way to connect WordPress and Mailchimp.

You can download the plugin for free from WordPress.org:

Download Mailchimp for WordPress on WordPress.org

You can also find more information, documentation, and updates on the plugin website:

Visit the Mailchimp for WordPress website

I hope you like it. Enjoy!

Updates

September 2013
Wow. The plugin was downloaded 50,000 times in its first three months.

December 2013
100,000 plugin downloads in six months

February 2015
One million downloads!

September 2015
Two million downloads!

May 2026
Over 75 million downloads, 2 million active sites and a flourishing business. It’s a little surreal to read back this post, but what a ride it was.