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How to Add a Contact Form in WordPress

WordPress doesn't come with a contact form. You add one with a form plugin. The steps are about the same no matter which plugin you use. These steps are for WordPress 6.x and later.

Pick a form plugin

Well-known options include Contact Form 7, WPForms, Gravity Forms, Formidable Forms, Ninja Forms, and Fluent Forms. Some are free, some have free and paid versions, and some are paid only. Things to think about:

  • Does it save entries in WordPress, or only send email? Saved entries are a lifesaver when an email goes missing.
  • Spam protection: look for honeypot, CAPTCHA, or similar options.
  • Ease of use: drag-and-drop builders are easier for most people.
  • Is it kept up to date? Check the last-updated date and support forum.

Already have a form plugin? Use that one. Running two form plugins just adds more to maintain.

Install the plugin

  1. Back up your site.
  2. Go to Plugins > Add Plugin, search for the plugin, then click Install Now and Activate.

See How to Install and Update WordPress Plugins Safely.

Build the form

  1. Open the form plugin from the left menu and create a new form. Many plugins offer a simple contact form template.
  2. Keep fields to what you really need: usually name, email, and message. Every extra field means fewer people finish the form.
  3. Mark required fields.
  4. Set the confirmation message people see after they submit, like "Thanks, we'll get back to you within one business day." Only promise what you can keep.
  5. Save the form.

Set up notification emails

  1. In the form's settings, find Notifications or Mail.
  2. Enter the address (or addresses) that should get submissions.
  3. Set the Reply-To to the visitor's email field so you can hit Reply.
  4. Leave the From address as an address on your own domain. Using the visitor's address as the "From" often lands mail in spam.
  5. Save.

Put the form on a page

  1. Edit the page (for example, your Contact page).
  2. Add the form plugin's block. Click + and search for the plugin's name or "form." Some plugins use a shortcode instead, which you paste into a Shortcode block.
  3. Pick your form.
  4. Click Save or Update.

Test it

Submit the form yourself. Check that:

  • You see the confirmation message
  • The email arrives (check spam too)
  • The entry shows up in the plugin, if it saves entries

Emails not arriving? WordPress sites often need an SMTP plugin, or your host's mail settings, to send mail reliably. See Domain, DNS, and Business Email Basics: Who Owns What.

Keep spam out

  • Turn on your form plugin's honeypot or anti-spam option.
  • Add a CAPTCHA (like Google reCAPTCHA or Cloudflare Turnstile) if spam keeps coming.
  • Don't post your email address as plain text on the same page if you can avoid it.

Privacy

Contact forms collect personal details. Mention it in your privacy policy, only keep entries as long as you need them, and limit who can see them.

Related

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