If you’re running a WordPress site and want an easier way to manage your newsletter, there are new features that give you more control and better insights into your subscribers. Here’s a simple guide on how to use them.
1. Start your newsletter
Every WordPress.com site comes with a built-in Newsletter feature. You can use it to send your blog posts directly to your subscribers by email.
To start:
- Add a Subscribe block or use a Newsletter Subscription pattern on your website.
- Readers who subscribe will automatically get notified whenever you publish a new post.
Tip:
Even if you don’t have a WordPress.com site, you can still use the Newsletter feature. You can email up to 100 subscribers for free, or upgrade to a paid plan if you need to send to more people and want access to extra features like detailed email analytics.
2. Organize your newsletter with categories
One of the newest updates lets you add categories to your newsletter. This means you can let your subscribers choose what kind of content they want to receive.
Here’s how categories help:
- Segment your content: Create different categories like “Product Updates,” “Photography Tips,” or “Behind the Scenes.”
- Give subscribers control: Let them pick which topics they want to hear about.
- Set default categories: Highlight specific content when someone subscribes.
- Import and export easily: If you already have subscribers grouped by category elsewhere, you can move them into WordPress easily.
To enable categories:
- Go to your Newsletter Settings page and turn on the Categories feature.
3. Understand your subscribers better with Data Views
Managing your subscriber list is easier now thanks to a new tool called Data Views.
With Data Views, you can:
- Filter and sort: See if your subscribers are reading your content via email, the WordPress Reader, and whether they’re free or paid subscribers.
- Preview subscriber info quickly: Open a side panel to check detailed information about each subscriber.
- Spot issues fast: Find out if someone hasn’t confirmed their subscription or if their email address isn’t working.
To access your subscribers:
- Go to Users → Subscribers in your WordPress dashboard.
- If you’re using Jetpack, go to Jetpack → Subscribers instead.
4. Track your newsletter performance from your Dashboard
WordPress has added a Newsletter widget to your Dashboard. It gives you a quick overview of how your newsletter is performing without having to dig into settings.
From the widget, you can:
- See your email and paid subscriber counts at a glance.
- Track your subscriber growth with a simple line chart.
- Quickly access key Newsletter features with one click.
- Import subscribers directly from the widget.
Just log into your WordPress.com Dashboard and you’ll find it ready to use.
5. Manage your newsletter from anywhere with the Jetpack app
If you’re often working on-the-go, the Jetpack app makes it easy to manage your newsletter from your phone.
With the Jetpack app, you can:
- Watch your subscriber numbers grow wherever you are.
- Get real-time alerts when someone subscribes or comments.
- Publish new posts and reply to comments easily.
- Reach a wider audience by appearing in the WordPress.com Reader.
To get started:
- Download the Jetpack app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
What’s next?
WordPress is continuing to improve its Newsletter features, so expect even more helpful tools soon. If you have ideas or feedback, you can share them directly with WordPress.com.
With WordPress.com’s Newsletter tools, you stay in full control of your content, your subscriber lists, and even your subscriber revenue — with options for free and paid subscriptions available on any plan.
FAQ
Can I use the WordPress Newsletter if I don’t have a WordPress.com site?
Yes! You can still email up to 100 subscribers for free without a full site.
Do I need to pay to use categories and Data Views?
Categories are available for free. Data Views are also included if you use WordPress.com’s Newsletter or Jetpack.
Is the Jetpack app free?
Yes, the app is free to download and use for managing your site and newsletters.
Can I import an existing subscriber list?
Yes, you can easily import your subscriber list and even bring over their category preferences.
