Not getting enough returning readers? A visitor often arrives, reads one article and never comes back. In 2011, I noticed that my RSS subscription box sat unseen in the footer of this blog. So, I moved a slim subscription box into the header, and sign-ups improved. The idea still works today. However, the tools behind it have changed completely.
Why a Header Subscription Box Works
Visitors see the top of the page first. Consequently, a slim box near the header catches readers while their interest is highest. Moreover, an email list gives you a direct line to readers, independent of search and social media algorithms.
What Changed Since 2011
My original code used FeedBurner’s email form. Google ended FeedBurner email subscriptions in 2021, so that code no longer works. Today, you can use an email platform such as Mailchimp or MailerLite, or the Jetpack Subscribe block.
How to Add a Subscription Box in a Block Theme
Step 1: Choose Your Form Provider
First, decide where your subscribers will live. Jetpack Subscriptions emails new posts automatically, as explained in our Jetpack setup guide. Alternatively, a dedicated email platform gives you more control over newsletters. Most providers offer a block, a plugin or an embed code.
Step 2: Open the Header Template Part
Go to Appearance > Editor > Patterns, then open the Header template part. If you prefer the box above the article instead, open the Single Posts template.
Step 3: Build the Slim Box
Add a Row block below your navigation. Inside it, place a short heading such as “Need blog updates?” alongside your subscribe form. Then set a soft background colour, a thin border and modest padding. Keep the height low, so the box never pushes your content too far down.
Step 4: Check Consent and Mobile Layout
Add a consent line that explains what subscribers will receive. Additionally, link to your privacy policy. Finally, preview the header on a phone, since a row can stack awkwardly on small screens.
Using a Classic Theme?
In a classic theme, paste your provider’s embed code into header.php, inside a child theme. Alternatively, use a plugin that inserts the form through a widget area or hook. Always back up your theme files before editing them.
Keep It Slim
A subscription box should invite readers, not interrupt them. Therefore, keep the wording short and the design light. If you would like a subscription box designed around your brand, talk to our team in NOIDA.
Nice Subscription box. Well, Does this work for other WordPRess Themes too?
Yes, it does. Scratch your brain to make it more effective.
nice
and very useful idea for getting more readers.
Hi Aky,
Really helpful post. On the same line i would like to check if you have some code to add a subscription box below every post?
To add this subscription box below each post, you can do the following:
[Basic WP Theme]
[Thesis Theme 1.x]
thesis_hook_after_post_box.Hope it works soundly without horrifying errors. 🙂
Nice one. Does this work with custom cms?
Yes, it works 100% with any HTML site.