ConvertKit (recently rebranded as Kit) is an email marketing service with a WordPress plugin that lets you embed subscription forms, display landing pages, and manage email subscribers directly from your WordPress site. The plugin connects your WordPress site to a Kit account, where you build email forms and sequences, then displays them on your site using Gutenberg blocks, shortcodes, or automatic placement after posts. What makes Kit different from general-purpose email platforms like MailChimp and MC4WP is that it was built specifically for content creators — bloggers, authors, and online course builders — with a focus on subscriber tagging, visual automation sequences, and targeted email campaigns based on subscriber behavior. Its WordPress plugin supports the Form Builder block, which lets you design custom subscription forms directly in the WordPress block editor without switching to the Kit web app.
Kit is available for free for the first 10,000 subscribers, after which you pay based on your list size. The plugin also supports membership content protection, where you can restrict access to posts or pages to subscribers who have purchased a Kit product. For email marketing on a budget, it’s a solid alternative to MailPoet Premium, particularly if you plan to scale past a few thousand subscribers.
Competitive Features
- Form Builder block — build custom subscription forms directly in the Gutenberg editor with full block theme style support
- Automatic form placement — display subscription forms below posts, pages, or custom post types automatically
- Membership content protection — restrict access to any WordPress post or page to Kit subscribers or product purchasers
- Landing page embedding — display Kit landing pages on your WordPress site without redirecting visitors
- Broadcast archive — display past email newsletters on your site using the Broadcasts block or shortcode
- Tag-based subscriber management — automatically tag subscribers based on the form they used or product they purchased
- reCAPTCHA protection — spam protection for subscription forms with Google reCAPTCHA integration
Key Features
- Gutenberg blocks — Kit Forms, Form Builder, Broadcasts, and Product blocks for flexible content embedding
- Form shortcode —
[convertkit]shortcode for inserting forms in Classic Editor or theme template files - Automatic placement — per-post-type default form display with the option to override on individual posts
- Subscriber tagging — apply tags to new subscribers based on which form they submitted for automated segmentation
- Email broadcasts — create and send email newsletters from Kit’s platform with subscriber targeting
- Landing pages — design landing pages in Kit and embed them on a WordPress page with a single selection
- Product sales — sell digital products and memberships with embedded buy buttons and automatic access granting
Comparison with Competitors
ConvertKit vs MailPoet Premium
| Aspect | ConvertKit (Kit) | MailPoet Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Plugin integration | Forms + blocks | Full email + forms |
| Subscriber tagging | Yes (visual automation) | Yes (lists only) |
| Automation sequences | Yes (visual builder) | Yes (basic) |
| Landing pages | Yes | No |
| Self-hosted | No (cloud only) | Yes (on your server) |
Bottom line: MailPoet runs on your own server and integrates more deeply with WordPress (you can send emails from your WP admin without leaving). ConvertKit offers better subscriber tagging and visual automation, plus landing pages, but requires a monthly subscription.
ConvertKit vs MailPoet Premium (continued)
| Aspect | ConvertKit | FluentCRM |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Cloud (Kit servers) | Self-hosted (your server) |
| Email sending | Via Kit | Via SMTP, SES, SendGrid |
| Automation | Visual sequences | Visual funnels |
| Subscriber limits | Tiered pricing | Unlimited |
| WordPress integration | Forms + membership | CRM + forms + analytics |
Bottom line: FluentCRM is better for users who want a one-time cost and self-hosted solution. ConvertKit’s strength is its creator-focused automation and the fact that it handles email deliverability for you — you don’t need to configure SMTP or worry about sending limits.
Recommended Stack: ConvertKit handles email marketing and subscriber management. For lead capture optimization on your site, pair it with OptinMonster to convert abandoning visitors into email subscribers before they leave.
Official Changelog
Version 3.4.1
Release Date: September 9, 2026
- Added: Settings: MCP: Improve UI.
- Added: MCP: Log errors when creating MCP server fails.
- Fix: Settings: MCP: Documentation link.
- Fix: Landing Pages: Exclude anchor links from URL conversion.
Version 3.4.0
Release Date: August 27, 2026
- Added: MCP Server and Abilities/Tools.
- Fix: Shortcodes: Custom Content now supports signed subscriber IDs, fixing a PHP fatal TypeError.
- Fix: Tools: Replace
WP_Filesystemwithfile_get_contents, fixing a PHP fatal TypeError. - Fix: Logs are now stored outside the Plugin folder at
wp-content/uploads/kit-logs, ensuring Plugin checksum verification passes. - Updated: WordPress Libraries to 2.6.1.
Version 3.3.9
Release Date: August 19, 2026
- Added: Settings: Deprecation warning when using Legacy Form or Legacy Landing Page.
- Added: Setup Wizards: Member Content: Check WordPress user can create and publish the chosen Post Type.
- Added: Setup Wizards: Landing Page: Check WordPress user can create and publish Pages.
- Added: Setup Wizards: Plugin:
manage_optionscapability is required to configure the Plugin via the Setup Wizard, replacingedit_postscapability. - Added: Bulk Edit: Skip Posts user does not have
edit_postcapability for. - Added: Caching: Only automatically configure caching plugins if the user has the
manage_optionscapability. - Added: Post Settings: Check WordPress user has
edit_postcapability when saving. - Added: Category Settings: Check WordPress user has
edit_termcapability when saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ConvertKit free?
Yes, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is free for up to 10,000 subscribers. The free plan includes unlimited forms, landing pages, email broadcasts, and subscriber tagging. Paid plans starting at $14/month add visual automation sequences, advanced analytics, and priority support.
How does the Form Builder block work?
The Form Builder block lets you build custom subscription forms directly in the WordPress block editor. You add fields like first name and email address, select tags and sequences to apply to new subscribers, and style the form using block editor controls. No coding is required.
Can I sell products with ConvertKit?
Yes. Kit includes a built-in product sales feature where you can create digital products, set a price, and embed buy buttons on your WordPress site. When someone purchases, they get immediate access to membership content or digital downloads without needing additional plugins.
How does membership content protection work?
You create a product in Kit, assign WordPress posts or pages to that product, and only subscribers who have purchased the product can view that content. When a visitor tries to access a restricted page, they’re prompted to enter their email, receive a one-time passcode, and gain access automatically.
Does ConvertKit work with WooCommerce?
Kit has a separate WooCommerce plugin that adds subscribers to your Kit account when they purchase products. You can tag customers based on what they bought, add them to automation sequences, and send targeted follow-up campaigns based on purchase behavior.
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