How to Create a Contact Form in WordPress: Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide (2025)

Learn how to create a contact form in WordPress using free plugins like WPForms, Contact Form 7, and more. Step-by-step 2025 tutorial for beginners with FAQs.

✅ Introduction

A contact form is one of the most essential features every website needs. It connects you with your audience, helps generate leads, and allows visitors to easily get in touch. If you’re wondering how to create a contact form in WordPress, you’re in the right place.

In this ultimate step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through multiple ways on how to create a contact form in WordPress without writing a single line of code. We’ll use free tools like WPForms and Contact Form 7 and show you how to embed your form on pages, posts, or even sidebars.

🔍 Why You Need a Contact Form in WordPress

Before jumping into how to create a contact form in WordPress, let’s explore why it’s so important:

• ✅ Easy for visitors to contact you

• ✅ Protects your email from spam

• ✅ Looks professional

• ✅ Can be integrated with email marketing tools

• ✅ Helps capture leads and inquiries

🧰 Method 1: How to Create a Contact Form in WordPress Using WPForms (Recommended)

🔧 Step 1: Install and Activate WPForms Plugin

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard

2. Go to Plugins > Add New

3. Search for WPForms

4. Click Install Now → then Activate

🛠 Step 2: Create a New Contact Form

1. Go to WPForms > Add New

2. Name your form (e.g., “Contact Us”)

3. Choose Simple Contact Form template

✏️ Step 3: Customize Your Form Fields

• Add or remove fields like:

  • Name

  • Email

  • Subject

  • Message

• Drag and drop to rearrange fields

📧 Step 4: Configure Notification Settings

• Go to Settings > Notifications

• Set email address where you want form submissions delivered

🖼 Step 5: Embed the Contact Form

• Copy the shortcode

• Paste it in:

  • A WordPress Page (e.g., “Contact Us”)

  • A Post

  • A Widget Area

Congrats! You’ve learned how to create a contact form in WordPress using WPForms.

🧰 Method 2: How to Create a Contact Form in WordPress Using Contact Form 7

🔧 Step 1: Install and Activate Contact Form 7

• Go to Plugins > Add New

• Search Contact Form 7

• Install & Activate

🛠 Step 2: Edit Default Contact Form

• Go to Contact > Contact Forms

• Use the default template or create a new one

• Customize fields using shortcode format

🧩 Step 3: Configure Email Settings

• Under Mail tab, set:

  • To: your email address

  • From: user’s email

  • Message Body: all fields

🖼 Step 4: Embed the Contact Form

• Copy the shortcode and paste it in a page or post

You’ve now learned how to create a contact form in WordPress with Contact Form 7!

🧰 Method 3: How to Create a Contact Form in WordPress Using Elementor

If you’re using the Elementor page builder (especially Pro), you can use its built-in Form widget.

🧱 Steps:

1. Edit page with Elementor

2. Drag & drop Form widget

3. Add input fields

4. Set actions after submit (email, redirect, webhook)

5. Style your form easily using Elementor tools

🛡️ Bonus: Add reCAPTCHA for Spam Protection

To avoid spam submissions, integrate Google reCAPTCHA.

Steps:

1. Go to https://www.google.com/recaptcha

2. Register your site and get Site Key + Secret Key

3. Paste keys in plugin settings (for WPForms or Contact Form 7)

🔒 Optional: GDPR Compliance

Make your form GDPR-friendly:

• Add a checkbox like:

  I agree to the terms and privacy policy

• Don’t check it by default

• Avoid storing unnecessary user data

🌍 Embed the Form Anywhere

Once you understand how to create a contact form in WordPress, you can embed it anywhere:

• Pages – Ideal for a dedicated Contact Us page

• Posts – Useful for surveys or feedback

• Sidebars or Footers – Quick access via widgets

🛠 How to Test If Your Contact Form Works

1. Fill out the form as a visitor

2. Check if you receive the email

3. Test with different email addresses

4. Try reCAPTCHA (if installed)

📊 Advanced Features You Can Add

• File Upload Field – Accept resumes, photos, documents

• Dropdown or Checkboxes – For multiple-choice responses

• Conditional Logic – Show fields based on user input

• Email Auto-responder – Send a “Thank You” email to users

All these features can be added with WPForms Pro or similar plugins.

🔁 What to Do If the Contact Form Is Not Working?

If you’ve followed all steps on how to create a contact form in WordPress and it still doesn’t work, try:

1. Use WP Mail SMTP Plugin

2. Switch hosting providers if emails are being blocked

3. Make sure form notifications are turned ON

4. Check spam folder

✅ Best Contact Form Plugins for WordPress in 2025

🧠 Final Words

Knowing how to create a contact form in WordPress is crucial for user engagement and communication. From WPForms to Contact Form 7, this tutorial has covered multiple free and beginner-friendly ways to add contact forms to your site in 2025.

Creating a contact form is no longer a technical task—it’s quick, easy, and vital for your website’s success.

So what are you waiting for? Try one of the methods above and create your first contact form today!

🙋 FAQs – How to Create a Contact Form in WordPress

Q1. Can I create a contact form in WordPress without a plugin?

Yes, but it requires custom PHP coding. Beginners should use plugins like WPForms.

Q2. Is WPForms free to use?

Yes, it has a free version with all essential features. Paid version adds advanced tools.

Q3. How do I protect my contact form from spam?

Use reCAPTCHA v2/v3 with WPForms or Contact Form 7.

Q4. Can I add file uploads to my contact form?

Yes, using WPForms Pro or Formidable Forms.

Q5. Why am I not receiving emails from my contact form?

Install the WP Mail SMTP plugin to fix email deliverability issues.