How to Create a Sidebar Optin Form to Grow Your Email List (Step-by-Step Guide)

Want to turn your website’s sidebar into a lead-generating machine? A sidebar optin form is a simple but effective way to capture email subscribers without disrupting your visitors’ experience.

While sidebar forms may not convert as highly as popups, they work well as part of a broader lead-generation strategy. They stay visible on every page, giving visitors a consistent way to subscribe.

In this guide, I’ll cover the benefits of sidebar optin forms and share how to create and optimize them in a few easy steps.

• What Is a Sidebar Optin Form?
• Why Use Sidebar Optin Forms?
• How to Create a Sidebar Optin Form with OptinMonster
  • 1. Create an Inline Campaign
  • 2. Add the Optin Form to Your Sidebar (WordPress Users)
  • 3. Manually Embed the Form (For Non-WordPress Users)
• Tips to Optimize Your Sidebar Optin Form

What Is a Sidebar Optin Form?

A sidebar optin form is an email signup form placed in the sidebar of a website. It’s always visible as users scroll, giving them an easy way to subscribe without interrupting their experience.

Think of a sidebar optin form like the checkout counter in a store. It’s not the first thing you notice, but it’s always available when you’re ready to take action.

Most sidebar optin forms:

• Ask for an email address and sometimes a first name.
• Explain the benefits of signing up (like getting a lead magnet or showing social proof).
• Match the site’s design for a smooth experience

Here’s an example of a sidebar optin form that we’ve used right here on OptinMonster’s site:

Notice that the form includes social proof by stating that our list has over 235,335 subscribers. It also explains that the newsletter will provide “free conversion optimization tips and resources.”

Many businesses use sidebar optins as part of a bigger lead-generation strategy, alongside popups, floating bars, and exit-intent forms. When you combine these tactics, you’ll start converting more and more of your website traffic into leads and sales.

Why Use Sidebar Optin Forms?

Sidebar forms may not be as attention-grabbing as popups, but they offer unique benefits:

1. Capture Leads on Every Page

Unlike popups that appear only at certain times, sidebar forms are always available. Visitors can subscribe whenever they’re ready.

2. Non-Intrusive User Experience

Some users dislike popups, but sidebar forms don’t interrupt their reading or browsing. This makes them a great alternative or addition to popups.

3. Work Alongside Other Campaigns

Using OptinMonster, you can combine sidebar forms with popups, exit-intent popups, and floating bars. This helps capture more leads without annoying visitors.

4. Easily Target Different Audiences

With OptinMonster’s targeting features, you can:

• Show different sidebar forms to new vs. returning visitors
• Personalize forms based on the page content
• Exclude sidebar forms from pages where they aren’t relevant
• Use Smart Success to avoid annoying existing subscribers with repeat asks.

How to Create a Sidebar Optin Form with OptinMonster

Creating a sidebar optin form with OptinMonster is a straightforward process. You’ll first build an Inline Form and then embed it in your sidebar.

OptinMonster offers over 700 premade templates, with 90+ of them being for Inline Forms. Whichever template you choose, you can completely customize it in the easy drag-and-drop builder.

Follow these steps to set it up.

1. Create an Inline Campaign

Sidebar forms are built using OptinMonster’s Inline Campaigns. These are optin forms that appear within a page’s content, including sidebars.

To create an Inline Campaign:

1. Sign up for an OptinMonster Account. If you use WordPress, also install the OptinMonster plugin.
2. Log in to OptinMonster and click Create New Campaign.
3. Choose to start with a Template. (You can also choose Canvas if you want to start from scratch).
4. Filter the templates for Inline as the campaign type.
5. When you find the template you want, hover over it and click Use Template.
6. Customize the form using the drag-and-drop builder.
7. Click Save and Publish the campaign.

For a detailed walkthrough, follow OptinMonster’s guide on creating Inline Campaigns.

2. Add the Optin Form to Your Sidebar (WordPress Users)

If your site runs on WordPress, OptinMonster’s plugin makes it easy to add your form to your sidebar.

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to OptinMonster > Campaigns.
2. Find the form you just created in the campaign list. Hover over it and click Output Settings.
3. Change the status to Published and click Save Changes.
4. In your WordPress menu, navigate to Appearance > Widgets.
5. Add the OptinMonster Widget to the sidebar.
6. Select the Inline Campaign you created.
7. Click Save Changes.

For more details, check OptinMonster’s step-by-step guide.

3. Manually Embed the Form (For Non-WordPress Users)

If your website isn’t built on WordPress, you can still add a sidebar form by embedding the campaign manually.

1. From the Publish tab in the OptinMonster campaign builder, copy the Inline Campaign Embed Code.
2. Paste the code into your sidebar section using your site’s theme editor or page builder.
3. Adjust the form’s styling if needed to ensure it fits properly.

Once the form is embedded, it will appear in your sidebar and be ready to capture leads.

Tips to Optimize Your Sidebar Optin Form

A sidebar optin form is only effective if people notice and use it. Here are some practical tips to improve visibility and increase conversions.

1. Position It in a Prominent Spot

Place the optin form high in the sidebar, preferably near the top. If it’s buried under ads or other widgets, visitors might never see it. The best position is right below the navigation menu or near the beginning of blog content.

2. Use a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

The wording of your optin form should be clear and compelling. Instead of a generic “Subscribe,” try:

• Get Free Marketing Tips Every Week
• Download Your Free Guide Now
• Join 10,000+ Marketers Growing Their Business

A well-crafted CTA gives visitors a clear reason to sign up.

3. Keep the Form Simple

The fewer fields you include, the higher your conversions will be. In most cases, asking for just an email address is enough. If you need a name, make it optional.

4. Match Your Brand’s Design

Your sidebar form should blend naturally with your site’s color scheme and typography. However, it should still stand out enough to catch attention. Using a contrasting color for the CTA button can help.

5. Offer an Incentive

People are more likely to subscribe if they get something in return. Instead of just saying “Sign up for updates,” offer a lead magnet like:

• A free ebook or checklist
• A discount code
• Exclusive access to a webinar or training

6. Test and Improve

OptinMonster makes it easy to run A/B tests to find what works best. You can experiment with:

• Different CTA text
• Various form designs
• Offering an incentive vs. no incentive

Regular testing helps refine your form and maximize conversions.

Tips to Optimize Your Sidebar Optin Form

A sidebar optin form is only effective if people notice and use it. Here are some practical tips to improve visibility and increase conversions.

1. Position It in a Prominent Spot

Place the optin form high in the sidebar, preferably near the top. If it’s buried under ads or other widgets, visitors might never see it. The best position is right below the navigation menu or near the beginning of blog content.

2. Use a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

The wording of your optin form should be clear and compelling. Instead of a generic “Subscribe,” try:

• Get Free Marketing Tips Every Week
• Download Your Free Guide Now
• Join 10,000+ Marketers Growing Their Business

A well-crafted CTA gives visitors a clear reason to sign up.

3. Keep the Form Simple

The fewer fields you include, the higher your conversions will be. In most cases, asking for just an email address is enough. If you need a name, make it optional.

4. Match Your Brand’s Design

Your sidebar form should blend naturally with your site’s color scheme and typography. However, it should still stand out enough to catch attention. Using a contrasting color for the CTA button can help.

5. Offer an Incentive

People are more likely to subscribe if they get something in return. Instead of just saying “Sign up for updates,” offer a lead magnet like:

• A free ebook or checklist
• A discount code
• Exclusive access to a webinar or training

6. Test and Improve

OptinMonster makes it easy to run A/B tests to find what works best. You can experiment with:

• Different CTA text
• Various form designs
• Offering an incentive vs. no incentive

Regular testing helps refine your form and maximize conversions.

Generate More Leads with Sidebar Optin Forms

A sidebar optin form is an easy way to capture leads without interrupting the user experience. While it may not be the highest-converting tool on its own, it works best as part of a comprehensive lead generation strategy.

With OptinMonster, you can:

• Create fully customizable sidebar forms that match your brand.
• Use smart targeting rules to display forms to the right audience.
• Combine sidebar forms with popups, floating bars, and exit-intent campaigns to maximize conversions.
• Track performance and run A/B tests to continuously improve results.

If you’re serious about growing your email list, OptinMonster gives you the tools to do it effectively.

Related Resources:

• How to Make a WordPress Sidebar Contact Form (The Easy Way)
• Email Signup Forms: 12 Places to Add Them for Higher Conversions
• How to Create an Inline Form in Under 10 Minutes