This guide explains how to troubleshoot and resolve common issues with the DigiBlocks Newsletter block when subscribers cannot sign up successfully.
Common Causes and Solutions
Platform Configuration Issues
Incorrect Newsletter Platform Selection
Ensure you have selected the correct newsletter platform in the DigiBlocks settings. Navigate to DigiBlocks → Settings → Newsletter Settings and verify that your chosen platform matches your actual email marketing service.
Missing Required Settings
Each newsletter platform requires specific configuration settings:
- MailChimp: API Key and Audience ID are required
- ActiveCampaign: API URL, API Key, and List ID are required
- Brevo: API Key and List ID are required
- Klaviyo: Private API Key and List ID are required
- ConvertKit: API Key and Form ID are required
- MailerLite: Token and Group ID are required
API Authentication Problems
Invalid API Keys
The most common cause of newsletter signup failures is incorrect or expired API keys. To resolve this:
- Log into your newsletter platform’s dashboard
- Generate a new API key with the appropriate permissions
- Copy the new key exactly as provided (including any prefixes)
- Update the API key in DigiBlocks → Settings → Newsletter Settings
- Save the settings and test the newsletter signup
Insufficient API Permissions
Ensure your API key has the necessary permissions:
- MailChimp: Requires read/write access to audiences and campaigns
- ActiveCampaign: Needs contact management permissions
- Klaviyo: Requires list management and profile creation permissions
- ConvertKit: Needs form and subscriber management access
Platform-Specific Issues
MailChimp Configuration
If MailChimp signups are failing:
- Verify your Audience ID is correct (found in MailChimp under Audience → Settings → Audience name and defaults)
- Check if double opt-in is enabled in DigiBlocks but disabled in MailChimp, or vice versa
- Ensure your MailChimp account is not suspended or over its subscriber limit
ActiveCampaign Setup
For ActiveCampaign issues:
- Confirm your API URL includes the correct data center (e.g.,
https://youraccountname.api-us1.com) - Verify the List ID exists and is active in your ActiveCampaign account
- Check that the API key has contact creation permissions
Brevo (Sendinblue) Problems
Common Brevo issues:
- Ensure you’re using the correct API key format (starts with
xkeysib-) - Verify the List ID corresponds to an active contact list
- Check if your Brevo account has reached its contact limit
Form Validation Errors
Email Format Issues
The newsletter block validates email addresses before submission. Common validation problems include:
- Emails with invalid characters or formatting
- Missing @ symbol or domain extension
- Extra spaces before or after the email address
Required Field Validation
If the newsletter form includes additional fields beyond email, ensure all required fields are properly filled out before submission.
Network and Server Issues
AJAX Request Failures
Newsletter signups use AJAX requests to submit data. If these fail:
- Check if your website has any JavaScript errors in the browser console
- Verify that WordPress AJAX is functioning properly
- Ensure your server allows outbound HTTP requests to your newsletter platform’s API endpoints
SSL Certificate Problems
Most newsletter platforms require HTTPS connections. Ensure:
- Your website has a valid SSL certificate
- Your server supports outbound HTTPS connections
- The newsletter platform’s API endpoints are accessible via HTTPS
Rate Limiting and API Quotas
API Rate Limits Exceeded
Newsletter platforms impose rate limits on API requests:
- MailChimp: 10 simultaneous connections, 120 requests per minute
- ActiveCampaign: 5 requests per second
- Klaviyo: 150 requests per hour for most endpoints
- ConvertKit: 120 requests per minute
- MailerLite: 120 requests per minute
If you’re hitting rate limits, consider implementing a delay between signups or upgrading your plan.
Debugging Newsletter Issues
Enable WordPress Debug Mode
Add these lines to your wp-config.php file to enable debugging:
define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );Check the /wp-content/debug.log file for any DigiBlocks newsletter-related error messages.
Browser Console Inspection
- Open your browser’s developer tools (F12)
- Go to the Console tab
- Attempt a newsletter signup
- Look for any JavaScript errors or failed network requests
Test API Connection Manually
Use a tool like Postman or curl to test your API connection directly:
# Example for MailChimp
curl -X POST \
https://us1.api.mailchimp.com/3.0/lists/YOUR_AUDIENCE_ID/members \
-H 'Authorization: Basic apikey:YOUR_API_KEY' \
-H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
-d '{
"email_address": "[email protected]",
"status": "subscribed"
}'Newsletter Block Settings
Form Configuration
Verify the newsletter block settings in the WordPress editor:
- Select the Newsletter block
- Check the block settings in the sidebar
- Ensure any custom success/error messages are properly configured
- Verify that the form action is set correctly
Block Placement Issues
Newsletter blocks should be placed within the main content area. Avoid placing them in:
- WordPress widgets (unless specifically supported by your theme)
- Theme template files directly
- Areas where JavaScript execution might be restricted
Testing Newsletter Signups
Use Test Email Addresses
When testing newsletter signups:
- Use a valid email address you control
- Check both your website and the newsletter platform for confirmation
- Verify that the subscriber appears in the correct list/audience
- Test any automated welcome emails or sequences
Monitor Platform Webhooks
Some newsletter platforms provide webhooks or real-time notifications. Monitor these to verify that signup requests are being received and processed correctly.
If newsletter signups continue to fail after trying these solutions, the issue may be platform-specific or require custom development. Consider reaching out to your newsletter platform’s support team with specific error messages and API request details.