When building a WordPress website, collecting data from users through contact forms is essential. The Contact Form 7 plugin is one of the most popular form plugins available. However, by default, Contact Form 7 doesn’t store messages in your WordPress dashboard—it only sends them via email.
That’s where the Flamingo plugin comes into play. Developed by the same creator of Contact Form 7, Flamingo acts as a perfect add-on for saving form submissions directly inside your WordPress admin panel.
What is the Flamingo Plugin?
Flamingo is a WordPress plugin that works as a message storage system for Contact Form 7. It records and stores all the form submissions in your WordPress database so that you don’t lose any data—even if an email fails to deliver.
It provides an easy interface under the WordPress dashboard where you can view, search, and manage messages submitted through your forms.
Key Features of Flamingo Plugin
Here are some of the main features of Flamingo:
1. Stores Form Submissions
- Automatically saves every form entry into your database.
- No configuration required after installation and activation.
2. Email Fail-Safe
- In case your server fails to send an email or it lands in spam, the message is still safely stored in WordPress.
3. Search and Filter Messages
- You can search, filter, and sort through the stored messages, making it easy to find specific form submissions.
4. Contact List Management
- Flamingo builds a list of contacts based on form entries, useful for follow-ups or CRM purposes.
5. Spam Management
- You can see which messages were marked as spam, helping you monitor form abuse.
6. Works Seamlessly with CF7
- No compatibility issues as it’s developed by the same author of Contact Form 7.
Why You Should Use Flamingo with Contact Form 7
Here’s why Flamingo is a must-have add-on:
1. No More Lost Messages
Email delivery can fail due to misconfigured SMTP, spam filters, or server issues. With Flamingo, all messages are stored even if the email doesn’t go through.
2. Easy Message Management
Instead of digging through your email inbox, you can access all form submissions from the WordPress admin panel.
3. Helpful for Client Websites
If you manage websites for clients, Flamingo offers a simple way for them to check form responses themselves without needing email access.
4. Supports GDPR & Data Policies
Storing messages internally gives you better control over data handling and compliance with privacy regulations.
How to Install and Use Flamingo Plugin
Setting up Flamingo is extremely simple:
Step 1: Install the Plugin
- Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Search for “Flamingo”.
- Click Install Now and then Activate.
Step 2: Start Using It
- After activation, you’ll see a Flamingo menu item in your WordPress sidebar.
- Go to Inbound Messages to view submissions.
- Submissions from Contact Form 7 will now appear here automatically.
Note: Flamingo only stores messages from forms submitted after the plugin is activated. Old messages won’t be shown.
Best Practices for Using Flamingo
Here are some tips to get the best use out of Flamingo:
- Use SMTP plugin (like WP Mail SMTP) to ensure email delivery alongside Flamingo’s message storage.
- Clean up old messages if your site gets many form submissions, to avoid database bloat.
- Enable spam protection in Contact Form 7 to avoid storing unwanted messages.
- Back up your WordPress database regularly, especially if form submissions contain important client data.
Alternatives to Flamingo
If you’re looking for more advanced features, some premium form plugins come with built-in message storage, such as:
- WPForms
- Formidable Forms
- Gravity Forms
However, if you’re happy with the simplicity and flexibility of Contact Form 7, then Flamingo is the perfect free message storage solution.
The Flamingo Message Storage Plugin is a simple yet powerful add-on that every Contact Form 7 user should install. It ensures that you never miss a message and gives you peace of mind knowing that all form data is stored securely inside your WordPress site.
Whether you’re managing a personal blog, a business website, or client projects, Flamingo offers a reliable and free solution for managing and backing up contact form submissions. Install it today and stop worrying about lost leads!
