The simplest plugin that does exactly what you’re asking for is:
http://ww.wp.xz.cn/extend/plugins/wp-email-capture/
Thanks for all your help!
I’m familiar with contact-form-7 but was not aware of the db extension, thank you
Also I really appreciate your offer Andrew, I’m very keen to learn php. Do you have any tips on where to start?
Thanks again
James
There’s a couple ways to go. For me, php was my first programming (and I use that word liberally with php) language. If that’s the case, you should learn the language from the ground up. Meaning, write some code from a blank white page and go nuts.
Have a goal. Like, I want to make a form that posts information to a mysql database and has the ability to query the database for information in the future.
Where to start depends on your beginning knowledge level. Do you know what variables are? Do you know what a loop is (in a programming language)? Etc. Honestly, I’d just google “learn php” and go from there. You have a website so just create a new directory on the root level and play around. If your host allows you to make sub domains, that’d be even better.
For learning other languages, like python for example, that’s all I did.
If it’s not your first language, I’d recommend getting acquainted with a framework. I’ve used yii quite a bit and like it, but it’s got a steep learning curve. I’ve heard good things about cake too.
WordPress, is, sort of, a framework too. It can really make things a lot easier and compared to other frameworks its learning curve and community are second to none.
If you have “Jetpack” installed, you can use the “Blog Subscriptions” widget.
This will allow you to stay connected with those that submit there names and emails, then when you are inside “jetpack”/”Site Stats” scroll to the bottom, you will see your followers. If you select “blog” you can download all email address as a CSV file. Which you can later use in Excel as requested.
You can change the title and text inside the widget to be what ever you like, “Enter our Competition” and description text – you understand
Thank you for all your help and time