How to Add Additional User Profile Fields in WordPress Registration

Adding custom registration fields allows you to collect valuable additional data from users signing up on your WordPress site. But what‘s the best way to add these extra profile fields?

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll compare two easy methods to extend default WordPress registration forms using plugins.

Why Extra Registration Fields Are a Must-Have

Additional user details provide insight to better understand your audience. According to HubSpot, [73% of marketers]() say user profiles and segmentation are critical for targeting content.

Custom fields let you gather data like:

• Contact info – phone, address, company details
• Demographics – age, gender, job title
• Interests – hobbies, skills, social channels
• and more.

With this intel in place, you can:

• Personalize content to resonate better with users
• Segment email lists for targeted broadcasts
• Identify leads easier in your CRM with enriched data
• Pre-fill profiles to showcase user credentials

Savvy marketers are 17% more likely to exceed revenue goals by utilizing user profiles. Additional registration fields are key building blocks.

Method 1: Add Custom Registration Fields with Advanced Custom Fields

For ultimate flexibility and customization, Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) is hands down the most powerful solution. The open source ACF plugin has over 5 million active installs with a perfect 5 star rating.

Advantages include:

✅ 30+ field types – text, checkboxes, radio buttons, dates, file uploads, and more

✅ Seamless integration modifying existing WordPress forms

✅ Conditional logic to show or hide fields

✅ Repeater fields for variable data

✅ Visible by role to limit to certain users

The only shortcoming is ACF has a steeper learning curve. But by following our steps below, you‘ll master it quickly!

Step 1: Install and Activate ACF

Install ACF just like any other WordPress plugin:

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins » Add New.
2. Search for "Advanced Custom Fields".
3. Install the plugin by Michael Simpson (5 million+ active installs).
4. Click Activate.

ACF will now appear in your sidebar menu.

Step 2: Add a Field Group

Field Groups bundle related fields together:

1. Go to Custom Fields » Field Groups
2. Click Add New Field Group
3. Give it an identifiable name like User Details
4. Place field group (leave as default for registration)

Field groups hold related custom fields

Step 3: Add Custom Registration Fields

Within your field group, build custom fields:

1. Click Add Field to create a new field
2. Select the field type (text, checkbox, etc)
3. Give your field a name & label
4. (Optional) Set other field settings

Repeat to create multiple fields as needed.

Flexible fields make gathering custom data easy

Step 4: Display Fields on Registration Form

To show fields on the form:

1. Edit field group
2. Under Location, select User Form
3. Choose Register form

The fields will now appear on registration!

Overall, ACF is the most full-featured solution for adding custom registration fields. With a little practice, you can create exactly the fields you need to supercharge your audience data.

Method 2: Add Simple Registration Fields with Profile Extra Fields

If you just need basic extra registration fields, Profile Extra Fields is a great alternative. Benefits are:

⛳️ Simple, clean interface

⛳️ No coding or complex setup

⛳️ Seamless integration

The tradeoff is less flexibility versus ACF:

🔻 Just 7 field types

🔻 Minimal customization

🔻 No conditional logic

But for uncomplicated needs, Profile Extra Fields gets it done!

Step 1: Install and Activate

From Plugins » Add New, search for “Profile Extra Fields”. Install and activate.

Step 2: Add New Field

From the sidebar, go to Profile Extra Fields » Add New:

1. Give field a Name and Type
2. (Optional) Add pattern or description
3. Check roles to display for
4. Toggle Required if mandatory

Quickly add basic extra fields

Repeat to add more additional fields.

Step 3: Assign User Role

Ensure proper user role is set to see new fields:

1. Go to Settings » General
2. Under Membership, enable open registration
3. Set New User Default Role

Step 4: View Updated Registration Form

Visit /wp-login.php?action=register to confirm your extra registration fields are live!

ACF vs Profile Extra Fields Comparison

Both plugins integrate beautifully to extend default WordPress registration forms.

Advanced Custom Fields is best for experts wanting maximum control and flexibility.

Profile Extra Fields is ideal for basic, uncomplicated extra fields.

Either plugin will help you enhance your signup process and improve audience data!

Final Thoughts

Additional user profile fields should be a cornerstone for every WordPress site looking to grow its community.

Allowing new registrants to share information helps foster engagement through personalized experiences. It also unlocks more targeted email and content strategies.

As highlighted in this guide, Advanced Custom Fields and Profile Extra Fields make extending default registration forms easy. In just minutes, you can setup custom fields tailored for your needs.

Now that you know how to add extra profile data, you can supercharge your audience intelligence to the next level!