Hostinger AI Builder Email Consent at Checkout

To enable email marketing consent at checkout in Hostinger’s AI builder, you add a checkbox or toggle to your checkout form that asks customers to opt in to marketing emails, and you configure it in the builder’s form or store settings. This article explains exactly where that setting lives, how to add the consent field, and what to do if you cannot find it.

Where the Consent Setting Lives

Hostinger’s AI website builder (also called the AI builder or Hostinger Website Builder) includes an online store feature. The checkout page is generated automatically from your product and payment settings. The email marketing consent option is not a separate toggle in a global settings menu; it is a field you add to the checkout form itself. In most recent versions of the builder, you edit this through the Store or Checkout section in the left-hand panel, under a submenu labeled Form Fields, Checkout Fields, or Additional Fields.

If you do not see a dedicated consent option, you can add a custom field of type Checkbox and label it with your consent text. The builder saves this as part of the checkout form, and the customer’s choice is stored with their order details.

Step-by-Step: Adding the Consent Checkbox

1. Log in to your Hostinger hPanel and open the website builder for your store.
2. In the left sidebar, click Store (or Shop if you are using the newer interface).
3. Select Checkout or Settings within the Store menu.
4. Look for a section called Form Fields, Checkout Fields, or Additional Information. This is where you manage what appears on the checkout page.
5. Click Add Field or the plus icon.
6. Choose Checkbox as the field type.
7. In the label, type your consent text, for example: “Yes, send me emails about new products and offers.”
8. Make sure the field is set to Optional (unless you want to force consent, which is not recommended for email marketing under most privacy laws).
9. Save the field and publish your site.

After publishing, test the checkout with a dummy order to confirm the checkbox appears and that the customer’s choice is recorded in the order details.

Why Consent Matters for Email Marketing

Email marketing consent is not just a nice-to-have; it is a legal requirement in many regions. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU and the CAN-SPAM Act in the US both require that you have explicit permission before sending marketing emails. A pre-checked box that assumes consent is generally not valid under GDPR – the customer must actively opt in. Adding an unchecked checkbox at checkout is the standard way to collect that permission.

Beyond legality, consent affects your email deliverability. If you send emails to people who did not ask for them, they will mark you as spam, which hurts your sender reputation. Over time, your emails may land in the spam folder even for customers who did opt in. A clear consent checkbox at checkout helps you build a list of genuinely interested subscribers.

Common Problems and Fixes

If you cannot find the consent option, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Update your builder version – Hostinger frequently updates the AI builder interface. Check for an update notification in hPanel.
• Look under “Checkout” instead of “Store” – Some versions place form fields under the Checkout tab directly.
• Check if you are using the AI builder vs. the classic builder – The AI builder is a separate product from Hostinger’s older website builder. The steps above apply to the AI builder; the classic builder may have a different menu structure.
• Use a custom HTML element – If the builder does not offer a checkbox field, you can embed a simple HTML form with a checkbox and link it to your email marketing service (like Mailchimp or Brevo) via a webhook or Zapier integration.

If you are still stuck, Hostinger’s live chat support can walk you through the exact steps for your current interface.

How to Handle the Data You Collect

Once a customer checks the box, their email address and consent status are stored in your order records. To use this data for email marketing, you need to connect your store to an email marketing platform. Hostinger does not have a built-in email campaign tool for the AI builder, but you can export your customer list as a CSV file and import it into Mailchimp, Sendinblue (Brevo), or another provider.

When you export, make sure you include the consent field. Most email platforms allow you to map custom fields, so you can tag subscribers as “consent given” versus “no consent.” Only send marketing emails to the consent-given group.

Also, keep a record of when and where consent was given. Under GDPR, you must be able to prove that a customer opted in. The order timestamp and the fact that the checkbox was unchecked by default serve as that proof.

Alternatives to a Checkout Checkbox

If you prefer not to modify the checkout form, there are other ways to collect email consent:

• Pop-up signup form – Add a pop-up on your site that asks visitors to subscribe. Make sure it is a separate opt-in, not tied to a purchase.
• Post-purchase email – Send a confirmation email after the order and include a link to subscribe to marketing emails. This is less effective because the customer has already left the checkout flow.
• Footer newsletter form – A simple email capture in your site footer works for visitors who are not ready to buy.

The checkout checkbox is still the most direct method because it captures customers at the moment they are most engaged – right before they complete a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the consent checkbox pre-checked?

You can, but it is a bad idea. Under GDPR, pre-checked boxes are not considered valid consent because the customer did not actively agree. You also risk being reported for spam. Always leave the checkbox unchecked by default.

Does Hostinger’s AI builder have a built-in email marketing tool?

No, the AI builder does not include a full email campaign tool. You need to connect an external service like Mailchimp, Brevo, or Sendinblue. Hostinger does offer webmail and email hosting, but that is for sending transactional emails, not marketing campaigns.

Will the consent checkbox appear on mobile checkout?

Yes, the checkbox is part of the checkout form and will render on mobile devices just like any other field. Test it on a phone to make sure it is not cut off or too small to tap.

How do I export my customer list with consent data?

In the Store section, go to Orders or Customers, and look for an Export button. Choose CSV format. The export should include all order fields, including your custom checkbox. If it does not, contact Hostinger support – some versions may require you to enable custom field export.

What if I already sent marketing emails without consent?

Stop immediately. Send a re-permission email asking customers to opt in if they want to continue receiving emails. Those who do not respond should be removed from your list. This is the safest way to comply with anti-spam laws.

Can I add a consent checkbox to a specific product page instead of checkout?

Not directly. The AI builder’s product pages do not have a form field editor. You would need to add a custom HTML block to the product page with a checkbox, but that requires some coding knowledge and is not officially supported. Stick to the checkout form for simplicity.

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