Are you searching for straightforward methods to handle, monitor, and management file downloads in your WordPress web site?
A WordPress file obtain supervisor can assist you simply handle downloads, monitor analytics, and management permissions on file downloads. With the proper instruments, you may even promote file downloads and earn a living.
In this text, we’ll present you the way to simply handle, monitor, and management file downloads in WordPress.
Why Manage, Track, and Control File Downloads in WordPress?
There are many the explanation why you’d need to handle, monitor, and/or management your file downloads in WordPress.
For instance, it’s possible you’ll to prohibit sure recordsdata primarily based on consumer roles or solely give entry to paying prospects, otherwise you would possibly merely need to monitor how many individuals are downloading free recordsdata in your web site.
In this text, we’re going to take you thru 4 completely different strategies. Just click on on the hyperlinks to leap straight to the strategy you need to use:
- Tracking File Downloads in WordPress Using MonsterInsights
- Controlling File Downloads in WordPress Using MemberPress
- Managing File Downloads in WordPress Using Easy Digital Downloads
- Managing File Downloads in WordPress Using WooCommerce
- Tracking File Download Conversions in WordPress
Method 1. Tracking File Downloads in WordPress Using MonsterInsights
You will not be involved about managing or controlling downloads in case you supply them without spending a dime in your WordPress website.
However, it’s nonetheless finest follow to not less than monitor file downloads.
This allows you to uncover which of your free downloads are the most well-liked and the place to make investments your assets when creating new content material.
Unfortunately, Google Analytics doesn’t robotically help file obtain monitoring. The excellent news is that you may monitor downloads utilizing MonsterInsights, the perfect Google Analytics plugin for WordPress.
First, you want to set up and activate the MonsterInsights plugin. For extra particulars, see our step-by-step information on how to install a WordPress plugin.
You will then want to join WordPress to your Google Analytics account, which is tremendous straightforward utilizing MonsterInsights. If you need assistance, then comply with the directions in our information on installing Google Analytics in WordPress.
Note: File obtain monitoring can also be out there in the free version of MonsterInsights and allows you to see the experiences inside Google Analytics. However, you’ll want the Pro model to see superior experiences inside your WordPress dashboard.
Once you have got arrange the plugin, there isn’t a want to do any additional configuration. It will robotically begin monitoring your file downloads as occasions.
To see statistics about your downloads, simply go to the Insights » Reports web page and swap to the Publishers tab:
Scroll down, and you’ll see your prime obtain hyperlinks.
These will probably be listed together with their anchor text:
If you have got a couple of hyperlink to a selected file, then these hyperlinks will probably be listed individually right here. This is beneficial if you would like to discover out precisely how customers are downloading recordsdata.
What if you would like a report of which recordsdata are the most well-liked, whatever the hyperlinks used? Simply click on the ‘View All Download Links Report’ button.
This will take you straight into Google Analytics, the place you will note a report with the URLs of your downloaded recordsdata:
You also can manually navigate to your file obtain report in Google Analytics GA4.
Simply log in to your Google Analytics account and then click on on the Reports » Engagement » Events tab.
From right here, click on on the ‘file_download’ hyperlink underneath the ‘Event identify’ column to view your file downloads report.
By default, MonsterInsights tracks downloads for all widespread file varieties together with paperwork (.doc and .docx), spreadsheets (.xls and .xlsx), shows (.ppt and .pptx), PDFs, and zip recordsdata.
If you need to monitor different file varieties, then that’s straightforward to do as nicely. Simply go to Insights » Settings web page and then swap to the Engagement tab:
Now, scroll down to the File Downloads part.
Here you’ll see an inventory of file extensions at present being tracked:
Simply kind in any extra file extensions you need to monitor. Just ensure you put a comma between them.
Once you’re achieved, don’t overlook to click on the Save Changes button on the prime to save your settings.
MonsterInsights will now begin monitoring all recordsdata ending with the file extensions you added in settings.
Even in case you select one other answer beneath for managing and controlling file obtain entry, we advocate at all times putting in MonsterInsights alongside it. Doing so will assist you see the proper stats, which you want for rising your online business.
Method 2. Controlling File Downloads in WordPress Using MemberPress
If you need to sell online courses or entry to downloadable recordsdata, then a good way to management and handle file downloads is to use MemberPress.
It is the best WordPress membership plugin that permits you to lock premium content material in your web site in order that it’s solely out there to registered customers or paying members.
MemberPress has an addon referred to as MemberPress Downloads that permits you to monitor every file that your members obtain. The addon additionally allows you to add a number of recordsdata, tag, categorize, and record them simply.
Aside from recordsdata, you may shield different content material in your web site as nicely. This is a superb choice in case you are constructing programs or premium content material library that you simply solely need members to have the option to entry.
First, you want to set up and activate the MemberPress plugin. For extra particulars, see our step-by-step information on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, enter your license key into the MemberPress » Settings » License web page in the WordPress admin space. You will discover this data underneath your account on the MemberPress web site.
Next, go to the MemberPress » Add-ons web page.
Here, you merely want to discover the Downloads add-on. Go forward and click on the ‘Install Add-on’ button to add it to your web site:
Now, you simply want to go to the MP Downloads » Files web page.
From right here, click on the ‘Add New’ button to create a brand new obtain.
On the following display, first, you want to enter a title in your obtain.
Once you’ve achieved that, add the file you need to use. You also can select extra choices on this web page, equivalent to including classes or tags to your obtain.
We’re going to give our file the tag ‘paid-members’ in order that this file and others could be simply protected by a MemberPress rule.
When you’re prepared, click on the Publish button to make your downloadable file reside.
If you don’t have already got a rule defining circumstances that have to be matched to entry recordsdata with this tag, merely create one underneath MemberPress » Rules.
Just click on the ‘Add New’ button to create a brand new rule:
You will then see the web page for including a brand new rule.
From right here, you may customise the brand new rule for the tag.
In the ‘Content & Access’ part, click on on the dropdown beneath Protected Content.
Select ‘Files with File Tag,’ and in the box next to it, type and select the tag you’re utilizing:
Then, underneath ‘Access Conditions,’ click on the dropdown. Simply choose ‘Membership’ and then the identify of the suitable membership degree.
If you haven’t but arrange any memberships, then you may go forward and accomplish that underneath MemberPress » Memberships.
Now, go to the MP Downloads » Files web page once more. You will see your file listed right here. It ought to have the right entry kind primarily based on its tag.
Click the ‘Copy Shortcode’ hyperlink to get the shortcode for this file.
Next, paste this shortcode into any post or page in your WordPress web site.
You also can create a brand new web page simply in your file obtain.
First, go to Pages » Add New in your WordPress admin. Then, go forward and paste your shortcode into your web page. WordPress will robotically create a shortcode block for you in case you’re utilizing the block editor.
Once you’ve added all of the content material you need in your web page, merely click on the ‘Publish’ button to put it reside in your web site.
Remember to shield your web page utilizing MemberPress guidelines if you would like each the web page and the file to solely be accessible to members.
You can view your obtain stats by visiting the MP Downloads » Stats web page.
You will see the record of customers who downloaded the file with a time stamp.
If you want additional directions, then please refer to our step-by-step information on how to create a membership site in WordPress.
Method 3. Managing File Downloads in WordPress Using Easy Digital Downloads
To handle your whole file downloads, we advocate Easy Digital Downloads.
It is the best WordPress eCommerce plugin for promoting digital items, together with file downloads, ebooks, software program, music, and extra.
It comes with superior options like a procuring cart, exercise monitoring, a number of fee gateways, low cost coupon codes, and extra.
We use Easy Digital Downloads to promote our premium WordPress plugins.
To get began, first, you want to set up and activate the Easy Digital Downloads plugin. For extra particulars, see our step-by-step information on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, you want to go to the Downloads » Settings web page to configure the plugin. You’ll begin by offering your online business particulars and selecting a forex.
Next, swap to the ‘Payments’ tab to configure a fee gateway.
Easy Digital Downloads helps PayPal and Stripe out of the field. You can obtain extensions to add help for extra fee gateways if wanted.
After that, simply swap to the tab for the gateway you’re utilizing and enter your account particulars.
After establishing funds, you can begin including your file downloads.
Simply go to the Downloads web page and click on on the ‘Add New’ button on the prime.
On the following web page, go forward and present the title and description in your obtain.
Below that, add pricing in your digital obtain. If you need to supply a obtain without spending a dime, then merely enter $0 underneath ‘Pricing Options.’
After that, scroll down to the ‘Download Files’ part.
From right here, you may add a title in your file obtain, and then both choose the file out of your media library or add the file out of your pc.
Next, you may add classes or tags in your file obtain, add photos, set obtain limits, and extra.
Finally, click on the ‘Publish’ button to make your obtain reside in your web site.
You can now preview or go to your file obtain web page to see it in motion.
Your customers will probably be in a position to add the obtain to their cart and proceed procuring or full their buy.
You will probably be in a position to monitor and handle all the pieces utilizing Easy Digital Downloads reporting.
Viewing Advanced Reports for Easy Digital Downloads
Easy Digital Downloads doesn’t include superior reporting options in the core software program.
However, you may set up EDD Advanced Reports extension to unlock superior reporting options. For extra particulars, see our step-by-step information on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Note: You’ll want the ‘All Access Pass’ for Easy Digital Downloads to obtain this extension, or you should purchase EDD Advanced Reports individually.
Upon activating the extension, you may go to Downloads » Reports web page to view your file obtain experiences.
From right here, you may swap to completely different tabs to see detailed experiences.
For occasion, you may see which recordsdata are downloaded extra typically, widespread fee gateways, refunds, taxes, and extra.
Method 4. Managing File Downloads in WordPress Using WooCommerce
This methodology is for customers who need to promote file downloads alongside bodily items like shirts, swag, and so forth.
For this methodology, we will probably be utilizing WooCommerce, which is the most popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress.
It is ideal for customers who need to promote file downloads or make an online store.
WooCommerce can be utilized to promote each digital downloads and bodily items. You also can use it as your WordPress download manager to supply free downloads. It allows you to simply monitor prospects, handle downloads, and view stats.
Let’s get began.
The very first thing you want to do is set up and activate the WooCommerce plugin. For extra particulars, see our step-by-step information on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, it’s best to see the WooCommerce setup wizard. You can begin by offering your retailer particulars and then comply with on-screen directions.
On the ‘Product Types’ display, you want to choose Downloads as one of many product varieties that you simply’ll be promoting in your retailer.
Once you end the setup course of, you will note your WooCommerce retailer’s dashboard.
Go to the Products » Add New web page to add your first file obtain.
Go forward and give your new product a title and an outline. After that, scroll down to the ‘Product data’ part.
Here, you want to test the ‘Virtual’ and ‘Downloadable’ checkboxes to point out that the product is a digital obtain.
Virtual merchandise are merchandise that don’t require delivery and could be delivered on-line, equivalent to memberships, subscriptions, digital passes, and extra. Similarly, Downloadables are merchandise that customers can obtain on their computer systems.
You additionally want to enter the worth. If you’re making a free obtain, you want to put 0 right here.
After that, click on on the ‘Add File’ button to add the file in your digital obtain.
If you need, you may also fill out different choices on the web page. For instance, you may add product photos, add a brief description, choose a product class, and extra.
Once happy, click on the ‘Publish’ button close to the highest of the web page to make your product out there.
Your customers can now go to the product web page and add the product to their cart. If it’s a free product, then they are going to be in a position to take a look at with out including fee data. Otherwise, they’ll pay as regular.
After checkout, the consumer will probably be given directions about how to obtain the file to their pc.
Tracking File Downloads in WooCommerce
To view how your file downloads are doing, simply go to Analytics » Downloads in your WordPress dashboard. From right here, you will note an outline of file downloads with an inventory of widespread downloads beneath.
You also can swap to completely different pages underneath ‘Analytics’ to see how your retailer is doing.
For occasion, you may see your prime merchandise/downloads underneath the ‘Products’ web page.
Note: If you haven’t began with WooCommerce but, then check out our information on the best WooCommerce hosting suppliers to get arrange, then select from the best WooCommerce themes, and set up the best WooCommerce plugins to get began the proper manner.
Bonus: Tracking Conversions For Your File Downloads in WordPress
You could have observed that three of the platforms we talked about include solely fundamental reporting options.
For occasion, they’ll present you the variety of downloads, prospects, and the recordsdata they purchased. However, they won’t present you what led a buyer to conversion.
This data is critical because it tells you what’s working in your web site and helps you make choices for your online business’s progress.
This is the place MonsterInsights comes in.
It is the perfect Google Analytics plugin for eCommerce web sites and helps you simply monitor conversions. For step-by-step directions, see our information on how to simply arrange WooCommerce conversion tracking or take a look at the whole WordPress conversion tracking guide.
We hope this text helped you find out how to handle, monitor, and management file downloads in WordPress. You may need to see our tips about the best email marketing services to promote your digital downloads higher.
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The submit How to Manage, Track, and Control File Downloads in WordPress first appeared on WPBeginner.
