This can help you monitor which ebooks, files, or PDFs from your site are most downloaded. You can check if there is anything on your site that has never been downloaded. Setting up download tracking can help you think about the type of content that you want to create in the future to engage your audience. You probably already use Google Analytics to monitor where your traffic is coming from and other statistics.
However, Google Analytics has no option for tracking downloads of specific files. MonsterInsights plugin is considered to be one of the best solutions for tracking all analytics on a WordPress site. It also allows you to easily keep track of which files have been downloaded from your site. Other than tracking file downloads, you can use MonsterInsights to check if visitors are actually reading your posts and where they lose interest, which keywords are driving traffic to your site, check GoogleAnalytics without leaving WordPress site dashboard, track WooCommerce sales , set up author tracking , etc.
If you are offering files on your site that customers can download , it is important to know whether they are actually being downloaded. Therefore it will always look as if nothing has been downloaded, even when it has. Some of the biggest advantages of tracking downloads include:. The MonsterInsights plugin can be used to enable download tracking without having to change any lines of code.
Even though Google Analytics cant be used directly to track downloads, you still need to have an account. Once this is set up correctly, then your downloads will start to be tracked immediately.
Though Prevent Direct Access has joined the market later, it still stays competitive with the other two. This plugin focuses on securing WordPress files from unauthorized users and search engines. You can decide how many times an image, PDF, or video can be downloaded using the plugin.
On the other hand, Prevent Direct Access aims to protect uploaded files from unwanted users and search engines like Google. Download Monitor allows you to upload, edit, categorize and remove downloadable files from a section called Downloads on your WordPress admin dashboard. All of the uploaded files are also included in your Media Library.
However, they have different URLs. The plugin lets no one but members download the files. Each download is assigned its own shortcode which can be used to display the download detail in the content area or can be inserted into your posts and pages.
After installing WP Download Manager, you can handle your own file uploads on a download page in the same way as the Download Monitor plugin. There are security layers such as using passwords or user roles to control access to your files, setting up speed, and a limit on download count per user to control downloads.
The plugin offers a higher level of protection by preventing a file from direct URL access and stopping search engines like Google from indexing your files. Prevent Direct Access helps you control access through user roles, download clicks, and time expiry. Quick-add panel using shortcode of each file. Besides remarkable features, a user-friendly interface is an important factor in deciding your ideal plugin.
If you want to upgrade to the Pro versions, you need to make purchases on their sites. An email including a download URL and the license to install and activate the paid version will be sent to your email after paying.
Upon installation and successful activation, Download Monitor or WordPress Download Manager plugins add a new section called Downloads to your WordPress navigation menu. You can insert and edit files or set up features there. With Download Monitor, the Downloads section has specific items that help you upload, edit, and manage media files easily.
It turns out that your downloads function like posts. You can assign categories and tags to each file via Categories or Tags. On top of that, you can protect and manage your media right in your WordPress Media list view. Each file has a file management popup enabling you to control downloads by setting the download limit and expiry, file access permissions, and creating new download links. The protected file has the blue protected mark in the Media Library or red shadow in the Media Library grid view.
Since the 2 former plugins aim to manage files more effectively, you must upload files to the Downloads sections. In contrast, Prevent Direct Access works directly in the Media Library so that you can easily protect files. Download Monitor plugin has powerful premium extensions that cover functionalities and more advanced features such as email locking of files, form-locking, or support for Amazon S3 hosting of downloads. Not only does the WP Download Manager offer you a variety of features-related add-ons but it also provides access to payment gateways and upcoming themes.
This plugin comes with plenty of extensions and integration. You can view your download stats by visiting the MP Downnloads » Stats page. From here you will see the list of users who downloaded the file with a time stamp. If you need further instructions, then please refer to our step by step guide on how to create a membership site in WordPress.
This method is for users who want to sell file downloads along with physical goods like shirts, swags, etc. For this method, we will be using WooCommerce , which is the most popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress. It is perfect for users who want to sell file downloads or users who want to make an online store. WooCommerce can be used to sell both digital downloads and physical goods. You can also use it as your WordPress download manager to offer free downloads.
It also lets you easily track customers, manage downloads, and view stats. The first thing you need to do is install and activate the WooCommerce plugin. Upon activation, you should see the WooCommerce setup wizard. Then, WooCommerce will prompt you to enter details about your store. Just follow the on-screen instructions to finish the wizard. Now, go to the Products » Add New page to add your first file download as a product. Go ahead and give your product a title and a description. You also need to enter the price.
If you want, you can use the other options on the page. For example, you can add product images, add a short description, select product category, and more. Your users can now go to the product page and add the product to their cart. If it is a free product, then they will be able to check out without adding payment information. Otherwise, they can pay as normal.
To view how your file downloads are doing, just go to the WooCommerce » Reports page. From here you will see your sales by date, by products, and by categories:.
This shows you how many people have ordered your download. WooCommerce can show you the number of downloads, customers, and the files they bought. However, it will not show you what led the user to the conversion. This is really important information that helps you make important decisions about growing your business.
This is where MonsterInsights comes in. For step by step instructions, see our guide on how to easily set up WooCommerce conversion tracking. We hope this article helped you learn how to manage, track, and control file downloads in WordPress. You may also want to see our tips on the best email marketing services to better sell your digital downloads.
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Get FREE access to our toolkit — a collection of WordPress related products and resources that every professional should have! Can you advise a way? Please, I want to set a Download counter for my files to tell my visitors how many downloads each has. I used the download monitor and download manager plugins but none gave me that. What should I do? Good tutorial.
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