Are you looking to create a download link in WordPress? Whether you’re a blogger, digital publisher, or website owner, this guide will be helpful for you.
No matter your level of technical experience, I have the steps necessary to create a download link on WordPress easy and stress-free. Keep reading to get started!
Why Add a Download Link in WordPress?
The most important goal for any website is user’s interaction. When you add the download feature on your website there is a higher chance of website activity. Google doesn’t like websites that share pirated links for Movies or Software.
However, PDFs and copyright-free resources are valuable assets to increase traffic actions. Also, if you are selling paid digital documents on your site having a direct download link is preferable than sending it over emails.
Moreover, you can collect emails from users by sharing freebies as downloadable resources.
Create Download Link With WordPress Default Settings
First, you need to upload your file on WordPress Media Library or at any external file-sharing site. If you think that Media Library only supports images or videos then you are wrong. You can add any type of file from mp3 to a text document in this library.
Click on the select files button or drag and drop the items from your desktop folder. Once uploaded WordPress will create a unique link for that file.
You can create a text link button link for your file as it fits with your content. Go to your targeted page and add the anchor text or button for your download link.
Select the text/button and click the link icon on the settings bar. Open the “Media Library” in a different tab and select the file you uploaded.
Copy the URL manually or just click on the button. Paste the link on the link box and press enter. You can toggle on the “Open on new tab” so the visitor doesn’t leave the current page. Click Update to save the changes.
This is the most basic method of adding a download link. However, this will open the file in a new tab and the user has to download it manually. If you want your users to have automatic download you have to follow the next procedure.
Automatic Download in WordPress Default Settings
Upload the file to the media library as before or you can upload it later in this method. First, go to your target page and click the “+” icon on the block editor. Search for the “File” block and click to add it to the page.
Now click on “Upload” or choose “Media Library” if you have already uploaded the file. Click on the file and then hit select it will create an automatic “Download” button on the page.
Tip: If you don’t want to show the file name remove it from the title.
When a user clicks the download button it will start downloading automatically without leaving the page.
Create Popup Download Link With Plugins
You can create a popup email grabber with your download link to add to your email list. OptinMonster is one of the best plugins to create popup download links.
However, you can use other plugins like Ninja Popup, Hubspot, Popup Maker, etc.
All of these plugins have distinctive features that allow you to create a popup download link. A user can only download the file once they put in their email and proceed.
This type of opt-in download link depends on the Zeigarnik effect. The psychological method encourages a person to complete the task after starting. You can also track the download count and manage your files with these plugins.
I don’t want to explain the setup because each plugin uses its unique settings.
I hope this tutorial has helped you understand how to create a download link in WordPress. Now, it’s time for you to take action and start creating your own download links.
If you have any questions or comments about setting up a download link in WordPress, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
