Selling Digital Downloads with WordPress

Introduction

Digital downloads—ebooks, templates, software, courses—offer high margins with zero inventory. WordPress makes selling digital products straightforward with plugins designed specifically for downloadable goods.

Why Sell Digital Products

Advantages

• No inventory or shipping
• 100% profit margin
• Sell unlimited copies
• Automated delivery
• Passive income potential

Digital Product Types

• Ebooks and guides
• Templates (design, spreadsheet)
• Software and plugins
• Music and audio
• Photography and graphics
• Courses and tutorials
• Printables

Plugin Options

Easy Digital Downloads (Free/Premium)

Best for: Pure digital products

• Free core functionality
• Extension system
• Payment gateways
• Download protection

WooCommerce

Best for: Mixed physical/digital

• Full e-commerce features
• Extensive extensions
• Familiar interface

Gumroad Integration

Best for: Simplicity

• Hosted solution
• WordPress embedding
• Simple setup

Easy Digital Downloads Setup

Installation

1. Plugins > Add New
2. Search "Easy Digital Downloads"
3. Install and activate

Configuration

Downloads > Settings > General:

• Test mode (for setup)
• Base country/state
• Currency
• Decimal handling

Settings > Payment Gateways:

• Enable Stripe
• Enable PayPal
• Configure API keys

Settings > Emails:

• Purchase receipt template
• Admin notification
• Email settings

Creating Products

1. Downloads > Add New
2. Enter title and description
3. Download Prices section:
   • Single price or variable
   • Set amount
4. Download Files:
   • Upload files
   • Set download limit
5. Add featured image
6. Publish

Variable Pricing

For multiple versions:

1. Enable Variable Pricing
2. Add price options:
   • Basic: $19
   • Pro: $49
   • Enterprise: $99
3. Assign different files per tier

Payment Processing

Stripe Setup

1. Create Stripe account
2. Get API keys
3. Enter in EDD settings
4. Test transaction

PayPal Setup

1. PayPal business account
2. Enter email or API credentials
3. Configure options
4. Test transaction

Download Protection

Protecting Files

Don't:

• Put files in standard uploads folder
• Use predictable URLs

Do:

• Use EDD's protected folder
• Enable download links expiration
• Limit downloads per purchase

EDD Protection

Files stored in: /wp-content/uploads/edd/

With .htaccess protection:

Options -Indexes
deny from all

Additional Security

• Unique download links
• Expiring links
• IP-based limiting
• PDF stamping (for documents)

Sales Page Optimization

Essential Elements

• Clear product description
• Benefits (not just features)
• Preview/sample
• Testimonials
• FAQ
• Clear pricing
• Money-back guarantee

Conversion Tips

• Strong headline
• Product mockups
• Video demos
• Social proof
• Urgency (if genuine)

Marketing Digital Products

Content Marketing

• Blog posts related to product
• SEO for product keywords
• Guest posting

Email Marketing

• Build list with lead magnet
• Nurture sequences
• Product launch emails

Affiliates

• EDD has affiliate extensions
• Share revenue for sales
• Expand reach

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I price digital products?

Research competitors. Consider value delivered. Test different price points. Digital products can command premium prices.

How do I prevent piracy?

You can't 100%. Focus on providing value, easy purchase, and updates that pirates don't get.

EDD vs WooCommerce for digital?

EDD is purpose-built for digital. WooCommerce works but has more overhead. Choose EDD for digital-only stores.

Can I sell on my existing WordPress site?

Yes. Both plugins integrate with any WordPress site.

Key Takeaways

• Digital products offer high margins and automation
• Easy Digital Downloads is purpose-built for digital sales
• Protect files with proper security measures
• Sales page optimization drives conversions
• Marketing drives traffic to your products
• Provide value that makes purchasing worthwhile

Next Steps

Choose your plugin (EDD recommended for digital). Create your first product. Set up payment processing. Build your sales page. Launch and market.

Meta Description: Complete guide to selling digital downloads on WordPress. Covers plugins, setup, payment processing, security, and marketing strategies.

Keywords: wordpress digital downloads, sell digital products, edd, digital ecommerce, passive income