Easy Digital Downloads’ Multi-Currency add-on has been a long-time staple for this — allowing digital sellers to effortlessly accept and display multiple currencies on their WordPress site.

And the latest version makes it even easier to maximize international sales.

Multi Currency now automatically detects your visitors’ location and instantly displays prices in the appropriate currency. 🎉

No complicated configurations. No confusion. Just a seamless, localized shopping experience that feels like you built your store specifically for them.

Learn about this exciting new update below!

What’s New: Auto-Currency Detection

This Multi Currency update is exciting for a handful of reasons. Below are some of the biggest highlights of what you can look forward to when you use the latest version of this extension.

Automatic Location Detection 📍

Your site now instantly knows where visitors are browsing from using our advanced geolocation endpoint. This means you can automatically detect and set the currency based on the visitor’s location.

Instant Currency Display ✅

With the Auto Detect Currency setting enabled, you can display a currency selector widget to visitors so they can effortlessly select the currency they want to use.

Streamlined Exchange Rates 💱

Unlike previous versions or other eCommerce plugins that require expensive third-party services or complex API setups, our auto-detection works right out of the box using our built-in geolocation technology.

We handle exchange rates without requiring you to manage API keys. 

Benefits of EDD Multi Currency Auto-Detect

Imagine this: A customer from the UK visits your digital course website and immediately sees “£47” instead of “$59”. Instead of having to second-guess the conversion math or worry about hidden fees, they just buy.

While other eCommerce plugins require you to pay for expensive geolocation services  or force customers to manually select their currency every single visit, Easy Digital Downloads handles everything automatically.

Think about it: How many more international sales could you close by removing every bit of friction from the buying process?

Our auto-detection works seamlessly with all your existing Easy Digital Downloads features — software licensing, recurring payments, discount codes, and more. Your international customers get the same powerful experience, just in their preferred currency.

Plus, you’re helping customers avoid those annoying 3% currency conversion fees that banks love to tack on. When they see prices in their local currency, they know exactly what they’re paying.

Set Up Multi Currency Auto-Detection

Another benefit of this update is how incredibly simple it is to set up. Below I’ll walk you through the brief and straightforward process of setting up the Multi Currency add-on and configuring the auto-currency detection options in WordPress.

Step 1. Install/Update Multi Currency Addon

If you haven’t already, install and activate the Multi Currency extension on your EDD site. Note that this extension is only available to EDD Pro users Lite users can get it by upgrading to any of the Pro plans.

Go to Downloads » Extensions, search for Multi Currency, and select Install.

It activates automatically.

If you already have it installed and activated, verify that you’re using the latest version (1.2.0).

Make sure that you’ve also set your store’s default currency (Downloads » Settings » General » Currency).

Step 2. Enable Auto Currency Detection

Next, locate the Multi Currency settings under Downloads » Settings » Payments » Multi Currency from your WordPress admin.

Within the Currencies settings panel, you can choose and add the currencies you want to support from our list of 200+ options.

The new Auto Detect Currency setting is on the second half of the screen. Click to enable this setting.

With this option turned on, the currency is auto-detected based on the geo-location of the user. If a currency isn’t detected for their location, it sets it to your store’s default currency.

With Auto Detect Currency enabled, you can also activate Force Detected Currency.

This option hides the currency selector display widget from visitors so that they can’t choose or change the auto-detected currency. It forces them to use the default currency that’s detected and decided for them.

Step 3. Configure Exchange Rate Updates

Gone are the days of selecting and adding API keys for services that provide exchange rates. Forget the hassle of tracking exchange rates—Multi Currency updates them for you automatically, right out of the box.

Simply select the toggle next to Auto Rate Updates, and it’s handled for you.

From the Update Frequency dropdown, you can choose how often to update the exchange rates.

Options include Once Hourly, Once Daily, Twice Daily, or Once Weekly.

Remember to save your changes when you’re done.

Now, from the front end of your site, customers should see a small currency indicator showing their detected location and local pricing.

They can still manually switch currencies if needed, but most won’t have to.

⚙ For more in-depth guidance and information, check out our Multi Currency Setup Documentation.

Add Auto-Currency Detection to WordPress

Stop losing sales to currency confusion. Your digital products deserve a global audience, and now you have the tools to serve them properly.

The Multi-Currency auto-detection feature is available now for all Easy Digital Downloads Pro license holders.

Simply update your Multi-Currency addon to version 1.2.0 (or higher) and start converting more international visitors into paying customers today.

Still using EDD Lite? Grab a premium pass today to access Multi Currency, plus dozens of other advanced features and tools!

For more information, feel free to check out:

• Multi Currency Release Notes
• EDD Knowledge-base

📣 P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!

The post NEW: Multi Currency Adds Automatic Location Detection & Currency Display first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

That’s why Easy Digital Downloads now includes built-in EU VAT handling and validation for Pro users! 🥳

This significant update simplifies VAT compliance for digital product sellers using EDD. It eliminates the complexities of country-specific rates, reverse charges, and VAT number validation.

Learn about the new capabilities included in the latest Easy Digital Downloads release.

The Importance of EU VAT for eCommerce

What Is EU VAT?

EU VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax applied to the sale of digital goods and services within the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK).

Suppose you use Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) to sell digital products (such as eBooks, software, or online courses) to customers in an EU or UK country. You are legally required to collect this tax, regardless of your business’s physical location.

Key Requirements for EU/UK Digital Sales:

• Charge Correct VAT Rate: Apply the specific VAT rate based on the buyer’s country of residence.
• Validate VAT Numbers: Validate the buyer’s EU VAT number to apply the reverse charge mechanism, where the buyer is responsible for accounting for the VAT.
• Maintain Records & Reports: Keep detailed records of all transactions and submit regular VAT reports to the relevant tax authorities.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines, legal complications, and potential restrictions on selling within the EU/UK market. Therefore, robust EU VAT handling is critical for any WordPress-powered store operating globally.

What’s New: EDD EU VAT Handling 🔎

Easy Digital Downloads now integrates comprehensive EU VAT handling directly into its core. This eliminates the need for external extensions or additional fees often required by other eCommerce platforms.

The native system simplifies VAT management through your EDD settings, providing the following key functionalities.

• New EU VAT Settings Tab: Centralized configuration for all VAT-related settings.
• Automatic VAT Rates/Calculations: Real-time updates and accurate computation of VAT.
• VAT Number Validation at Checkout: Streamlined validation process for transactions.
• Simple Order, Invoice & Report Management: Integrated VAT data for effortless record-keeping and reporting.

New EU VAT Settings

A new EU VAT settings tab has been added under Downloads » Settings » Payments » Taxes.

Note that you can only enable VAT handling and access the associated settings if taxes are also enabled.

Automatic VAT Rates

Once you enable VAT, EU tax rates are added to your site automatically.

We connect to our servers weekly to ensure you always have the latest EU tax rates without any manual work.

The system handles all complex VAT calculations behind the scenes. No more manual updates, and no risk of falling behind on compliance.

Learn more about EDD Tax settings.

VAT Number Validation at Checkout

Easy Digital Downloads integrates real-time VAT number validation directly into the checkout process. This field is contextually displayed only for customers in EU/UK countries, maintaining a clean checkout experience for others.

Upon entering a VAT number, customers can validate it instantly without leaving the checkout page. When a valid VAT number is entered, EDD automatically performs the following:

• Instant Validation: EDD validates the VAT numbers against the appropriate authority.
• Dynamic Tax Application: Applies the correct tax rate or, crucially, applies a reverse charge (zero tax) if the valid VAT number indicates a transaction where the buyer is responsible for VAT.
• Ensures Compliance: The automated application of reverse charges significantly simplifies compliance for sales within the EU/UK.

Seamless Order, Invoice & Report Management

Easy Digital Downloads enhances record-keeping and reporting for VAT compliance. VAT-related information is automatically captured and integrated across your store.

A dedicated VAT section is added to all orders, accessible under the Order Details » VAT tab on an individual order page.

This information can also be displayed on customer receipts by enabling the Order Details option in EDD VAT settings.

Invoices: VAT details, including your company’s VAT information and relevant order data, are automatically integrated into EDD invoices.

Comprehensive Reports: New VAT reporting features are available for streamlined accounting. You can access and export detailed reports on:

• Orders with VAT collected.
• Orders with reverse charges applied.

Find and export these reports under Downloads » Reports » Export. Then locate the EU VAT and EC Sales List sections.

How to Enable EU VAT Handling for EDD

Enabling EU VAT handling in Easy Digital Downloads is a straightforward process, taking less than 5 minutes. Follow these steps to get started.

Prerequisite: Ensure that you have a valid and active Easy Digital Downloads (Pro) license key and that you’re using an updated version of the EDD Pro plugin. You can check under Dashboard » Updates in your WordPress admin area.

Step 1. Enable Taxes & EU VAT Handling

Before you’re able to enable and configure EU VAT settings, you need to have taxes enabled.

To do that, go to Downloads » Settings » Taxes from your WordPress dashboard.

Select the option to Enable Taxes.

Then toggle to Enable VAT handling and validation.

Remember to select Save Changes.

A new EU VAT setting will appear under the Taxes » General tab. 

Step 2. Configure Your EDD EU VAT Settings

After you turn on the EU VAT setting and save your changes, go to the EU VAT tab that’s now under Taxes.

This is where you can configure the EU VAT handling and validation settings.

The first option is Automatic Rates. If you choose to enable rates updated weekly, you’ll see a note that it’s scheduled to happen.

Alternatively, you can use the ‘legacy’ tax rates.

Next, add your business information. Enter your company’s VAT number and select your country of VAT registration.

For  EDD Pro users with active licenses, VAT validation runs through our premium servers automatically — no need for external API keys or additional service fees.

Click on Save Changes when you’re done.

Step 3. Test Your EU VAT Validation

Your store is now ready for VAT handling and validation. But it’s important to verify that everything is working as it should.

With VAT handling enabled and taxes registered for EU countries, visit your store’s checkout page.

Select various EU/UK countries as the billing country to ensure the VAT number field appears automatically. It should not appear for non-EU/UK countries.

Enter a test VAT number.

Once you enter the VAT number, click the Validate button.

If numbers are invalid, the field lets customers know right away—no guesswork.

Observe Reverse Charge Logic

• If a VAT number is valid and the checkout country does not match your store’s base country, a reverse charge should be applied, and no tax collected on the order.
• If the checkout country matches your store’s base country, tax collection depends on the Reverse Charge in Home Country? setting. For example, if your company is in France and a French customer enters their VAT number, tax would be collected unless this specific setting is enabled.

⚙️ For more in-depth guidance, please refer to our official EU VAT documentation.

Other EDD Updates

There are a handful of other improvements in this update, including:

• Our popular Invoices extension is now built into the Easy Digital Downloads (Pro) plugin.
• All users (Lite and Pro) can customize the empty cart message.
• Pro users can also redirect to a page or custom URL if a user visits the checkout with an empty cart.

FAQs on EU VAT for Easy Digital Downloads

Here are answers to common questions about EU VAT handling in Easy Digital Downloads.

Make EU VAT Compliance Effortless

Don’t let VAT complications hold back your digital business growth any longer.

Update Easy Digital Downloads Pro to the latest version today and start confidently selling to EU customers. Your future self will thank you for making VAT compliance this simple.

If you haven’t already, upgrade from a Lite to a Pro pass for automatic VAT handling and even more cost-saving features!

For more info and help:

• EDD 3.5 Release Notes
• EU VAT Documentation
• EDD Knowledge Base

📣 P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!

The post NEW: Built-In EU VAT Handling for Easy Digital Downloads first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Easy Digital Downloads is always introducing new ways to help you do that.

And today, we’re thrilled to announce that Easy Digital Downloads has partnered with Square to offer secure and reliable payment processing!

You’re not just adding another payment gateway. You’re removing barriers and providing your customers with a smooth, reliable checkout process for one-time payments that helps maximize conversions.

Learn more about this integration and a special offer we’ve been able to offer EDD store owners with Square below.

Why Use Square for Your Digital Store?

For years, Square has been a leader in payment processing. It empowers millions of businesses, from small-town artisans to bustling online enterprises, to accept payments simply and securely.

Adding Square as a payment option unlocks a new level of flexibility and convenience.

You essentially just flip a switch. Then the integration handles everything automatically: payment processing, order confirmation, and digital product delivery.

Here’s a quick overview of the key benefits of integrating Square payments with your WordPress site.

Secure Payment Processing	Unified, Streamlined Workflow	Increased Trust & Conversions
Accept all major credit cards directly on your website through Square’s secure payment system.	Connect your store and start accepting payments in minutes.	Leverage the power of a brand millions of business owners know and trust.
Customer payment details are sent directly to Square, not stored on your site.	Manage online digital sales and in-person transactions in one dashboard.	A smart payment form that helps conversions by only requesting the necessary payment information.
Square handles all complex PCI compliance requirements for you.	Real-time payment confirmation ensures instant delivery of digital products.	Keep customers on your site with a seamless, direct checkout experience.

Save Money With Square Payments

The new Square payment gateway is available to all Easy Digital Downloads users, from our free plugin to our All Access Pass holders.

Exclusive Offer for New Square Users

If you don’t have a Square account yet, there’s never been a better time to get one.

To celebrate our new Square partnership, we’re running a special promotional deal for anyone in the EDD community who needs to sign up for Square.

• You can sign up for Square for free.
• Pay no processing fees on your first $2,000 in sales for 180 days.
• Get $20 off Square hardware with a special promo code emailed to you after you sign up.

Eliminate Square Fees With EDD Pro

While all EDD users can connect to Square, users with an Extended Pass or higher get an incredible extra benefit: they pay no additional Application Fees!

Here is how it works for each plan:

• Free & Personal Pass Users: You can use Square for free, but will be subject to Square’s standard transaction fees and application fees.
• Extended, Professional, & All Access Pass Users: You can use the Square integration and we’ll eliminate the Application fees (Square’s transaction fees still apply).

This is a huge potential savings and a powerful reason to upgrade your EDD Pass today!

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

Set Up Square Payments in Minutes

Getting Square payments set up in WordPress and your Easy Digital Downloads store is quick and easy.

First, if you haven’t already, update your Easy Digital Downloads plugin to the latest version (3.4.0 or newer). You can do this by going to Dashboard » Updates from your WordPress admin area.

Next, navigate to Downloads » Settings. Under Payments, go to the Square tab and select Connect with Square.

Then you can either create a new Square account or select Sign in to use an existing account.

You’ll be guided through a secure process to authorize your Square account.

Once it brings you back to the WordPress settings screen, you may need to connect Square webhooks to Easy Digital Downloads to complete the process.

Refer to our Square Payments documentation for step-by-step guidance.

Once successfully connected, go to Downloads » Settings » Payments to enable Square payments under Active Gateways.

Click on Save Changes. That’s it — you’re ready to start accepting payments with Square!

Note: Square is only available in the following countries: United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Spain. If your store country in EDD is set to something else, the Square gateway will not be available.

Upgrade EDD to Integrate Square Payments!

We’re so thrilled to deliver this integration to the Easy Digital Downloads community. It’s another step forward in our mission to make selling digital products with WordPress as easy and powerful as possible.

If you haven’t already, be sure to update your Easy Digital Downloads plugin to the latest version and sign up for a free Square account.

Don’t have Easy Digital Downloads Pro yet? Grab or upgrade your pass today and make the most of Square payments!

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

For more information about the changes and improvements included in this release, check out the following resources:

• EDD 3.4.0 Release Notes
• EDD Knowledge Base
• Square Payments documentation

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!

The post NEW: Accept Square Payments With EDD first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Conservative estimates show that upwards of 10% of customer churn happens passively or accidentally.

That means you’re losing loyal customers—and their revenue—not because they want to leave, but because of a simple payment failure. An expired card, a temporary bank issue, or a hard-to-find update form can silently drain your revenue.

While Easy Digital Downloads already helps you fight this by using smart retry systems available from payment gateways, some failed payments still require your customers to step in.

That’s why we included a new no-login, one-click payment update feature in the latest release of Recurring Payments. 🥳

This major update is packed with powerful tools to significantly reduce involuntary churn.

Here’s what’s new:

One-Click Payment Card Updates

The biggest update is the new magic, one-click payment card update feature added to the Recurring Payments extension.

Picture this: It’s Friday evening, and one of your premium subscribers gets a payment failure email because their credit card has expired.

Instead of losing them over the weekend, they simply click the secure link in the email, update their payment method in 30 seconds, and stay subscribed.

No login hassles. No forgotten passwords. No lost revenue.

These secure, magic update links integrate with subscription renewal reminder and renewal failure emails.

With the renewal reminder emails, your subscription customers can click on the Update Payment Method link to easily ensure their payment method is up to date.

The same goes for if/when they receive subscription renewal failure emails.

By clicking the secure 1-click update link, they are brought to an update payment method form to enter their new payment details.

This instant payment recovery helps reduce involuntary churn immediately.

Plus, the Stripe-powered security ensures your customer data stays protected.

You can automatically add the Update Payment Method link to your EDD email templates. Just go to the email you want to add it to and insert the update_payment_link smart tag.

Enhanced Revenue Tracking Reports

Another feature we’re excited to share is improved revenue breakdown with accurate renewal tracking.

Our enhanced revenue reports and dashboard widget give you an instant, accurate picture of your business’s health.

We also added new tiles to the Subscriptions report to provide you with more meaningful calculations and a quick status overview.

The new tiles are Active Subscriptions, Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR), and Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR).

They’re available under Downloads » Reports » Subscriptions.

The MRR and ARR metrics give you a projection of monthly revenue and a projection of annual revenue (respectively) based on the value of all your active subscriptions.

These improvements allow you to make confident, data-driven decisions about the future of your business without ever leaving your WordPress admin.

New Subscriptions Block for Frontend Management

A great product deserves a great customer experience.

The new EDD Subscriptions block allows you to create a modern subscription management area, with the flexibility to be customized with options and custom CSS.

This isn’t just about looks; it’s about reducing friction and support load.

When customers can easily see their subscription status, view their payment method, and manage their own account, they feel more in control and are less likely to submit support tickets.

With the new block settings, you can:

• Customize column layouts to match your site design.
• Use flexible pagination to control how many subscriptions show per page.
• Display the payment method to give customers full visibility.

Why Use Recurring Payments for Subscriptions?

Other subscription platforms charge extra for basic features like payment recovery emails or force customers through complicated login processes.

Easy Digital Downloads’ Recurring Payments gives you enterprise-level subscription management built right into WordPress.

Think about it: How much revenue could you recover by making it effortless for customers to update their payment methods?

Unlike expensive SaaS platforms that charge per transaction or subscriber, this is included in your Recurring Payments extension — no hidden fees, no per-customer charges.

Easy Digital Downloads Recurring Payments is ideal for:

• Software developers building subscription-based WordPress plugins or themes.
• SaaS businesses that need to minimize payment failures and track recurring revenue accurately.
• Membership sites that want to reduce friction for payment updates.
• Digital product creators selling subscriptions who need better revenue insights.
• Course creators offering monthly or annual access plans.

Reduce Involuntary Churn & Retain Revenue

With Easy Digital Downloads and the new Recurring Payments, you have an enterprise-level toolkit to build a more sustainable, profitable subscription business. You can easily reduce involuntary churn while retaining your revenue.

For existing Recurring Payments users: This is a free update! Navigate to your Plugins page in your WordPress dashboard to update to version 2.13 and start protecting your revenue.

Note that this update will run database updates in the background. While it may take a while to complete, depending on the number of subscriptions, your site will remain fully functional.

New to Recurring Payments? There has never been a better time to start. Get the Recurring Payments extension today and see why thousands of business owners trust EDD to manage their subscriptions.

For more information about the changes and improvements included in this release, check out the following resources:

• Recurring v2.13 Release Notes
• EDD Knowledge Base
• Recurring Payments documentation

📣 P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!

The post NEW: Reduce Involuntary Churn With One-Click Payment Card Updates first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

As a seasoned digital marketer, I’ve seen countless customer acquisition strategies come and go. But word-of-mouth has remained an effective, tried-and-true method.

The consistent success of referral marketing makes sense; we trust recommendations from people we know 92% more than any other form of advertising.

The tricky part is figuring out how to start a referral program without breaking your budget (or sanity). 

Enter: RewardsWP, the new refer a friend WordPress plugin from AffiliateWP.

In this detailed review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about it so you can determine whether it’s the right solution for your specific needs.

What Is Refer A Friend Marketing?

Getting new customers is one of the toughest challenges any business owner faces. Luckily, referral marketing, also known as refer-a-friend marketing, can be tremendously helpful.

It’s an excellent strategy to boost your sales without spending much on traditional advertising.

A referral program rewards your customers when they encourage their friends, family, or colleagues to purchase from your store.

socImagine having advocates sing your business’s praises, inviting their friends, and both receiving rewards. It’s like converting them into salespeople who help grow your business naturally.

This type of word-of-mouth marketing is structured to track and incentivize those valuable recommendations.

Each satisfied customer becomes a potential marketing channel. And their networks often include people who share similar interests and purchasing behaviors—exactly the kind of qualified leads you want to attract.

There are different ways to run these programs. Sometimes only the person referring gets a reward, and sometimes both the referrer and their friend get something cool.

Why Use a Refer a Friend WordPress Plugin?

A refer a friend WordPress plugin helps you create and manage your own referral system easily.

For WordPress users, especially if you’re running an Easy Digital Downloads or WooCommerce store, these plugins are a game-changer. They take the manual work out of the equation. You don’t have to keep track of who referred whom in a messy spreadsheet anymore.

The core job of a good referral plugin is pretty straightforward. It tracks every referral made by your customers. It manages the rewards you want to give out – like discounts or points.

And it usually gives both you and your customers a dashboard to see how things are going. This means less guesswork for you and a clear system for your customers.

A quality refer a friend WordPress plugin like RewardsWP automates the entire process. It ensures:

• Accurate tracking and attribution: Every referral is properly credited, eliminating disputes and maintaining trust with your advocates. I’ve seen too many businesses lose valuable customers due to tracking failures.
• Streamlined reward distribution: Whether you’re offering discounts, store credit, or cash rewards, the plugin handles distribution automatically, saving you hours of manual work each week.
• Enhanced customer experience: Professional-looking referral dashboards and sharing tools make it easy for customers to participate and track their progress, increasing engagement rates.
• Comprehensive analytics: Understanding which customers are your best advocates and which referral channels perform best helps you optimize your program for maximum ROI.
• Fraud prevention: Advance abuse while maintaining a smooth experience for legitimate participants.

Choosing the right referral program plugin for WordPress is key. You need a tool that fits smoothly into your existing setup and doesn’t create more headaches.

Overview of RewardsWP: Key & Core Features

RewardsWP is a new comprehensive refer a friend WordPress plugin that transforms customer acquisition. It’s designed to help website owners create, manage, and optimize refer a friend marketing campaigns directly from their WordPress dashboard.

As your dedicated referral program plugin, RewardsWP makes it incredibly simple for your customers to refer their friends and for you to reward them — all without needing to leave your WordPress dashboard.

It’s backed by the team at AffiliateWP, another powerful plugin that helps thousands of WordPress site owners (including Easy Digital Downloads) with their affiliate marketing programs.

The plugin operates on a straightforward principle: turn your satisfied customers into brand advocates by rewarding them for successful referrals.

Unlike basic referral systems, RewardsWP doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

It integrates seamlessly into your existing WordPress ecosystem, creating a smooth experience for both you and your customers. If you’re already using AffiliateWP as your affiliate marketing plugin (which I highly recommend), RewardsWP becomes the perfect complement.

RewardsWP Referral Plugin (Full Review)

Now let’s take a deeper dive into the key aspects of RewardsWP.

My goal with this plugin review is simple: help you figure out if this plugin is the right fit for your unique business needs.

Whether you’re running an eCommerce store, membership site, or digital product business, you’ll learn how this plugin can turn your existing customers into an effective marketing channel.

Setup & Ease of Use

The installation process is straightforward. You purchase and download the plugin from the AffiliatesWP website.

Then you can upload it through your WordPress admin panel, and activate it like any other plugin. The entire process takes less than five minutes.

Upon activation, RewardsWP adds a new Rewards menu item to your WordPress dashboard.

From the RewardsWP Settings page, you can configure the basic settings.

This is where you’ll set up your main reward types (for the advocate and the friend), choose your brand color for the widget, and decide on a few display options.

I particularly appreciate how the main settings page is organized. Everything is logically grouped.

RewardsWP comes with pre-written emails for welcoming advocates, notifying them of earned rewards, and informing friends about their incentives. You can customize these if needed.

Customers are automatically enrolled after their first purchase.

Customer Experience

One of RewardsWP’s standout features is the comprehensive dashboard it provides to advocates.

After making their first purchase, customers are automatically enrolled in the referral program and gain access to a dedicated dashboard. Here, they can track their referral performance, view earned rewards, and access sharing tools.

The Rewards Widget

This is what your customers actually see and interact with, and it’s brilliantly designed. After a customer makes a purchase, they’re automatically enrolled in your referral program.

The Rewards Widget then appears on your site when they’re logged in. It’s a neat little panel, usually positioned in the corner of the screen, that doesn’t interfere with the browsing experience but remains easily accessible.

The widget shows real-time referral statistics, available rewards, and provides one-click access to sharing tools.

Inside the widget, customers can:

• Easily find and copy their unique referral link.
• Share their link directly to social media (like X or Facebook) or via email.
• See the rewards they’ve earned and redeem them.

This widget makes it super easy for customers to participate. They don’t have to hunt for a special page or log into a separate system.

What I love about this approach is that it keeps referral marketing top-of-mind for your customers without being pushy or intrusive.

The Rewards Widget’s positioning and design strike the perfect balance between visibility and unobtrusiveness.

The customer-facing widget can be tweaked to match your brand’s look and feel. You can change colors and some display settings.

There are options to:

• Choose a primary color to match your brand.
• Customize some of the text in the widget.
• Select which social sharing options are available.

While not endlessly customizable, RewardsWP offers enough to make the widget feel like part of your site, which helps create a consistent customer experience.

These options are all accessible through the plugin settings with simple controls like color pickers.

Flexible Rewards System

The reward system is where RewardsWP truly demonstrates its sophistication. Unlike plugins that limit you to basic discount codes, RewardsWP supports multiple reward types.

You’re not stuck with just one type of reward; you can offer percentage discounts, fixed amount discounts, and even free products.

Types of Rewards Available

This means you can motivate your customers with personalized rewards tailored to your business.

• Percentage Discounts (“15% off”)
• Fixed Amount Discounts (“Get $10 off”)
• Free Product (“Get a free eBook”)
• Free Shipping (WooCommerce only)

Plus, you can set up double-sided rewards. This means you reward both the advocate (your current customer) and the invited friend.

For example, the advocate gets $10 off for referring, and the friend gets 10% off their first purchase. This often encourages more participation.

Integrations with WordPress Plugins

One of the things that I think makes RewardsWP such a great refer a friend WordPress plugin is that it’s designed to play nice with the tools you already use.

AffiliateWP

As I mentioned, RewardsWP is from the creators of AffiliateWP.

If you’re already using AffiliateWP for a more formal affiliate program (with bloggers, influencers, etc.), RewardsWP runs beautifully alongside it.

They don’t conflict; they complement. Affiliates do their thing, and customers can easily refer friends.

Easy Digital Downloads

RewardsWP understands Easy Digital Downloads’ checkout process and how digital products are sold.

Digital product creators will appreciate how the plugin handles licensing, download permissions, and recurring payments.

When a referred friend purchases a download, the system correctly identifies it and triggers the rewards.

Setting up rewards like “10% off your next download purchase” is seamless.

For EDD store owners, this direct compatibility is a significant advantage over more generic referral tools.

WooCommerce

Similarly, RewardsWP is an excellent refer a friend WordPress plugin for WooCommerce stores.

The integration goes beyond basic functionality. It understands WooCommerce’s order lifecycle, product variations, and customer data structure.

It handles referrals for physical products and works with WooCommerce coupons. Features like “free shipping” rewards are specifically available for WooCommerce.

Other Plugins

RewardsWP plays nicely with membership plugins like MemberPress and Restrict Content Pro, form builders such as WPForms and Contact Form 7, and email marketing tools like ConvertKit and Mailchimp.

This compatibility means you can integrate referral marketing into your existing workflows without disruption.

Automated Referral Tracking

Tracking accuracy can make or break a referral program. I’ve seen businesses lose valuable advocates due to tracking failures, which is why RewardsWP’s approach to referral attribution impressed me so much.

The plugin automatically tracks who referred whom and when a successful purchase is made. Not having to manually verify every referral saves a ton of time. It just works in the background.

Unique Referral Links & Coupon Codes

Every advocate receives personalized referral links that are easy to share and remember. These aren’t generic shortened URLs.

RewardsWP creates branded links that maintain trust while providing reliable tracking.

Additionally, advocates can share custom coupon codes, giving referred customers immediate incentive to complete their purchase.

Reliable Cookie-Based Tracking

The plugin uses sophisticated cookie technology to track referrals sessions and devices.

The default tracking window is 30 days, but this can be customized based on your sales cycle.

For businesses with longer consideration periods, extending the tracking window to 60 or 90 days ensures advocates receive credit for their efforts.

IP Tracking & Fraud Prevention Measures

RewardsWP includes built-in fraud prevention that detects suspicious patterns and prevents referral abuse. This includes:

• Email Validation: Helps prevent the use of disposable or fake email addresses.
• Duplicate Detection: Aims to stop customers from referring themselves to game the system.
• IP Filtering: Can help block suspicious patterns from the same IP address.

The fraud prevention system is intelligent enough to distinguish between legitimate referrals from shared networks (like offices or cafes) and actual fraudulent activity.

These checks run automatically. While not foolproof (no system is), they provide a good first line of defense. 

Automated Fulfillment, Enrollment & Notifications

RewardsWP excels in the automation department. You can automate:

• Reward Fulfillment: When a referral is successful, the appropriate coupon (for discounts or free products) is automatically generated and issued to the advocate and/or friend.
• Email Notifications: Automated emails keep everyone in the loop:
  • A welcome email to the advocate after their first purchase, introducing the program and their referral link.
  • An email to the advocate when they earn a reward.
  • An email to the referred friend with their incentive.

These emails are crucial. They guide users through the process and remind them of the benefits.

From my perspective, this level of automation is essential for busy store owners using Easy Digital Downloads or WooCommerce. It means the program can largely run itself once set up.

The email sharing feature is particularly well-designed. It has pre-written templates that advocates can personalize before sending to their networks.

From the initial enrollment email to reward distribution notifications, you maintain complete control over the customer communication experience.

These notifications can be customized for different trigger events and personalized with dynamic content like advocate names and specific reward amounts.

The “pending referral” notifications keep advocates informed when their referrals are in progress but not yet completed. This transparency builds trust and encourages advocates to follow up with their referrals when appropriate.

The admin notification system is configurable, so you can choose which events trigger notifications and customize the information included in each alert.

Performance Tracking & Analytics

Data-driven decision making is essential for referral program optimization, and RewardsWP provides the insights needed to continuously improve your program’s performance.

Running a referral program without knowing how it’s performing is like flying blind.

You need to see what’s working, who your best advocates are, and what your return on investment looks like.

RewardsWP provides clear, accessible reporting within the WordPress admin. The reporting dashboard provides actionable insights without overwhelming detail.

The main analytics dashboard provides a comprehensive view of your program’s health, including successful referrals, rewards issued, and member activity.

The Referrals Admin Screen is where you see a log of each successful referral.

It typically shows:

• Referring customer (advocate)
• Referred friend
• Order associated with the referral
• Date of the referral
• Status (e.g., completed, pending)

The Rewards Admin Screen lists all the rewards that have been issued.

You can see:

• Who received the reward
• The type of reward (e.g., $10 off coupon)
• The status of the reward (e.g., issued, redeemed)
• Relevant dates

The Members Admin Screen gives you an overview of everyone enrolled in your referral program, including registered customers and sometimes guests (if they later create an account).

While not as granular as some dedicated analytics platforms, the information provided is very useful for most store owners. You can easily identify:

• Top Referrers: See which customers are driving the most sales for you. You might even consider offering them extra perks!
• Conversion Rates (Implicit): By comparing the number of shares (if trackable by link clicks, though this level of detail might vary) to successful referrals, you get an idea of effectiveness.
• Reward Redemption Rates: See how many of the issued rewards are actually being used.

This data helps you understand if your rewards are appealing and if the program is easy for customers to use.

RewardsWP Plugin Pricing

RewardsWP uses a tiered pricing structure that scales with your business needs. The three plans offer excellent value for most WordPress businesses.

Each plan includes unlimited rewards and members, as well as updates and support.

To put the pricing in perspective, consider that acquiring a single customer through paid advertising often costs $50-$200, depending on your industry.

If RewardsWP helps you acquire just two additional customers per month (a conservative estimate for most businesses), the plugin pays for itself within the first quarter.

RewardsWP doesn’t offer a free version or trial period, which is one limitation.

But they do provide a 14-day money-back guarantee that allows you to test the plugin risk-free on your actual website with real customers.

RewardsWP Pros and Cons

After testing and implementation, I’ve identified the key strengths and limitations of RewardsWP. Here’s my honest assessment.

Pros of RewardsWP

✅ Exceptionally Beginner & User-Friendly.

If you’ve never run a referral program before, RewardsWP removes the intimidation factor. The quick setup process, intuitive interface, and comprehensive documentation make it accessible to WordPress users of all skill levels.

✅ Powerful & Comprehensive Feature Set for Referral Programs.

The combination of flexible reward structures, advanced tracking capabilities, and detailed analytics provides everything needed to run sophisticated referral campaigns that scale with your business growth.

✅ Reliable Integration with WooCommerce & Easy Digital Downloads.

Unlike plugins that feel bolted-on, RewardsWP understands the nuances of e-commerce workflows, handling complex scenarios like partial refunds, subscription renewals, and variable products with ease.

✅WordPress-Native Advantages.

Managing your referral program from your WordPress dashboard, maintaining data ownership, avoiding monthly SaaS fees, and integrating with your existing plugins and workflows provides significant operational advantages. You’re not dependent on external services or subject to usage-based pricing increases.

✅ Developed by the Trusted Team at AffiliateWP.

Awesome Motive’s track record with AffiliateWP and other successful WordPress products provides confidence in long-term support, regular updates, and continued feature development.

✅ Customizable to Match Your Brand.

Every aspect of the customer-facing experience can be tailored to match your brand voice, visual identity, and program objectives. This customization capability ensures your referral program feels like a natural extension of your brand rather than a generic add-on.

Cons of RewardsWP

➖ Premium Plugin Without Free Version.

RewardsWP is a premium plugin without a free version, which might be a barrier for very small businesses or those just starting out. However, when you consider the cost of acquiring customers through paid advertising, the plugin’s price becomes much more reasonable. 

➖ Some Feature Limitations Compared to Enterprise-Level SaaS Tools.

If you’re comparing RewardsWP to enterprise SaaS platforms like ReferralCandy or Friendbuy, you might notice some advanced features are missing, such as A/B testing for referral campaigns or advanced machine learning for fraud detection. But for the vast majority of WordPress-based businesses, RewardsWP’s feature set is more than adequate. The WordPress-native approach often provides better value and easier management.

➖ Relatively New Documentation and Community.

Being newer to the market means RewardsWP doesn’t yet have the extensive documentation library or large community of users that some established plugins enjoy. However, the support quality is excellent, and the documentation is growing rapidly. The connection to the AffiliateWP ecosystem also provides access to a broader knowledge base and community.

RewardsWP vs. Other Refer a Friend Options

Let’s see how RewardsWP stacks up against some of the best referral program plugins and platforms.

SaaS platforms like ReferralCandy or Friendbuy might offer very advanced enterprise-level features. But they come with the trade-off of being external, often more expensive, and sometimes less flexible.

For many EDD and WooCommerce stores, RewardsWP hits a sweet spot of power, integration, and ease of use.

While other options excel in specific areas, RewardsWP provides the best overall package for WordPress-based businesses serious about referral marketing.

My Verdict: Best Refer A Friend WordPress Plugin

RewardsWP has become my go-to recommendation for WordPress-based businesses looking to implement referral marketing.

The combination of ease-of-use, comprehensive features, and reliable performance creates exceptional value for the investment.

The refer a friend WordPress plugin removes the complexity traditionally associated with referral programs while providing the sophistication needed for successful campaigns.

Whether you’re a WordPress beginner launching your first referral program or an experienced marketer looking to optimize existing campaigns, RewardsWP provides the tools and insights needed for success.

Who RewardsWP Is Best For? 🏆

So, is RewardsWP the right fit for your WordPress business? Based on my experience using it and understanding its strengths, here’s who I think will benefit most:

• Easy Digital Downloads Store Owners: If you sell digital products like e-books, software, courses, music, or any other downloads using EDD, RewardsWP is an excellent choice. Its direct integration makes setting up referral rewards for digital goods straightforward. Imagine your customers referring others to your latest plugin or PDF guide and getting a discount on their next download. It just works.
• WooCommerce Store Owners: If you run a WooCommerce store selling physical products, RewardsWP is equally well-suited. The ability to offer percentage discounts, fixed amounts off, or even free products (plus free shipping rewards) integrates perfectly with WooCommerce’s coupon system.
• Small to Medium-Sized Businesses Wanting a Simple, Integrated Solution: If your priority is a referral program that lives inside your WordPress dashboard, is easy to set up without code, and automates most of the process, RewardsWP delivers. You don’t want another external platform to manage.
• Users of AffiliateWP: If you’re already using AffiliateWP for your affiliate marketing, RewardsWP is a natural extension to enable customer-to-friend referrals. They are designed to coexist perfectly.

If you’re looking for an extremely complex, enterprise-level referral system with features like gamified leaderboards beyond simple advocate tracking, or deep API access for custom development beyond what WordPress hooks offer, then perhaps a high-end SaaS might be explored. But for most WordPress e-commerce sites, RewardsWP offers a powerful, user-friendly, and well-integrated solution.

FAQs on Refer a Friend WordPress Plugins

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions surrounding refer a friend plugins for WordPress users.

Get Started With Your Refer a Friend WordPress Plugin

Turning your satisfied customers into active brand advocates helps you tap into the most trusted and cost-effective form of marketing available.

Whether you’re a WordPress beginner intimidated by referral program complexity or an experienced marketer looking for sophisticated tools, RewardsWP delivers the functionality and reliability you need.

Ready to transform your customers into active brand advocates? Visit RewardsWP today to explore the plugin’s full feature set and see how it can accelerate your business growth.

For Easy Digital Downloads users, consider upgrading to the EDD Pass for seamless integration with both RewardsWP and AffiliateWP, creating a complete customer acquisition toolkit that will take your marketing efforts to the next level.

What’s next? Learn how to start an affiliate program in WordPress!

📣 P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!

The post RewardsWP: Best Refer a Friend WordPress Plugin? first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

While they might sound similar, they’re quite different in how they work and the results they deliver. I’ve learned from experience that understanding these key differences and similarities can significantly influence your success.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about referral marketing vs affiliate marketing for WordPress eCommerce sites. You’ll discover which approach works best for different situations and how to choose the right strategy for your business.

What Is Referral Marketing?

Let me start with a simple definition: Referral marketing is like having your best customers become your personal sales team. It’s a strategy that leverages your existing satisfied customers to bring in new customers through digitally-enabled word-of-mouth recommendations.

At its core, referral marketing is what we often call “refer-a-friend marketing.” It’s based on a simple premise: people trust recommendations from friends and family more than any advertisement or marketing message you could create. When your customer loves your product so much that they’re willing to stake their reputation on recommending it to their friends, that’s incredibly powerful.

How Referral Marketing Works

The mechanics are beautifully simple, and that’s part of what. Here’s how it typically works:

• Customer A discovers your WordPress store and falls in love with your products. They make a purchase and have an amazing experience.
• Then, your referral system kicks in – Customer A gets a unique referral link or code that they can share with their friends.
• When Friend B clicks that link and makes a purchase, both Customer A and Friend B receive some kind of reward. It could be a discount, store credit, a free product, or even cash.

Think of companies like Dropbox or Airbnb – they’ve built their entire growth engines around this concept. Dropbox famously grew from 100,000 to 4 million users in just 15 months largely through their referral program.

When someone referred a friend, both the referrer and the new user got extra storage space. Brilliant, right?

For WordPress eCommerce sites, this translates beautifully. Imagine you’re selling digital products through Easy Digital Downloads, and a customer loves your online course.

They share their referral link on social media, and three of their friends purchase the course. Everyone wins – the original customer gets rewards, their friends get a great product, and you get three new customers without spending a dime on ads.

There’s some fascinating consumer psychology at work here. When someone refers your product, they’re essentially putting their personal reputation on the line. They’re saying, “I trust this brand so much that I’m willing to recommend it to people I care about.”

From the recipient’s perspective, getting a recommendation from a friend carries enormous weight. It comes with built-in social proof and trust that no amount of advertising can replicate.

Key Characteristics of Referral Marketing

What makes referral marketing unique? Several key characteristics set it apart:

• Trust-based: Built on existing relationships and personal recommendations
• Advocacy-driven: Customers become genuine advocates for your brand
• High-quality leads: Referred customers often have higher lifetime value
• Cost-effective: Lower customer acquisition costs compared to traditional advertising
• Relationship-focused: Strengthens bonds with existing customers

Pros and Cons of Referral Marketing

What Is Affiliate Marketing?

Now let’s talk about affiliate marketing, which is a different beast altogether. Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where you partner with external promoters (called affiliates) who earn commissions for driving traffic or sales to your WordPress site.

Think of affiliate marketing as building a network of independent sales representatives who promote your products to their audiences.

The key difference from referral marketing? These affiliates don’t necessarily need to be your customers – they’re motivated primarily by the potential to earn commissions.

How Affiliate Marketing Works

The affiliate marketing process is straightforward but powerful. Here’s how it works:

• An affiliate (this could be a blogger, influencer, coupon site, or content creator) joins your affiliate program. They receive unique tracking links for your products.
• The affiliate then promotes your products through their content – maybe they write a blog post reviewing your WordPress plugin, create a YouTube video demonstrating your digital course, or share your products in their newsletter.
• When someone clicks the affiliate’s unique link and makes a purchase on your site, the affiliate earns a commission. The beauty is in the tracking. Everything is monitored automatically, so you know exactly which affiliate generated which sale.

Amazon Associates is probably the most famous example of affiliate marketing. Millions of content creators earn commissions by recommending Amazon products.

But it’s not just giant companies – I’ve seen small WordPress store owners build incredibly successful affiliate programs that drive significant revenue.

Key Characteristics of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing has some distinct characteristics that make it different from referral marketing:

• Broader reach: Affiliates can expose your brand to entirely new audiences
• Commission-based incentives: Affiliates are motivated by earning potential
• Performance-based costs: You only pay when results are delivered
• Scalable: You can work with dozens or hundreds of affiliates simultaneously
• Professional partnerships: Many affiliates treat this as a business

Pros and Cons of Affiliate Marketing

Referral Marketing vs Affiliate: Key Differences

Now that we’ve covered both strategies individually, let’s put them head-to-head and see how they compare. This comparison will help you understand which approach might work better for your WordPress eCommerce site.

Combining Affiliate & Referral Marketing

While these strategies have distinct differences, they also share some important similarities that make them both valuable for WordPress eCommerce sites.

• Both strategies are forms of word-of-mouth marketing at their core. Whether it’s a customer recommending to a friend or an affiliate recommending to their audience, you’re leveraging the power of personal recommendations over traditional advertising.
• They’re both performance-based, meaning you only pay when results are delivered. With referral marketing, you only give rewards when successful referrals happen. With affiliate marketing, you only pay commissions when sales are generated.
• Both strategies aim to acquire new customers through trusted recommendations, and both rely heavily on proper tracking systems to work effectively. For WordPress sites, this means you need reliable plugins and systems to track referrals and affiliate activities.

Here’s something important to understand: these strategies aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they can work beautifully together. Many successful WordPress eCommerce sites use both strategies as part of their overall growth strategy.

You might use referral marketing to deepen relationships with existing customers and generate high-quality leads from their networks, while simultaneously running an affiliate program to expand your reach into new markets and audiences.

For example, you could have a referral program that rewards customers with store credit for successful referrals, and an affiliate program that pays content creators 30% commissions for promoting your products. The referral program builds customer loyalty and generates trusted leads, while the affiliate program drives volume and brand awareness.

Referral Marketing vs Affiliate Marketing Uses

Choosing these strategies depends on your specific situation, goals, and resources. Let me walk you through the key scenarios where each strategy shines.

Best Referral Marketing WordPress Plugin

If you’ve decided that referral marketing is right for your WordPress site (or you want to implement it alongside affiliate marketing), you’re going to need the right tools. Let me tell you about what I consider the best solution for WordPress users.

While the name might suggest it’s only for affiliate marketing, AffiliateWP (and its companion RewardsWP) is actually perfect for referral marketing too.

If you’re running an online store with WooCommerce or selling digital products through Easy Digital Downloads, AffiliateWP integrates seamlessly. It’s built specifically with WordPress eCommerce in mind, which means you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues or complex workarounds.

AffiliateWP recently launched its newest plugin: RewardsWP. This refer-a-friend WordPress plugin is built specifically for referral marketing and creating a referral program.

The integration is so smooth that customer referrals are tracked automatically. When someone makes a purchase through a referral link, the system captures all the necessary data without any manual intervention from you.

💡 Learn how to start an affiliate program in WordPress.

Setting up a referral program takes minutes, not hours. The plugin walks you through the process step-by-step, and you can have your first referral campaign running the same day you install it.

AffiliateWP uses reliable tracking methods that work across different browsers and devices. It handles cookie-based tracking, handles complex scenarios like customers clearing cookies, and provides detailed reporting so you always know what’s happening with your referral program.

These referral and affiliate marketing solutions handle every aspect of affiliate and referral marketing that you need.

• Automatic link generation for customers
• Real-time tracking and reporting
• Automated reward calculation and distribution
• Customer dashboards where they can track their referrals
• Administrative tools for managing the entire program
• Integration with email marketing tools for automated communications

FAQs on Affiliate vs Referral Marketing

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions about affiliate marketing vs referral marketing and using these strategies for your WordPress website.

Try Affiliate & Referral Marketing in WordPress

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this deep dive into referral marketing vs affiliate marketing for WordPress eCommerce sites. 

Affiliate marketing is your pathway to rapid scaling and reaching entirely new audiences. Referral marketing is your go-to strategy when you have satisfied customers and want to leverage their trust and relationships to generate high-quality leads.

Here’s the beautiful thing: you don’t have to choose just one. For WordPress site owners, especially those using WooCommerce or Easy Digital Downloads, implementing these strategies has never been easier thanks to tools like AffiliateWP. You can have a referral program up and running in minutes, and the tracking and management features handle all the complex backend work automatically.

If you sell digital products and want an eCommerce plugin with seamless integration with AffiliateWP, get your EDD pass today.

Looking for more ways to boost sales and expand your reach? Check out how to build an email list using free downloads!

📣 P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!

The post Guide to Affiliate vs Referral Marketing for eCommerce Growth first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Imagine having a checkout page that asks for exactly what you need — nothing more, nothing less. This kind of optimized checkout leads to more completed purchases and fewer abandoned carts.

Achieving this means eliminating unnecessary fields. Easy Digital Downloads just made doing that significantly easier.

Our latest release of EDD v3.3.8 includes new controls to customize checkout address fields!

New Custom Controls for Checkout Fields

Now you can fully customize which billing address fields appear on your checkout page without writing a single line of code or purchasing/installing additional plugins like Checkout Fields Manager.

This is the flexibility store owners have been asking for, and it’s now built right into EDD v3.3.8!

Here’s what makes our new Address Field Controls so powerful:

• Complete control: Choose exactly which address fields to show or hide, and in what order. Plus, for the first time, you can add a phone number field!
• Zero coding: All changes happen through the EDD interface.
• Instant updates: See your changes reflect immediately on checkout.
• Cost savings: No need for a separate plugin like Checkout Fields Manager.
• Payment gateway compatibility: These checkout field controls work with any EDD-supported payment gateway.

The best part? This feature is available to every EDD store owner regardless of your license level. We believe everyone deserves a streamlined checkout process.

Customize Checkout Address Fields in EDD

Setting up your custom address fields is incredibly simple.

Start by going to Downloads → Settings → Payments. Then select the Checkout tab.

Then go to the Custom Address Fields section.

Here, simply toggle the fields you want to display on the checkout form.

You can also drag and drop any field items to rearrange the order in which they appear on the checkout form.

Note that if taxes are enabled on your EDD site, the country and state/province may be required fields.

Remember to select Save Changes when you’re done.

That’s it!

We’ve built this right into the core of Easy Digital Downloads. Every field you remove is one less obstacle between your customer and a completed purchase.

Easy Digital Downloads’ address field controls are perfect for:

• Digital product sellers: Only collect essential billing info
• Course creators: Streamline the enrollment process
• Software vendors: Customize fields based on tax requirements
• Membership sites: Simplify the signup experience
• International sellers: Adapt fields for different regions

Upgrade to EDD 3.3.8 Today

If you haven’t already, be sure to update the Easy Digital Downloads plugin to the latest version!

For more information about the changes and improvements included in this release, check out the following resources:

• EDD v3.3.8 Release Notes
• EDD Knowledge Base: The EDD Knowledge Base offers plenty of resources, like docs and tutorials, to help you get the most out of EDD.
• Customize Checkout Address Fields documentation.

Want even more ways to optimize and enhance your checkout? Upgrade to an Easy Digital Downloads pass:

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!

The post NEW: Customize Checkout Address Fields in WordPress first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

It can feel like a tightrope walk between legal compliance and providing a smooth user experience. There’s also the risk of legal headaches, fines, and potential reputational damage for incidents of non-compliance.

The last thing any site owner needs is for WordPress privacy compliance to be more of a chore than it already is. That’s why choosing the best WordPress cookie consent plugin should be a priority.

🔎 In this plugin review, I’ll share my personal experience with and opinion of WPConsent to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your WordPress site.

What Is WPConsent & What Does It Do?

WPConsent is a WordPress cookie-consent management plugin designed to help website owners comply with privacy laws. This includes informing visitors about cookies, logging their consent, and letting them manage their preferences.

Beyond avoiding legal issues, WordPress cookie notices are about earning your audience’s trust. People prefer sites that respect data privacy and demonstrate transparency while delivering a solid user experience.

The creation of WPConsent was Syed Balkhi’s response to WordPress users’ growing frustration with the complex and clunky tools currently available. The main goal? Simplify cookie compliance and management in WordPress.

WPConsent makes adding a cookie consent banner to your WordPress site effortless.

It tracks who accepts your cookie banners, records consents automatically, and provides tools to help data privacy compliance. This makes dealing with regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) much more manageable.

WPConsent also protects your data from unauthorized third-party scripts, ensuring they can’t add cookies without user consent. Plus, features like automatic website scans and geolocation detection make it less of a single-purpose plugin and more of a cookie-consent management system.

Integrating directly with WordPress helps WPConsent safeguard your website and user data.

Why WPConsent Is Best for eCommerce

WPConsent is neither the first nor the only free(mium) WordPress GDPR/cookie compliance plugin out there. But WPConsent is the most privacy-compliant solution.

That’s one of the reasons it’s the best WordPress cookie consent plugin choice for eCommerce businesses.

Easy Digital Downloads helps digital sellers build and manage their online stores and accept secure payments online. Our team understands the importance of data privacy, consumer protection regulations, and how challenging and complex they can be. Not only do we want to avoid legal headaches and fines, but we also want our customers to.

If you’re selling products or services online, you need to be especially mindful of data privacy and security. Below are some of the key factors and features that make WPConsent the best plugin for EDD, eCommerce sites, and other privacy-conscious businesses.

🛒 Superior eCommerce Integration

WPConsent stands out with its comprehensive integration with Easy Digital Downloads and other major eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce, making it the ideal choice for digital product and online sellers.

The plugin seamlessly handles:

• Shopping cart cookies
• Payment processing consent
• Marketing pixel management (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, etc.)
• Real-time cookie detection and categorization

WPConsent is lightweight and offers excellent performance. There’s minimal impact on site speed and loading times, which is crucial for online stores.

✅ Self-Hosted Privacy Boosts Security

Unlike Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, WPConsent is a self-hosted plugin. Rather than rely on third-party servers, WPConsent stores all data locally on your WordPress database and anonymizes IP addresses. This gives you full control and added security.

WPConsent’s global compliance coverage helps your eCommerce store meet privacy requirements worldwide.

🏷 Cost-Effective Pricing

WPConsent offers the biggest bang for your buck. But you can also start with comprehensive compliance at no cost.

• Best value for money
• Most comprehensive free plan
• Best premium features-to-price ratio

To avoid confusing and often misleading visitor-based pricing models that many alternatives use, WPConsent offers a flat rate. Multiple plans are available, making it easy to find the most cost-effective option based on how many sites you plan to use it for.

WPConsent Key Features & Uses

WPConsent offers a suite of features designed to simplify cookie consent management.

Custom Cookie Consent Banners

Easily create and customize a cookie consent banner that blends seamlessly with your website’s design.

You have full control over the banner’s appearance, text, and behavior. I appreciate how WPConsent lets me preview changes live so I can see exactly how the banner will look to my visitors.

Automatic Website Cookie Scanner

This built-in scanner is like having a detective on your website, sniffing out all the cookies and services running in the background.

It lists the scripts and integrations detected on your site, making it super easy to see what’s happening behind the scenes. You can run scans on demand or schedule them daily, weekly, or monthly.

• Set-and-forget functionality: Runs daily scans automatically.
• Comprehensive detection: Finds cookies from WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
• Clear categorization: Organizes cookies by type and purpose.
• Real-time updates: Keeps our cookie policy current without manual intervention.

Third-Party Script Blocking

This feature is a game-changer for privacy. WPConsent can prevent those pesky tracking scripts (like Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel) from adding cookies until a user gives consent.

This helps you stay compliant without sacrificing valuable analytics data. I’ve found this especially helpful for reassuring visitors that I take their privacy seriously.

The automatic script-blocking feature has been particularly effective. It:

• Prevents unauthorized tracking scripts
• Blocks tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel until consent is given
• Maintains compliance without breaking functionality
• Offers granular control over what gets blocked

I also appreciate the Google Consent Mode.

This option lets you easily make it so that Google tools can’t use cookie data until after the user agrees.

Cookie Records & Consent Logging

WPConsent automatically logs user consent, including IP addresses (anonymized), consent details, and timestamps. You can access this information directly from your WordPress dashboard and even download the log for audits or share it with partners.

WPConsent automatically records and documents all cookies used on your website. This transparency helps build trust with your users, as they can clearly see what data is being collected. I’ve found this documentation invaluable for my own record-keeping.

Global Compliance & Geolocation Detection

WPConsent is GDPR compliant. It meets all GDPR requirements and automatically updates for new regulations. But it also helps with other data privacy laws and regulations. This includes:

• CCPA: The California Consumer Privacy Act
• LGPD: The Brazilian General Data Protection Law (Brazil)
• AAP: Australia’s Privacy Principles (Australia)
• PECR: The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (UK)
• PIPEDA: The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (Canada)
• and many other international standards and laws.

Tailor your WordPress cookie banners to specific regions. Not all countries require cookie banners, so WPConsent lets you show or hide them based on visitor location.

For instance:

• Show GDPR-compliant banners to EU visitors.
• Display CCPA-specific messaging for California users.
• Adjust consent requirements based on local regulations.

Having the ability to show or hide notices based on your users’ locations is incredibly helpful because it helps to avoid unnecessary clutter and improve user experience.

WPConsent Plugin Review (4 Key Areas)

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty and review WPConsent on essential aspects and in key areas.

1. Ease of Use and Setup

One of WPConsent’s biggest strengths is its simplicity. Even if you’re not a tech whiz, you can have it up and running in minutes.

The onboarding wizard guides you through the initial setup, making the process super smooth. I remember feeling overwhelmed setting up other cookie consent plugins, but WPConsent was refreshingly straightforward.

Here’s the general process you can expect using the WPConsent plugin.

Install and activate the plugin (it takes less than 2 minutes). Just like any other WordPress plugin, you upload and activate WPConsent from your plugin dashboard.

Launch the onboarding wizard. The wizard walks you through the key settings, helping you customize your banner and configure script blocking. It even scans your site for existing cookies to give you a head start.

Follow the prompts while the plugin scans the site. When it’s done, it displays the results so you can easily see what services might be using cookies on your website.

Customize the banner using the live preview feature. WPConsent offers a live preview as you customize your banner’s appearance, making it easy to get the look just right.

No technical headaches or complicated configurations — just a clean, intuitive setup process.

I love the WPConsent dashboard that’s available in your WordPress admin. It offers a simple checklist so you can see the compliance-related tasks that are left.

WPConsent’s intuitive interface and helpful documentation make the entire process painless. If you do run into any questions, WPConsent offers excellent support resources to help you out.

2. Consent Banner Customization Options

WPConsent offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to tailor your cookie banner to match your website’s branding and style. I’ve experimented with different configurations on my own site, and I appreciate the flexibility WPConsent provides.

Here are some of the banner customization options.

Layouts and placement. Choose from various layouts, including a long horizontal banner, a compact floating banner in the corner, or a modal banner that appears at the top or bottom of the page. I prefer the compact floating banner because it’s less intrusive for visitors.

Style and appearance. Customize the font, colors, logo, and button styles to match your website’s theme. It’s like choosing the perfect outfit for your website’s greeter – you want it to look professional and welcoming.

Text, labels, and message content. Modify the default message text, button labels, and other content to align with your brand voice. I like to keep the language friendly and straightforward.

At the bottom of the Banner Design » Content settings, you can upload your Logo/Icon and remove the Powered by WPConsent link.

Live preview. See your changes in real-time with the live preview feature. This lets you fine-tune your banner’s appearance without having to save and refresh your website. It makes the customization process so much faster and easier.

WPConsent’s customization options ensure your cookie banner integrates seamlessly with your site’s design and user experience. It’s not just a legal requirement; it’s an opportunity to reinforce your branding and build trust with your audience. I’ve found that a well-designed cookie banner can actually enhance the user experience by demonstrating your commitment to transparency.

3. Cookie Management & Control

WPConsent makes it easy for users to manage their cookie preferences after they’ve dismissed the initial banner. You can add a Settings button to your banner, allowing users to revisit and adjust their choices at any time.

This level of granular control is crucial for building trust and empowering your visitors. I know I appreciate having the option to fine-tune my cookie preferences on websites I visit regularly.

Plus, detailed cookie records are a snap to locate and present to users. Likewise, the ability to customize cookie categories is a real bonus for a site like mine.

WPConsent also makes it incredibly quick and easy to create a cookie policy page for your WordPress site.

You can either select the Generate Cookie Policy Page under the plugin settings or use the shortcode.

4. WPConsent Plugin Pricing & Value

WPConsent offers a free version and three premium plans, catering to different needs and budgets. I started with the free version and then upgraded to a premium plan to unlock all the features.

The free version provides the essential features for basic cookie consent compliance, including banner customization, cookie scanning, and script blocking.

WPConsent’s premium plans unlock additional features, such as geolocation settings, consent logging, and priority support. The plans are tiered based on the number of websites you can use them on.

Ultimately, the best plan for you depends on your specific needs and budget. The free version is a great way to get started, especially if you have a smaller website. But if you need advanced features like geolocation settings or detailed consent logging, a premium plan is worth the investment.

WPConsent vs Other Compliance Plugins

I find WPConsent’s pricing to be very competitive, especially considering the features and peace of mind it provides.

Compared to other WordPress cookie consent plugins like Complianz, WPConsent offers a more affordable and user-friendly solution.

For example, Complianz’s lowest-tier plan starts at a higher price point and offers fewer features than WPConsent’s comparable plan. I’ve used both plugins, and I found WPConsent’s interface much easier to navigate and customize.

🏆 WPConsent also has the most:

• Comprehensive free tier
• Affordable and feature-rich premium plans
• Cookie consent data privacy

While Complianz and CookieYes are capable plugins, WPConsent stands out as the superior choice for eCommerce businesses, particularly those using Easy Digital Downloads. Automated compliance management makes it the most practical and cost-effective solution for online stores seeking to maintain privacy compliance while focusing on growth.

Who Is WPConsent Best For?

Whether you’re a blogger, a small business owner, a developer, or an eCommerce entrepreneur, WPConsent offers an affordable, hassle-free solution to manage cookie consent in WordPress.

I highly recommend it for those:

✅ New to cookie consent management

✅ Prioritizing see of use and self-hosted privacy

✅ Looking for a comprehensive set of features at a competitive price

✅ Wanting to add a custom cookie banner to WordPress within minutes

Bottom line: WPConsent can help you navigate the complexities of data privacy regulations without any technical headaches.

My Final Thoughts: Is WPConsent Worth It?

WPConsent is, hands down, the best WordPress cookie consent plugin I’ve used. It’s simple, effective, and affordable. It can help save countless hours of work and offer peace of mind, helping websites stay compliant with data privacy regulations.

As an all-in-one WordPress cookie consent plugin, WPConsent truly delivers on its promise of simplicity and effectiveness. It takes the complexity out of compliance, allowing you to focus on what matters most – running your business or creating great content.

WordPress Cookie Consent Plugin FAQs

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions surrounding the WPConsent WordPress cookie consent plugin.

Use WPConsent as Your Cookie Consent Plugin

WPConsent stands out as a powerful and user-friendly WordPress cookie consent plugin for managing cookie consent and privacy compliance on your website. Its intuitive interface, robust features, and affordable pricing make it an excellent choice for bloggers, small business owners, and eCommerce entrepreneurs alike.

It also integrates seamlessly with EDD! If you haven’t created your online store yet, grab a pass to get started:

📣 P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!

The post WPConsent Review: Is It the Best WordPress Cookie Consent Plugin? first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

ThemeSelection‘s journey from a marketplace-dependent vendor to an independent digital powerhouse demonstrates how the right tools and strategy can transform an eCommerce business.

Through their implementation of Easy Digital Downloads, ThemeSelection has achieved remarkable results.

Scale of Growth

• 163,000+ active users
• 196,000+ total sales
• $856,000+ lifetime net earnings
• 50+ successful products launched
• 6 years of sustainable independent operations
• $5,000-$6,000 savings per month

This case study explores how ThemeSelection successfully leveraged Easy Digital Downloads to break free from marketplace limitations and achieve complete autonomy in a thriving independent store.

ThemeSelection: Before the Transformation

As a Power Elite Author on ThemeForest, ThemeSelection had built a strong reputation for creating premium, fully coded Admin Templates and UI Kits. Their products helped developers worldwide streamline their development process and enhance productivity.

However, their success within the digital marketplace ecosystem came with increasing challenges.

Marketplace Saturation

• Increasing competition drives prices down.
• Marketing costs rose steadily.
• Profit margins became increasingly compressed.
• Product differentiation grew more difficult.

Brand Restrictions

• Limited ability to build direct customer relationships.
• No opportunity to establish a unique brand identity.
• Restricted marketing and communication options.
• Dependency on digital marketplace reputation systems.

Technical Limitations

• Inflexible licensing options.
• Restricted feature implementation.
• Limited ability to offer free and premium versions.
• Finite product update and delivery systems.

Constrained by these marketplace limitations, ThemeSelection sought a new solution. They wanted an alternative to selling on ThemeForest and other digital marketplaces.

The answer was to sell their products independently with WordPress.

“Before discovering Easy Digital Downloads, the process of building our own digital store seemed incredibly complex. We needed a platform that could handle free and pro product offerings, support different licensing models, and accept payments through multiple gateways. EDD turned out to be the perfect solution for us.”

— ThemeSelection Founder Ajay Patel.

The Solution: Switching to EDD

ThemeSelection’s move to Easy Digital Downloads represented more than a simple platform change—it was a complete business transformation.

They developed a comprehensive rollout strategy that addressed every aspect of their digital product business.

Strategic Platform Development

ThemeSelection approached its platform development with careful consideration of both immediate needs and future scalability.

Core Infrastructure Implementation

• Created a custom WordPress theme to reflect brand identity and enhance the user experience.
• Implemented EDD core plugin with carefully planned product organization and customer flow.
• Developed custom features to support their unique business requirements.
• Established direct customer communication channels.

Comprehensive Addon Integration

Transformative Results

Over the past six years, the impact of ThemeSelection’s transition from a restrictive third-party marketplace to an EDD-powered solution has been transformative across all business metrics — quantitative and qualitative.

By not having to pay marketplace fees, ThemeSelection saves approximately 30-40% of their earnings.

That money was reinvested into their own store and a new platform, creating a more sustainable revenue stream.

Plus, running their own store eliminates the issue of earning saturation, which is common on marketplaces. This autonomy has helped them avoid unhealthy competition.

Instead, they can focus on growth and long-term success without limitations.

💰 Growth & Success By the Numbers

• 163,119 total users
• $5,000-$6,000 savings per month
• 50+ products launched and managed
• 196,810+ total sales
• $856,687+ in lifetime net earnings

📈 Customer Relationship Management

• Direct communication with users led to better product development.
• Ability to provide personalized support and build lasting relationships.
• Valuable customer insights through direct feedback and usage data.

🖌 Brand Development

• Established unique market positioning.
• Built strong brand recognition independent of marketplaces.
• Created consistent brand experience across all touchpoints.
• Eliminated earning saturation common on marketplaces.

⚙️ Operational Efficiency

• Streamlined product release and update processes.
• Automated key business functions.
• Reduced administrative overhead.

“The more effort put into building an attractive store and marketing, the higher the potential for increased revenue,” explained Patel. “By moving away from marketplaces and building our own platform with Easy Digital Downloads, we’ve established a direct connection with our customers, improved our margins, and grew our brand.”

Strategic Steps to Success

ThemeSelection’s success in moving away from a digital marketplace toward an independent online store wasn’t just about the technology—it was about strategic implementation and vision.

Platform customization excellence. Rather than settling for out-of-the-box solutions, ThemeSelection leveraged its development expertise to:

• Create a unique shopping experience aligned with customer needs.
• Implement custom features for their specific market.
• Design intuitive user interfaces for both free and premium products.
• Build efficient workflows for their team.

Strategic add-on implementation. Their methodical approach to building functionality included:

• Careful evaluation of each add-on’s ROI.
• Phased implementation to ensure smooth integration.
• Custom development as needed to bridge functionality gaps.
• Regular review and optimization of installed features.

Customer-centric infrastructure. Every decision was made with the customer journey in mind:

• Simplified purchase and download processes.
• Clear licensing and usage terms.
• Automated update delivery.
• Integrated support systems.

“The ability to control our sales process, offer flexible licensing, and provide a seamless customer experience has had a transformative impact on our business. We’ve built something that truly serves our customers while growing our brand.

Best Practices & Implementation Tips

ThemeSelection’s experience offers valuable insights to anyone trying to escape digital marketplace fees and limitations.

Patel encourages users to start with the core EDD plugin. Then gradually incorporate add-ons that most align with your business needs.

He explains that EDD extensions become essential for streamlining processes, especially when you start scaling with many products.

A modular approach to the EDD addon ecosystem offers flexibility to customize your store without overwhelming your team.

Patel also recommends using opportunities to customize Easy Digital Downloads to best fit your brand. For instance, this could include using custom themes or extending plugin functionality.

“EDD has been the backbone of our digital store, enabling us to achieve our goals and grow our business significantly,” Patel said. “We’re proud to be part of the EDD community and highly recommend it to anyone looking to sell digital products with ease and flexibility.”

Start Your Own Digital Success Story

ThemeSelection’s journey from digital marketplace dependency to independent e-commerce success demonstrates the transformative potential of Easy Digital Downloads.

Their experience shows that with the right platform, strategy, and execution, creators can ditch restrictive marketplaces and build a more profitable and sustainable business.

Ready to start your own independent and successful journey? Download Easy Digital Downloads and build your online product store in no time.

You can visit ThemeSelection.com to explore their premium bootstrap admin templates, SaaS boilerplates, and UI kits. Connect with CEO Ajay Patel on LinkedIn or X for industry insights and updates.

📣 Feel free to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!

The post How ThemeSelection Used EDD to Break Free from Marketplace Constraints first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Today, Easy Digital Downloads is thrilled to announce the latest update to the Invoices extension, packed with features designed to simplify your accounting workflow.

The Benefits of Invoices

The powerful EDD Invoices add-on lets you automatically generate beautiful, customizable invoices for every digital download purchase.

Customers can access and download invoices directly from their account pages or through email receipts.

Invoices include all the essential details – from product information and purchase date to customer billing details – ensuring smooth transactions and happy customers, especially those with VAT compliance needs.

New Invoices Features

The latest release, Invoices 1.4.0, has some exciting new updates.

Bulk Invoice Generation

Save time and effort by generating multiple invoices at once.

Simply select the desired orders from the Orders list then click on Download Invoices.

This feature is perfect for batch processing and streamlining your accounting tasks.

Export Invoices in XML (Beta)

Another exciting update in this version is the ability to export invoices into machine-readable XML format.

This beta feature is available under Downloads » Reports » Export.

Locate the Export Electronic Invoices section.

Then you can select a specific month/year. After you click on Download eInvoices, you’ll get a .zip folder of the invoices.

This is super helpful if you want to integrate your invoices into other accounting software or systems.

Upgrade Today to Streamline Invoices

If you’re already using Invoices, be sure to update to the latest version to take advantage of these new features.

Not yet an Invoices user? Grab an EDD Pass to access Invoices and a suite of other premium extensions.

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!

The post NEW: Bulk Generate, Save & Export Invoices first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Today, Easy Digital Downloads is excited to announce the release of EDD v3.3.5 — an update that supports more payment options than ever.

Using the Stripe payment gateway, you can accept online payments via cards, digital wallets, bank redirects, and buy now/pay later options.

EDD + Stripe: Best Solution for Digital Sellers

Stripe is a leading payment processor known for its security, reliability, and global reach. With Stripe, you can be confident that customers’ payment information is protected and that transactions are processed efficiently.

Plus, Stripe supports payments in over 40 countries and 135 currencies, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.

As the #1 WordPress plugin for digital selling and a verified Stripe partner, Easy Digital Downloads works seamlessly with Stripe to provide a powerful and user-friendly eCommerce solution — whether you’re offering one-time purchases or recurring payments and subscriptions.

With Stripe and EDD, you can:

• Save payment details for faster checkout
• Monitor early fraud warnings to prevent chargebacks
• Easily sell digital downloads
• Approve or decline refunds within WordPress
• Much more

New Stripe Payment Methods Added

Offering customers a variety of payment options is essential for digital sellers. It improves customer convenience and helps you reach a broader audience. A wider range of payment methods can help reduce cart abandonment, boost conversion rates, and increase overall sales.

Previously, EDD users could use Stripe to accept bank transfers, debit and credit cards, and Apple Pay/Google Pay.

As of EDD v3.3.5, connected accounts using the Stripe Payment Element can access more options, including:

Note that this is not an exhaustive list. Stripe support and payment method availability may vary depending on the payment type, as well as location, currency, and cart contents.

Managing Stripe Payment Methods

EDD enables most Stripe payment methods by default. You can manage them directly within EDD settings in WordPress.

Just go to Downloads » Settings » Payments » Stripe. Under the Payment Methods section, you manage which methods are turned on/off.

Certain payment methods may require you to request access to turn them on. If so, you can handle this from your Stripe dashboard. Go to Settings ︎ in the top right corner, then click followed by Payments.

Under the Payment Methods tab, locate the payment method you want to enable and select Turn on. If further configuration is needed, it will be listed as Pending until approved.

Upgrade EDD and Add More Payment Options

Update to EDD 3.3.5 is a simple and effective way to enhance your online store and provide customers with a more convenient payment experience.

Go to Dashboard » Updates from your WordPress admin area to upgrade to the latest version.

If you want more information about the latest updates, feel free to visit the EDD Release Notes.

Don’t have Easy Digital Downloads yet? Upgrade to a premium pass and eliminate the 3% Stripe transaction fees!

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

Any questions, concerns, or comments? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or get in touch with our support team directly through our support page.

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn for more WordPress resources!

The post Add More Stripe Payment Methods at Checkout first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Today, we’re excited to introduce Commissions 3.6, the latest version of the extension with a few exciting updates.

Benefits of EDD Commissions

If you’re unfamiliar, EDD Commissions is the ideal solution if you’re looking to establish a marketplace system where vendors receive earnings on a commission-based model.

In addition to features like support for generating CSV files and tracking commission payouts over time, the add-on offers:

• Effortless commission tracking: Automatically track commissions earned by affiliates or collaborators for each sale they drive.
• Flexible payouts: Split revenue between multiple users, with options for both percentage-based and flat-rate commissions.
• Simplified management: No more manual calculations! The extension handles all the complex math for you.

Once installed, you can access and manage the extension under Downloads » Commissions.

What’s New in Commissions 3.6

We’re excited to announce a new update to the Commission extension that brings even more efficiency and valuable information to vendors.

First, we’ve drastically improved the performance of paying out vendors. Whether you are generating a payout for a few commissions or tens of thousands of commissions, the new form can handle it.

We’ve also made significant improvements to emails.

Consolidated Commissions Emails

Say goodbye to multiple emails per order. With the upcoming release of Easy Digital Downloads 3.3.0, you’ll have all new email controls available to you.

In previous iterations of the Commission extension, each download that was purchased would generate its own email.

Now, vendors will receive a single email summarizing all the commissions for an order:

Note that this feature is not enabled by default. The option to turn it on is located under Downloads » Emails then click Commissions Earned on an Order:

Simply toggle the setting at the top of the screen to enable the consolidated commission emails feature and click the Save button. 

Enhanced Commission Insights & Visibility

The next major update included in the Commissions 3.6 release is the addition of two new email tags.

The first is a tag that displays a vendor’s pending (unpaid) commission amount. The second new email tag shows the vendor’s lifetime commissions earned:

This provides a clearer picture of their overall earnings.

It also helps encourage active vendors. This level of insight shows vendors exactly how their efforts are paying off. 

Update EDD Commissions Today

Updating your Commissions extension to 3.6 can help streamline communication with users and make it easier to track performance more effectively.

Don’t have Commissions yet? Installing it on your EDD site can help you grow your sales network and streamline operations by effortlessly tracking and managing commissions.

Commissions is included with Professional and All Access plans. If you don’t have one of these passes, grab one today and install the add-on in no time:

📣 P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more WordPress resources!

The post NEW: Commissions 3.6 Streamlines & Consolidates Emails and  Enhances Visibility first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Whether you’re a current or aspiring online seller, understanding what digital products are in high demand right now can be the key to unlocking new revenue streams and reaching a wider audience.

If you’re interested in learning how to make money online, researching the best digital products to offer your customers is a great place to start.

🔎 In this article, I’ll cover:

Why Sell Trending Digital Products

Before we delve into the types of digital products to focus on, let’s explore the numerous advantages of selling digital products online.

Keep in mind that while selling via third-party eCommerce platforms like Amazon or online marketplaces like Etsy are options, I’ll focus this post on selling from your own website.

• Low overhead costs: Unlike physical products, digital products require minimal upfront investment. You don’t need to worry about manufacturing, packaging, or shipping – all you need is a solid concept and the ability to create the digital file.
• Scalability: Digital products are infinitely scalable. Once you create the product, you can sell it to an unlimited number of customers without incurring additional costs per sale.
• Passive income potential: Many digital products can generate passive income. Once created and uploaded, they can continue to sell even while you sleep, work on other projects, or take vacations.
• Global reach: The internet removes geographical barriers. You can sell your digital products to customers worldwide, expanding your reach far beyond local markets.
• Higher profit margins: With minimal overhead costs, you can enjoy higher profit margins on digital products compared to physical goods.
• Flexibility and convenience: Selling digital products offers flexibility in terms of pricing, bundling, and promotions. It also provides convenience for customers who can access their purchases instantly.

Digital selling isn’t just for small businesses or large enterprises either. Everyone from bloggers and aspiring business owners to entrepreneurs and influencers can do it with relatively little effort!

In-Demand & Trending Digital Products (2025)

If you’re looking for digital product ideas, it helps to discover the best-selling and most profitable digital products on the market. Let’s look at some of the most popular and trending digital products in high demand in 2025.

1. Online Courses & Educational Resources

The demand for online learning has skyrocketed in recent years due to its flexibility, affordability, and vast range of available topics. According to the Global Online Learning Market Report, the global online learning market is expected to reach over 6 billion users by 2029, highlighting the immense potential in this space.

Online courses offer a structured and convenient way to learn new skills or gain knowledge on a specific topic. Educational resources can encompass a wider range of digital content, such as:

• eBooks
• Tutorials
• Cheat sheets
• Webinars & videos

E-learning materials also have a place in digital marketing, providing an opportunity for sellers to educate and engage their target audiences.

Even if you don’t want to offer full online courses or lessons, you can use Easy Digital Downloads to sell step-by-step guides or downloadable resources on a specific skill or topic, such as software usage, marketing strategies, etc.

EDD integrates with popular course creation platforms like LearnDash and LifterLMS. You can easily create sales pages, manage course access after purchase, and deliver course content directly through your WordPress site.

💡 Learn more about selling online courses with EDD.

2. Digital Printables & Templates

Digital printables are downloadable files that users can print at home or through a printing service. Templates are pre-formatted digital files that can be customized using editing software.

Digital printables and downloadable files offer a budget-friendly and customizable way to personalize projects and enhance organization. They cater to a wide range of needs, from planning and productivity to creative expression, entertainment, and event management.

For instance, you could use EDD to sell:

This is just to name a few.

You can upload various file formats, set flexible pricing options, and deliver files automatically after purchase. The platform also allows you to add product descriptions, images, and variations to showcase your printables and templates effectively.

3. Software & Plugins

As the world continues to take on a digital-first approach to professional and social tasks, there is an increasing demand for certain software, apps, and plugins.

Worldwide, Statista says the software market alone is expected to reach a growth rate of nearly 5% between 2025 and 2029, highlighting the ever-increasing demand for specialized software solutions.

Software and plugins can be digital downloads that add functionality or automate tasks for potential customers. This category can be quite broad, so let’s focus on niche-specific software and plugins that address pain points and automate workflows for users within a particular industry or field.

For instance, some of the most popular and in-demand software and plugins right now include:

• Productivity plugins for project management, CRM, time tracking, or communication within teams
• WordPress plugins that provide eCommerce functionalities to online stores, social media management, content marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), etc.
• Photography plugins for image editing, watermarking, or portfolio creation
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & chatbots
• Interactive tech to showcase product features
• Data analytics & reporting

💡 Easy Digital Downloads lets you sell open-source and desktop software and has an add-on dedicated to Software Licensing. You can use EDD to manage licenses, control access, and deliver plugin download links.

4. Memberships & Subscriptions

Subscription-based and membership sites offer exclusive content, resources, or community access to paying members. Subscription sites provide content creators with an opportunity to sell digital goods to customers on a recurring basis.

This could include memberships for exclusive online courses, downloadable resources, digital assets, community forums, or live Q&A sessions.

Memberships and subscriptions provide recurring revenue streams and foster stronger customer loyalty. Customers appreciate the convenience of receiving curated content or products regularly, while sellers benefit from predictable income and a dedicated customer base.

EDD’s powerful Recurring Payments features make it an excellent platform for selling memberships and subscriptions. You can create different membership tiers, offer free trials, and manage recurring payments seamlessly. It also integrates with popular membership plugins like MemberPress and Restrict Content Pro.

5. Digital Art & Design Assets

As we’ve seen with the rising popularity of design platforms like Canva, there’s an increasing demand for design assets and templates that can be used for both on and offline purposes.

Digital art encompasses a wide range of creative assets that can be used for various purposes like web design, graphic design, marketing materials, and creative projects.

Some examples of trending digital products in the art and design space include:

Designers and creatives can offer a vast library of high-quality resources that can save time and enhance digital projects. The ability to purchase individual assets or subscribe to libraries provides flexibility and affordability.

EDD allows you to sell individual digital art assets or create bundled packages. You can control download limits and set flexible licensing options depending on your content usage terms. EDD’s beginner and user-friendly interface makes it easy to showcase your artwork and manage sales effectively.

6. Audio Content

Audio files themselves aren’t necessarily a single trending digital product. But the demand for various types of audio content delivered as digital files is definitely on the rise.

Last year, Deloitte forecasted a surge in listeners across various audio entertainment formats. These estimates include:

• Over 1.7 billion monthly podcast listeners
• 750 million monthly music-streaming subscribers
• 270 million monthly audiobook listeners globally

Subscription services for music, audiobooks, and podcasts are hugely popular. People are consuming more audio content than ever, and it’s all delivered digitally.

Audio content is also versatile, convenient, and caters to different needs. Music provides entertainment, audiobooks offer education, podcasts inform and entertain, and even calming soundscapes can be digital products.

Statista research also showed a steady inline in digital music market growth between 2017 and 2027.

Digital creators can also create and sell audio content to be used as:

• Background music for explainer videos, product demonstrations, or educational content
• Sound effects for podcasts, video games, or mobile apps
• Royalty-free music for YouTube videos, social media content, or marketing campaigns

EDD can be a great platform for selling individual audio tracks or bundled music libraries. You can set pricing based on file type, usage rights, and track length.

7. eBooks & Self-Published Content

Another category of trending digital products in high demand right now are eBooks and self-published content. The global eBook market is expected to reach over $5 billion by 2027, highlighting the continued popularity of digital reading.

Ebooks are electronic versions of books that can be downloaded and read on various devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones. Self-published content encompasses a broader range of digital publications, including workbooks, guides, manuals, and research papers.

Whereas eBooks offer a convenient and portable way to access books compared to traditional printed formats, self-published content allows publishers and content creators to bypass traditional publishing gatekeepers and reach readers directly.

💡 Learn more about selling eBooks with Easy Digital Downloads.

8. Presets for Photo & Video Editing

The global photo editing software market is currently valued at about $345 million, indicating the increasing demand for photo editing tools and resources.

Presets are pre-configured settings for photo and video editing software that can be applied with a single click to achieve specific visual effects. LUTs (Look Up Tables) are a type of preset that manipulates color grading within an image or video.

Examples include:

• Presets for achieving popular photographic styles like vintage, cinematic, or black-and-white
• LUTs for color grading videos to match specific themes or moods
• Preset & LUT collections catering to specific photography or videography niches like weddings, travel, or product photography

Presets and LUTs save photo and video editors significant time and effort by offering quick and consistent visual effects. They allow even beginners to achieve professional-looking results without extensive editing expertise.

Why Use EDD to Sell Digital Products

Now that you’ve explored a wide range of trending digital products, let’s delve into why Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) stands out as the perfect platform for selling them on your WordPress website.

EDD is:

• Easy to use & beginner-friendly: EDD boasts a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to add, manage, and sell trending digital products, even with no prior coding experience.
• Seamless WordPress integration: EDD integrates seamlessly with your WordPress website. This allows you to leverage the existing functionalities of your site and manage your digital store from a familiar platform.
• Powerful features for digital product sales: EDD offers a robust set of features specifically designed for selling digital product, including:
  • Flexible pricing options (one-time purchases, subscriptions, & recurring payments)
  • Secure file delivery & download management
  • Discount codes & coupon management
  • Integration with popular email marketing services
  • Comprehensive sales reports & analytics
  • Support for powerful payment gateways including Stripe & PayPal
  • Affiliate marketing tools
• Scalability & growth potential: EDD can accommodate your growth, whether you’re starting with a single digital product or plan to expand your digital product library in the future.
• Large & supportive community: EDD benefits from a vast and active community of users and developers. You can access extensive documentation, tutorials, and support forums to troubleshoot any issues or find solutions for your specific needs.

Easy Digital Downloads has a plan to fit every budget. You can get the basic features and functionality needed to create your online store for free.

If you’re ready to scale your eCommerce business and want access to premium extensions and tools, you can choose from multiple EDD Pro premium plans. Learn more about EDD Free vs Pro, or grab your pass today:

FAQs About Selling Trending Digital Products

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions.

Use EDD to Sell Trending Digital Products

The digital product landscape is brimming with exciting opportunities for online sellers. By leveraging the power of Easy Digital Downloads and focusing on trending digital products in high demand, you can establish a thriving online business and reach a global audience.

Ready to build an online store and turn it into a successful business?

Grab your Easy Digital Downloads pass and get started within minutes:

What’s next? Learn about the best pricing models and strategies for digital products.

📣 P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more WordPress resources!

The post Trending Digital Products in High Demand Right Now first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Easy Digital Downloads empowers you to sell digital products seamlessly. But establishing a strong connection with your audience goes beyond your products and transactions.

Clear communication is crucial—and contact form plugins can help your eCommerce business achieve that.

In this article, I’ll cover:

What Are Contact Form Plugins?

Contact forms are an essential tool for streamlining customer communication. They provide a platform for customers to effortlessly connect with you through your WordPress website, whether to inquire about products, seek support, or voice any concerns.

Contact form plugins for WordPress empower both you and your customers. A well-chosen, user-friendly contact form builder simplifies their inquiry submission process while equipping you with the tools to effectively manage and track form submissions.

Why Use Contact Form Plugins for eCommerce

WordPress form builders can help improve your eCommerce site in multiple ways. First, they enhance customer support.

They help you offer a convenient way for customers to ask questions about your products, troubleshoot download issues, or request assistance. In turn, this can drive sales. Addressing customer concerns promptly can build trust and encourage repeat businesses.

Using online forms to gather user feedback can help improve your workflow, products, and overall store experience.

As with form plugins for payment forms, order forms, and other types of forms, contact form plugins can centralize all customer inquiries in one place for efficient management and streamlined communication. Not only does this save you time and energy, but it can result in a better user experience—which often boosts SEO and conversions.

Factors to Consider in Contact Form Plugins

With so many options, selecting the best WordPress contact form plugin hinges on multiple factors.

Let’s look at some important ones to consider:

Simplicity & ease of use. Installing and using form builder plugins should be a breeze, regardless of your technical expertise. Evaluate the plugin’s user interface and how user-friendly it is from both the back and front ends of your site.

One study found that over 90% of businesses saw an increase in conversion rates after simplifying their forms.

Features & functionality. Identify and ensure the plugin offers the functionalities you require. For instance, are you looking to create a single, simple contact form or do you want more specific/advanced features (e.g., conditional logic, file uploads, form templates)?

Integrations. Determine if there are certain integrations you’re looking to support, such as ones for email marketing services, WordPress page builders, Zapier for third-party apps, etc.

Budget. Of course, your budget will likely play a role in which contact form plugins for WordPress you consider. Fortunately, many offer free and premium versions, with features often correlated to price.

Security measures. Your chosen plugin should prioritize security to safeguard your customers’ sensitive information. This could include features such as built-in spam protection and Google reCaptcha.

6 Best WordPress Contact Form Plugins

Now, let’s delve into some of the best WordPress contact form plugins for eCommerce.

Here’s a summary comparison table for quickly comparing the best contact plugins for WordPress:

Plugin	Features	Best For	Free Version	Pricing
WPForms	– Lead generation & survey forms – Order forms with product selection & quantity fields – Abandoned cart forms for capturing email addresses – Payment gateway integrations (PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net) – Conditional logic for displaying fields based on product selections	Building all types of website forms for eCommerce sites (Easy Digital Downloads & WooCommerce)		$49.50+/yr
Formidable Forms	– Product order forms with calculations & user registration – Payment integrations (PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net) – Conditional logic for eCommerce workflows – File upload fields for product attachments or documentation	Creating complex forms with data management & advanced features		$39.50+/yr
Gravity Forms	– eCommerce product fields (name, price, options, quantities) – Payment gateway integrations (PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net) – Order management tools (notifications, export orders) – Coupon code fields & calculations	Building a variety of forms & integrating with CRM		$59+/yr
Ninja Forms	– PayPal & Stripe payment integration – Product field types (name, price, options) – Order form templates – Conditional logic based on product selections	Creating forms with extensive customization options & WooCommerce integration		$99+/yr
Contact Form 7	– Limited native eCommerce features – Some payment gateway integrations available through third-party add-ons – Can be used for basic contact forms on eCommerce sites	Adding basic contact forms to small sites with minimal requirements
UserFeedback	– Surveys – Customer data collection – Specialized user-response forms	Collecting customer feedback		$49.50+/yr

1. WPForms

When it comes to the best contact form plugins for WordPress, WPForms is the standout choice. It boasts a rich feature set, including designing various forms, processing payments, and integrating seamlessly with email marketing services like Mailchimp.

With over 5+ million active installations and a 5-star rating on WordPress.org, this plugin is incredibly intuitive, reliable, and versatile. It seamlessly integrates with popular eCommerce platforms, including both Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) and WooCommerce.

Overall, WPForms is my go-to recommendation for creating any type of forms on WordPress sites. Its beginner-friendly, drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to create complex forms.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop form builder
• Unlimited forms
• Easy Digital Downloads & WooCommerce compatibility
• Pre-built form templates
• Conditional logic
• Email notifications
• Multi-page forms
• Progress bars
• File uploads
• Payment integrations with Stripe, PayPal, Square, etc.
• Anti-spam & security features
• GDPR-compliant data storage
• Advanced forms like surveys, quizzes, multi-step & user registration forms
• Google Sheets integration

Pricing: WPForms is a freemium plugin that has a free Lite version with limited features and several paid plans starting at $49.50 per year.

2. Formidable Forms

For eCommerce sites demanding a high degree of flexibility, Formidable Forms is another quality option to consider. More than just a contact form plugin, it empowers you to create intricate and complex forms with a diverse range of fields.

However, Formidable Forms has advanced features that may require a steeper learning curve compared to some of the other options on this list.

Key Features

• Easy-to-use interface for designing forms
• Multi-page forms
• File uploads
• Form styler
• Data formatting & management (charts, graphs, directories, etc.)
• Conditional logic
• Quizzes & polls
• Integration with various services & automation tools

Pricing: Formidable Forms has a limited free version, with Formidable Pro pricing starting at $39.50 per year.

3. Gravity Forms

Another popular contender in the running for best contact form plugins for WordPress is Gravity Forms. A solid choice for eCommerce sites, this robust plugin provides a comprehensive feature set, including the ability to design various custom forms.

In addition, Gravity Forms offers helpful integration options with payment gateways and CRMs like HubSpot. It supports automated workflows and email notifications, which could come in handy for managing customer interactions.

Key Features

• Advanced form builder
• User-submitted product reviews
• Data collection
• Conditional logic
• Variety of field types & addons
• File uploads
• Spam protection
• Multi-step forms

Pricing: The pricing of Gravity Forms starts at $59 per year for a single site license.

4. Ninja Forms

Ninja Forms is another user-friendly freemium plugin for creating basic and moderately complex forms.

It offers a decent range of features, including the ability to design various forms and collect payments. The plugin also comes with built-in spam protection features, including Google reCAPTCHA integration and honeypot anti-spam protection. This honeypot field is invisible to users but helps trap automated bots.

With the paid version and/or the right add-ons, it’s highly customizable. However, Ninja Forms may have a steeper learning curve compared to some of the other options on this list.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop interface
• Essential field types (text, email, dropdown, etc.)
• Conditional logic
• File upload capabilities
• Email notifications & marketing integrations (add-ons)
• Payment processing (Stripe & PayPal)

Pricing: Ninja Forms has a free version with limited features. Pricing for pro versions starts at $99 per year.

5. Contact Form 7

For budget-conscious eCommerce sites, Contact Form 7 is a free contact form plugin worth considering. This straightforward tool offers capabilities for creating basic contact forms. It offers a good starting point for those new to the game.

However, Contact Form 7 has a limited feature set and a less user-friendly interface compared to some of the other options we’ve explored. It may require some HTML/CSS coding knowledge for any advanced customizations.

The simplicity of it can be a draw to some users. It fits seamlessly with any WordPress theme. You can embed the contact form on your site using a shortcode.

Key Features

• Simple interface
• Limited form fields
• Basic form & email notification customizations
• Spam protection & reCAPTCHA support

Pricing: Contact Form 7 is a free WordPress plugin.

6. UserFeedback

UserFeedback by MonsterInsights isn’t strictly a contact form plugin for WordPress. However, it offers functionalities that can be valuable for eCommerce sites.

It allows you to collect customer feedback through various methods, including forms, surveys, and polls. This feedback can be used to improve your products, services, and overall customer experience.

Key Features

• Form & survey creation tools
• Ability to target user groups
• Feedback widgets
• Detailed reporting
• Integration with project management tools like Slack & Trello

Pricing: UserFeedback offers a freemium model with a limited free plan and paid plans starting at $49.50 per month.

Honorable Mention Contact Form Plugins

Although they don’t quite make our list of best contact form plugins for WordPress eCommerce sites, there are a few plugins you may want to consider for specific purposes.

Happyforms is a WordPress plugin for creating simple, user-friendly contact forms with a real-time form builder. It supports multi-column layouts and various customization options. While it’s great if you need a straightforward, simple solution, I don’t recommend it for eCommerce sites with complex functionality.

If you’re already using the Jetpack plugin, you might consider its contact form feature. It’s designed for basic contact forms on sites that don’t require sophisticated functionality. The Jetpack Form builder integrates with the WordPress Block Editor, making it easy to insert forms into your pages and posts. It also works with Akismet to reduce spam submissions.

Fluent Forms is another versatile and feature-packed form builder plugin for WordPress. While it includes a handful of features for eCommerce sites, similar to Happyforms, it’s better suited for smaller sites. Plugins like WPForms and Gravity Forms are generally better equipped for the requirements and functionalities needed for larger and more complex eCommerce sites.

FAQs About Contact Form Plugins

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions about contact form plugins and using them for your WordPress eCommerce site.

Enhance EDD With Contact Form Plugins

Implementing a robust contact form plugin can enhance communication, build stronger customer relationships, and ultimately boost sales on your online store. Evaluate your needs and choose the plugin that best fits your budget, technical expertise, and desired functionalities.

Don’t have your Easy Digital Downloads store set up yet? Grab a pass and get started within minutes:

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Want to learn more ways to enhance your eCommerce experience? Check out these digital product store features customers love!

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The post 6 Best Contact Form Plugins for WordPress eCommerce Sites first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

You poured your heart and soul into creating a stellar digital product—be it an eBook, a time-saving plugin, a captivating online course, or another type of digital download.

But before you hit publish and watch the sales roll in, there’s a crucial question: how much should you charge?

This is where your online business pricing model comes in.

🔎 In this article, I’ll cover:

What Is a Pricing Model?

A pricing model is a framework that determines how you price your digital product. It goes beyond simply slapping a dollar amount on it and considers factors like:

• Perceived value
• Cost of production
• Market trends
• Customer buying behavior

It’s the strategy that business owners use to determine the value of a digital product and translate that value into a price that resonates with customers. This is the core structure that defines how you charge for your digital goods.

It could be a one-time fee, a recurring subscription, or a more creative approach like pay-what-you-want.

Choosing the right pricing model is vital for eCommerce success. It impacts everything from your sales volume and revenue to customer perception and brand reputation.

Think of pricing as a map that guides your customers towards the value you offer. A pricing strategy builds upon the chosen pricing model and encompasses the specific price points, tiers, and promotional offers you implement within your chosen model.

Importance of Pricing Models & Strategies

Setting the right price for your digital downloads is a delicate dance. It needs to be high enough to reflect the value you provide and generate a healthy profit, but also low enough to attract customers and not price yourself out of the market.

Choosing the best pricing model for your digital product business is important because it:

• Optimizes sales & revenue. The right price can maximize your online store sales volume and ensure you’re fairly compensated for your work.
• Attracts the right customers. Pricing sends a message about your product’s value. You want to attract customers who appreciate what you offer.
• Builds brand perception. Higher quality products priced accordingly build a strong brand image.

Having a well-defined pricing strategy isn’t just about recouping costs; it’s about understanding your target audience, their needs, and how your product solves their problems. It’s about striking the perfect balance between maximizing your profits and ensuring your product is accessible to those who need it most.

Digital Product Pricing Factors to Consider

Choosing the right pricing model depends on several factors. For instance, you need to consider production costs, competitor pricing, and perceived value to determine the optimal price points for your chosen model.

Additional factors to consider include:

• Product type: Consider the complexity, ongoing value, and target audience of your product. What value does your product offer?
• Customer needs: Understand your ideal customer’s budget and what kind of value they seek. How does your product solve customer problems or improve their lives?
• Business goals: Do you prioritize maximizing revenue, customer acquisition, or recurring income?
• Competitor analysis: Research your competitors’ pricing models and identify any potential opportunities to differentiate yourself. Can you offer a better value proposition at a similar price point?

Best Pricing Models for Digital Products

Now, let’s explore the various pricing models at your disposal, along with their advantages, disadvantages, and implementation tips using Easy Digital Downloads (EDD).

Summary of Best Pricing Models for Digital Products

This table provides an overview and comparison of the best pricing models:

Remember: This is just a starting point. You can experiment with different models or even combine them to create a hybrid pricing strategy that perfectly aligns with your unique product and target audience.

1. Cost-Based Pricing

This straightforward approach involves calculating the costs associated with creating and delivering your product (e.g., software development, design fees, content creation) and adding a desired profit margin to arrive at the final price.

This model sets the price of your product by adding a markup percentage to the total cost of production, development, and distribution. It’s a straightforward approach that ensures you cover your expenses and generate a profit.

Cost-based pricing is often used for basic digital products with well-defined production costs, like eBooks with minimal design elements or stock photos with a set production cost.

While cost-based pricing offers a starting point, it shouldn’t be the sole factor in determining your final price. Be sure to consider the value proposition of your product, competitor pricing, and customer needs to ensure you’re striking the right balance.

2. Value-Based Pricing

With the value-based pricing approach, the price is based on the perceived value that your product delivers to the customer, rather than distribution costs or production costs.

Imagine the positive outcomes or transformations users experience after purchasing your download. Focus on the impact and benefits your product provides, such as the pain points it alleviates.

The more your product solves a problem, improves lives, or saves time, the higher you can price it.

Use EDD’s powerful pricing options to showcase the benefits alongside the price tag. Consider highlighting success stories or testimonials from satisfied customers.

3. One-Time Fee (Pay Once Model)

This is the classic model where customers pay a single fixed price upfront fee to gain access to your digital product. It’s great for simple, well-defined products like eBooks, downloadable templates, stock photos, or plugins with a single function.

EDD is perfectly suited for one-time fees. You simply set a price for your product and publish it:

You can also include a clear description of what the customer gets for their purchase.

4. Subscription Pricing

With subscription pricing, customers pay a recurring fee (monthly, quarterly, yearly) to access your product or a collection of products. While it’s possible to use this structure for physical products, this pricing model is popular in digital marketing as it’s ideal for digital products with ongoing value, such as:

• Software with continuous updates
• Exclusive member content
• Access to online communities

If you run a subscription-based business, there are multiple ways you can structure your pricing model. For instance, a flat rate, tiered, usage-based, etc. The most used subscription pricing model among the majority of subscription commerce merchants (52%) is a flat rate.

This is followed by the good/better/best model (also known as tiered pricing, which I’ll cover next).

EDD makes it easy to set up subscription billing with extensions like Recurring Payments and All Access.

You can also seamlessly integrate with plugins like Restrict Content Pro, MemberPress, and Paid Memberships Pro. These plugins add features like recurring payment processing and tiered subscription options to your store.

5. Tiered Pricing

Tiered pricing is one of the best pricing models for digital products because it lets you offer your product in multiple tiers with varying price points and feature sets.

This pricing model caters to different budgets and customer needs, allowing customers to choose the option that best suits them. It’s ideal for products with varying levels of complexity or for providing different access levels to content.

For instance, it would be ideal for offering a plugin with a free basic version, a premium version with advanced features, and an agency version with multi-site licensing.

EDD allows you to create multiple price options for a single product. Each price option can have its own set of features and benefits clearly outlined.

Create separate download options within EDD for each tier, clearly outlining the features included in each.

6. Freemium Pricing Model

Similar to tiered pricing, this strategy offers a basic version of your product for free, encouraging users to upgrade to a premium version with additional features or functionalities.

If you’re a small business, freemium can be a great way to attract new customers and build a user base while also showcasing the core value of your product.

EDD allows you to create a free download for the basic version of your product. You can then set up separate paid downloads for the premium versions with their additional features clearly highlighted.

7. Pay What You Want (PWYW)

This approach allows customers to determine the price they’re willing to pay for your product. While it can be risky, it can also foster goodwill and attract budget-conscious customers. It can potentially lead to higher average order values if other products are offered alongside the pay-what-you-want option.

While it can foster trust and customer appreciation, it’s important to manage expectations and ensure you receive fair compensation for your work.

EDD lets you implement the PWYW pricing model using the Custom Prices add-on.

Another option is to offer the product as a free download and include a prominent “donation” button on the product page, linking to a payment processor like PayPal.

8. Product Bundling

Rounding out our list of the best pricing models for digital products is product bundling. This model involves combining multiple digital products into a single package at a discounted price.

Bundling allows you to offer customers more value for their money and encourage them to purchase additional products they might not have considered on their own. It’s an excellent way to create enticing offers and boost sales.

EDD’s Plets you easily group multiple products together and set a discounted price for the bundle.

Tips for Choosing the Best Pricing Models

While choosing the right pricing model is crucial, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Once you’ve established a baseline pricing strategy, consider these tactics to maximize your revenue and customer base:

Implement dynamic pricing. This could involve adjusting prices based on factors like customer location, purchase history, or even real-time demand.

Utilize upselling and cross-selling. Leverage EDD’s Cross-sell and Upsell extension to recommend related products during the checkout process. Upselling encourages customers to purchase a higher-tier version of your current product, while cross-selling suggests complementary products that enhance the value of their initial purchase.

Focus on building value. Continuously strive to enhance the value you deliver to your customers. This could involve offering bonus content, updates, or exclusive access to a community. By exceeding customer expectations, you justify your pricing and encourage repeat business.

Offer a money-back guarantee. Consider offering a money-back guarantee to mitigate customer risk and increase trust. This demonstrates confidence in your product’s value.

Leverage promotional strategies. Utilize strategic discounts, coupons, and limited-time offers to create a sense of urgency and incentivize purchases.

Track key metrics. Use EDD’s built-in reporting tools to monitor key metrics like conversion rates, average order value, and customer acquisition costs. This data will help you identify areas for improvement and refine your pricing strategy.

Gather customer feedback. Actively solicit feedback from your customers through surveys or email campaigns. Ask them about their experience, including their perception of value and whether they find the pricing fair.

Experiment and analyze. Don’t be afraid to test different pricing models and analyze the results to see what pricing sweet spot resonates best with your audience. Use A/B testing tools to compare different price points and landing pages to identify the most effective approach.

FAQs on the Best Pricing Models

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions on pricing models and strategies for digital products and downloads in WordPress.

Implement the Best Pricing Models With EDD

By understanding your value proposition, experimenting with different pricing models, and considering all the relevant factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best pricing models that maximize both your revenue and customer satisfaction.

Easy Digital Downloads equips you with the flexibility and tools to implement various pricing strategies for your digital products and downloads.

Don’t have Easy Digital Downloads yet? Grab your pass today:

What’s next? Explore ways you can increase sales with Easy Digital Downloads!

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The post Best Pricing Models & Strategies for Digital Products first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

A smooth and enjoyable shopping experience is paramount to your success. The User Experience (UX) of your e-commerce store can be the difference between a loyal customer and an abandoned cart.

Therefore, it’s important to understand and implement digital product store features and elements that drive conversions, boost customer satisfaction, and cultivate long-term loyalty.

🔎 In this article, I’ll cover:

Power of UX for Digital Product Stores

Let’s face it, online shoppers have options.

A study by Baymard Institute revealed a staggering global average shopping cart abandonment rate of about 70%. This means nearly 7 out of 10 potential customers leave their online purchases unfinished.

While shopping cart abandonment can be attributed to various factors, a negative user experience certainly plays a significant role.

Here’s why UX matters:

• Increased conversions: A streamlined and user-friendly experience encourages customers to complete their purchases. Frictionless storefront navigation, clear product information, and a straightforward checkout process from start to finish all contribute to higher conversion rates.
• Improved customer satisfaction: When customers find what they need easily and have a positive experience overall, they’re more likely to be satisfied with your brand. This translates to positive reviews, repeat purchases, and brand advocacy.
• Enhanced brand loyalty: A positive UX fosters trust and builds brand loyalty. Satisfied customers are more likely to return for future purchases and recommend your new products to others.

As with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and other marketing initiatives, investing in a well-designed user experience is an investment in your business’s success. Now, let’s explore specific features and elements that will make your digital product store a haven for happy customers.

8 Key Digital Product Store Features

What makes a successful online store and positive UX for eCommerce websites?

Certainly, things like a mobile-optimized site, good site security, high performance, and personalization are all very important.

But there are more specific digital product store features you can include to help boost engagement and drive conversions.

For each, I’ll explain how you can leverage or implement the features in your Easy Digital Downloads store:

This is the ideal WordPress plugin to sell digital products. You can use it to sell tons of different types of digital products, from online courses, audiobooks, and webinars to memberships, stock photos, digital art, and fonts. Check out this blog post if you’re looking for more digital product ideas.

Whether you’re selling eBooks, WordPress themes, license keys, graphic design presets, or something else, Easy Digital Downloads is an excellent eCommerce platform for beginners that comes with a wide variety of marketing tools and ways to make passive income.

Plus, using it to create and power your own website, rather than sell on a marketplace like Etsy gives you the most control over your pricing, profit margins, and customer experience.

1. Efficient Navigation & Search Functionality

Why customers love it: They can more efficiently search for and find the products or content they want.

Customers shouldn’t have to play hide-and-seek with your products. A clear and intuitive navigation menu, along with a robust search bar, are key.

Leverage categories and tags to organize your products logically. In addition, you can use a plugin like SearchWP:

This tool integrates seamlessly with Easy Digital Downloads and WooCommerce to provide better search functionalities. It considers all of your product details, including taxonomies and attributes.

2. ‘Favorite’ or ‘Save for Later’ Button

Why customers love it: They can browse and purchase on their own time, and easily come back and find their favorites later.

With the prevalence of social media in our lives, you’d assume that the ability to “like”, “love”, or “favorite” products would be pretty standard. However, it’s a feature that is often lacking on digital product stores.

This can be a big missed opportunity.

In reality, customers aren’t always ready to purchase a product at the exact moment they first see it. Not allowing your customers to save products for later makes it just a little bit harder for them to return and easily find them again in the future.

The EDD Favorites add-on can help:

It works with the Wish Lists extension (which I’ll cover next) and lets shoppers quickly ‘favorite’ downloads. They can add or remove items from the Favorites list with a single click.

3. Shareable Wish Lists

Why customers love it: They can save products and digital goods, window-shop, share their favorites, and enable others to buy gifts for them.

Although it’s similar to saving products for later, letting customers make wish lists takes things one step further by expanding the reach of these saved products.

Not only can customers keep track of the products they like. They can also easily share their wishlists with friends, family, and colleagues – bringing additional traffic to your store and making it easy for others to buy your products as gifts.

EDD Wish Lists lets your users easily save and share their wish lists:

They can quickly add a product to the list and create new wish lists without leaving the product page. It lets you create an unlimited number of lists, including guest users.

4. Seamless Checkout Process

Why customers love it: They experience more instant gratification and less wasted time.

One of the biggest obstacles to making sales on a digital product website is the purchase process. If it’s complicated, cumbersome, or takes too long, customers can easily lose interest.

In fact, an excessively long or overly complicated checkout process is cited by the Baymard Institute as one of the most common reasons for cart abandonment:

EDD offers a streamlined checkout process with minimal steps, allowing customers to complete their purchases quickly and conveniently.

You can also use it to enable guest checkout to allow customers to purchase without creating an account. This removes a potential barrier and caters to impulse buyers.

It’s also smart to strategically offer relevant upsells or complementary products during checkout to increase average order value.

Additionally, it’s essential to choose the right payment processor to use on your website that allows for quick, secure payments.

5. Digital Wallets & Payment Options

Why customers love it: They can quickly and easily complete purchases using their preferred method.

Catering to diverse customer preferences with a variety of payment options fosters trust and inclusivity.

Easy Digital integrates with popular payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.Net. Additionally, you can use Stripe Pro to offer alternative payment methods like digital wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay) or for added convenience:

Although the numbers vary, most sources project sales made on mobile apps and devices to make up well over the majority of all eCommerce sales. Increasing numbers of mobile-savvy users, more advanced smartphones, and a fast-paced society that is more on-the-go than ever. So, it makes sense that consumers prefer mobile shopping.

6. Product Reviews & Ratings

Why customers love it: They have community opinion to refer to when choosing a product, and they feel more secure when making a purchase.

Social proof and customer confidence are powerful tools when selling digital products. Customer reviews and ratings build trust and can significantly influence buying decisions.

You can use the EDD Reviews add-on to easily integrate customer reviews and ratings directly into your product pages:

I also recommend actively encouraging customers to leave reviews by offering incentives or simply by making it easy to do so.

7. Compelling Product Descriptions

Why customers love it: They can get a better understanding of what to expect from your products.

Your product descriptions are your sales pitch. Provide clear, concise, and engaging information that highlights the features and benefits of your digital products. This can be especially important when selling physical products, but it’s also relevant for digital files you sell online.

Use captivating language that speaks to your target audience’s needs. Include detailed information like file formats, compatibility details, and download link/installation instructions.

Consider incorporating high-quality product images, screenshots, or even demo videos to showcase your products in action.

8. Exceptional Customer Support

Why customers love it: The experience feels more personal, their purchase concerns are resolved quickly, and they don’t have to do much work to find answers or to contact you.

Even with the best planning, unforeseen issues might arise. Offering exceptional customer support demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Provide multiple support channels for customers to reach you, such as live chat messaging, email ticketing system, or a dedicated support forum.

Consider creating a comprehensive knowledge base with self-service resources like FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and video tutorials. This empowers customers to find solutions independently and reduces support load.

Clearly outline your return policy on a dedicated page. Specify the time frame for returns, conditions for eligibility (e.g., unused products), and the refund process.

FAQs About Digital Product Store Features

Let’s wrap up with a couple frequently asked questions about digital product store features.

Use EDD to Power Your Digital Product Store

By prioritizing these features and elements, you can create an online business and digital product store that fosters a positive user experience.

Don’t have your eCommerce site set up yet? Get started with Easy Digital Downloads to get one up and running in no time:

What features do your customers love? Do you have some experience to share when it comes to your own digital product store? We want to know! Leave a comment below.

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The post 8 Digital Product Store Features That Customers Love first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

When managing an eCommerce store, it’s important to make sure your digital products reach the right people.

SEO is a core marketing tactic that helps ensure your site appears in the search engines. Understanding the basics of SEO and how to optimize your digital product pages can help you drive traffic to your site and boost conversions.

In this article, I’ll cover:

What Is SEO?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing your website and its content to improve its ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs).

It’s the art and science of making your website and products friendly to search engines like Google, so they understand what you offer and rank you higher in search results for relevant keywords.

At its most fundamental level, SEO is a method for connecting people with the information they seek. SEO essentially utilizes a system of collecting information from web pages on the internet and running it through a search engine-specific algorithm to deliver the best possible results.

This is important for digital sellers, entrepreneurs, and online businesses of all sizes because it can help you attract more organic traffic to your website, which can lead to more sales and conversions.

Importance of SEO for Digital Products

If people can’t find you, they can’t buy from you. This is what makes SEO for digital products so important.

Organic search (people searching for things, not ads) drives a massive chunk of online traffic – over 53% to be exact! So, ranking higher in search results means more potential customers discovering your products.

There are many benefits to using SEO for digital products and eCommerce websites, including:

• Increased organic traffic: When your website ranks higher in SERPs, more people will see it, which can lead to more clicks and visitors to your site.
• Improved brand awareness: As your website visibility increases, so will your brand awareness. This can help you attract new customers to your small business and establish yourself as a leader in your industry.
• Higher conversion rates: When people find your website through organic search, they are already interested in what you have to offer, which can lead to higher conversion rates.
• Cost-effective digital marketing: SEO is a relatively cost-effective strategy to market your products and services compared to other methods such as paid advertising (like pay-per-click or PPC campaigns).

How SEO for Digital Products Works

How does SEO actually work? It’s like a secret handshake with search engines. They send out crawlers (think tiny robotic spiders) to scour the web, indexing websites and their content. To help them understand your products, you need to speak their language.

SEO works by sending signals to search engines about the relevance and quality of your website. These signals include:

• On-page SEO: This refers to the optimization of individual web pages on your website, such as your title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, etc. It’s important to make sure your website content is clear, engaging, and informative, and that you have catchy titles, well-structured descriptions, and high-quality images.
• Off-page SEO: This refers to factors outside of your website that can influence your ranking, such as backlinks from other websites. Imagine other websites vouching for you with a thumbs-up. Earning backlinks, also known as link building, from reputable websites signals to search engines that your content is valuable and trustworthy, boosting your ranking.
• Technical SEO: This refers to the technical, behind-the-scenes aspects of your website that can affect its crawl ability and indexability by search engines. Things like fast loading speeds, mobile-friendliness, and secure connections are key.

Plenty of digital product business owners are often left frustrated and unsure of how to maximize their exposure through SEO. Fortunately, there are some effective tricks you can learn to master SEO and push your online store to the top of the heap.

First, let’s take a look at some of the essential elements.

Basic Elements of SEO

I’ve provided a brief introduction to SEO. Now let’s get down to the nuts and bolts of SEO for digital products on a fundamental level.

Keywords

Keywords are the words and phrases people use to search for things. Keyword research is the process of identifying the relevant keywords and search terms related to your products that your target audience is searching for.

Think of keywords as breadcrumbs leading search engines to your door. They’re the words and phrases you’ll sprinkle throughout your website content, titles, and descriptions.

Long-tail keywords refer to the lengthier search terms that are more specific and have lower competition compared to broad keywords.

The more specialized you get in narrowing down your keywords, the better chance you have of a high ranking. This is because common single keywords can come with a lot of competition.

For example, the keyword “flowers” is general enough to produce results for anything related to floral design, flower shops, flower patterns, flower photography, and botanical information.

On the other hand, a long-tail keyword like “floral design San Jose” is specific enough to produce accurate results for floral designers in San Jose. Plus, there’s less competition with other websites.

Metadata

Metadata provides search engines with snippets and information about your site, including the title, description, and keywords.

To be successful with SEO for digital products, you’ll want to make sure your metadata is accurate, concise, and descriptive. There are some specific strategies for each type of metadata that you want to take into consideration.

Titles

When we talk about title tags we are referring to the section of HTML in the page source that specifies the title of a web page – one of the key ingredients that informs search engines about the page topic.

Title tags are the first clickable lines of text the user sees in their search results.

With digital product pages, you’ll want to include the product title itself in the title tag. Naming your products appropriately, including primary keywords, helps your target audience find them, and establishes your store as a source for those product types.

It also helps boost page rankings and click-through rates (CTR; how many times your title is clicked on in search results) for those keywords.

Descriptions

In search engines, meta descriptions are text below the title tag that describes what the page is all about. The meta description is a great opportunity to communicate to the user why they should click through and visit the page, and it can utilize keywords just like the other SEO components.

Generally speaking, including one or more keywords in the description that you’ve also used in the title lets the search engines know that the topic is consistent with the title. Keeping it straight and to the point helps customers get a feel for the content quicker. Accuracy and descriptiveness are hugely important, as Google (for example) may reassign content from elsewhere on the page if it deems the description inadequate.

When it comes to SEO for digital products and product pages, you’ll want to include information like the key features and other descriptive elements that let users know what the product is, what it’s for, its purpose and inspiration, or background information. Google even pulls pricing information from product pages. It’s incredibly important that your digital product copy is not only engaging, but also keyed to highly-searched phrases so your site has a better chance of appearing in search results.

Links

When it comes to establishing your digital product store as an authority within your niche and ranking highly among the many search results on the internet, link building is essential. In fact, links are one of Google’s three most influential factors for ranking.

This is largely due to how the newer algorithms analyze web pages. Content is still crucial, however, the amount of links coming into the page has become hugely important.

Some important things to remember:

• The anchor text (clickable text) of a link should match the content it’s linking to. However, excessive keywords and exact matches can be treated like spam.
• Authority is key; links coming to you from more established and popular sources will have a greater effect on your rankings.
• Links from pages within your niche or relevant to your main topic(s) are more effective.
• Editorial links (links placed within content) are given more weight, as “unnatural links” can violate Google guidelines.
• Google and other search engines may penalize you if there are a lot of lower-quality links going to your site.

User Intent

In the context of SEO, user intent refers to the underlying reasons or goals a user has for entering specific search queries into search engines. It essentially answers the question “Why is this user searching for this?”.

Understanding user intent is crucial for effective SEO because it allows you to optimize your content to match the user’s needs and expectations. Remember, the whole point is to give users exactly what they’re looking for with as little digging as possible.

So, while keywords may still be a fundamental part of the equation, delivering results relevant to the query, user intent goes one step further and filters according to user needs.

Satisfying user intent is considered a significant SEO ranking factor as it demonstrates the value and relevance of your content. When you produce fresh and relevant content that meets user needs regularly, you’ve successfully integrated user intent into your SEO efforts.

Authority

In the context of SEO, authority refers to the perceived credibility, trustworthiness, and expertise of a website in the eyes of search engines like Google. Websites with higher authority tend to rank higher in search results for relevant keywords.

The reputation your site develops over time can greatly influence your rankings, as search engines will come to know your site as an in-demand source for related search queries.

In addition to getting all of your SEO ducks in a row, the best thing you can do is produce regular content that is fresh, interesting, and relevant to your audience. The more of an authority you become within your niche, the more traffic you’ll get from search results and backlinks, bumping your ranking up and increasing your brand reach overall.

SEO for Digital Products: Tips & Best Practices

Ready to get started with SEO for digital products on your eCommerce site? Below are some tips and best practices to follow for digital SEO.

1. Conduct Thorough Keyword Research

One of the first steps you should take when developing and implementing an SEO strategy for your online store is to spend time conducting keyword research.

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs to find relevant keywords with good search volume and low competition. Target long-tail keywords (more specific phrases) instead of just broad one-word terms.

2. Create Quality Content

When it comes to SEO, content is king. The effectiveness of content marketing has been proven over and over again. It’s one of the best ways to provide value to your niche community while bringing in new website visitors and potential customers at the same time.

Therefore, to help boost your SEO for digital products, create high-quality, informative, and engaging content that is relevant to your target audience.

In addition to well-structured product pages, sales pages, and other pages on your website, this includes blog posts. Publish informative articles and guides that address user needs and integrate keywords naturally.

3. Consider User Intent

When creating your SEO and content marketing strategy, consider user intent. In other words, understand what users are searching for and tailor your content accordingly.

Create content that aligns with different buyer journey stages, such as informational, research, and transactional.

For example:

Optimizing for user intent leads to a better user experience. If users find what they’re looking for on your website, they are more likely to stay engaged, convert into potential customers, and potentially share your content, further boosting your SEO.

4. Optimize Your Product Pages

Of course, when it comes to implementing SEO for digital products, it’s important to focus on your product pages. There are a variety of ways you can optimize product pages, including:

• Include your target keywords in titles, descriptions, URLs, meta descriptions, & file names
• Use unique keywords for each page
• Write detailed & informative product descriptions that address user pain points & highlight features & benefits
• Use high-quality images & videos showcasing your products
• Include relevant keywords naturally throughout the content, without keyword stuffing
• Utilize product tags & categories for better organization & discoverability

You can use tools like AIOSEO to preview how your titles will appear in search results. You may decide to adjust your titles based on character count, width limitations, or user behavior. For example, if you have a predominantly mobile audience, use shorter titles (under 60 characters is a safe bet).

5. Focus on UX & Technical SEO

SEO is ultimately about serving your audience. If your website is confusing or frustrating, people will bounce, and search engines will notice.

Therefore, when implementing SEO for digital products on your site, focus on technical SEO and other aspects that influence the user experience.

Some ways to do this include:

• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly for optimal user experience
• Submit your website & product pages to search engines for indexing
• Ensure clear & easy navigation for users & search engines
• Link to relevant product pages & blog posts from other areas of your site
• Address website speed, Core Web Vitals, & structured data

6. Incorporate Social & Email Marketing

While social media and email marketing don’t directly impact search engine algorithms, they can be valuable tools to drive targeted traffic, build brand awareness, and encourage user engagement—all of which can indirectly contribute to improved SEO for your digital products and eCommerce website.

Use social media and email marketing campaigns to promote new products, blog posts, and special offers. Regular interaction and engagement on social media platforms can build brand awareness and establish your brand as an authority in your niche. This can indirectly improve search engine ranking factors like brand mentions and sentiment.

Social and email channels can also be excellent for demonstrating social proof. Positive customer reviews and testimonials can build trust and credibility, potentially influencing users to click on your website from search results.

7. Don’t Try to Trick Google

Years ago, you may have gotten away with things like low-quality, irrelevant backlinks, keyword stuffing (grossly overusing keywords), using hidden text, buying links and traffic, and advertising spam – all colloquially referred to as “black hat SEO”.

However, modern search engine algorithms have become so advanced that it simply doesn’t work as well anymore. Even worse, it can backfire, leaving you worse off than when you started as there are now systems in place to identify and penalize these actions.

While it can be effective in achieving short-term gains, using black hat methods typically fails to provide long-term results.

SEO takes time and effort. Don’t expect overnight results, but consistent work will gradually improve your rankings.

8. Track & Monitor SEO Results

Track your website traffic using analytics tools like Google Analytics. Monitor keyword rankings, website traffic sources, and user behavior.

Then refine your strategy based on data. Analyze your results and adjust your SEO tactics based on what’s working and what’s not.

Also, keep in mind that Google’s algorithm is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest SEO trends and best practices to keep your strategy on point.

Best SEO Tools for WordPress Sites

Although I mentioned a few in the previous sections, let’s take a look at some of the best SEO tools you can use.

AIOSEO (All In One SEO)

One of the best WordPress tools, especially for beginners, is an SEO plugin like AIOSEO.

As one of the most popular SEO plugins for WordPress, AIOSEO offers a comprehensive toolkit for on-page optimization and technical SEO implementations.

More specifically, you can use it for:

• Fine-tuning titles & meta descriptions
• Implementing XML sitemaps & rich snippets
• Social media integration for optimized sharing
• On-page analysis & guidance for keyword optimization

AIOSEO lets you specifically tailor product titles and descriptions. This means you can optimize for those high-intent keywords shoppers are using like “buy [product name] online.” It also helps you improve the readability of your pages and posts.

Easy Digital Downloads (EDD)

Easy Digital Downloads is the go-to eCommerce plugin for WordPress when selling digital products. It’s designed with streamlined handling of downloadable files and licensing in mind. As such, EDD can help with:

• Creating & managing digital product pages
• Ensuring smooth, fast checkout
• Incorporating high-quality images & clear descriptions
• Setting up payment systems
• Handling secure file downloads & license keys

EDD helps build search-engine-friendly digital download stores that are fast, easy to navigate, and secure. All of these factors help influence the trustworthiness of your website and online presence, which can affect your rankings.

Plus, EDD seamlessly integrates with a variety of WordPress tools and plugins, including AIOSEO, MonsterInsights, social and email marketing tools, and more.

MonsterInsights

MonsterInsights is a powerful and popular WordPress plugin that lets you integrate Google Analytics with your WordPress site.

It can help with:

• Understanding where traffic comes from & how users interact with your site
• Advanced eCommerce tracking for purchases, cart events, etc.
• Revealing popular products & content on your site
• Tracking which search terms lead to sales, clicks, conversions, etc.
• Connecting to Google Search Console & other monitoring tools

This can help you track your website’s SEO performance and identify areas for improvement.

Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is a free research tool within the Google Ads platform. It’s similar to premium alternatives such as SEMrush and Ahrefs.

Use it for:

• Discovering new keyword ideas related to your products
• Obtaining search volume data & competition levels for keywords
• Finding seasonal trends for particular keywords

This tool can help you identify the most searched keywords for your product category. Additionally, you can use it to pinpoint high-volume terms with purchase intent that you can target throughout your product pages and content.

Google PageSpeed Insights

Earlier, I mentioned how important your site speed and performance can be in SEO for digital products and eCommerce websites. Fast loading times are crucial for both user experience and SEO.

Google PageSpeed Insights is a free tool from Google that lets you easily analyze website speed and performance.

With it, you can:

• Measure site load times on both mobile & desktop
• Identify specific bottlenecks, such as slow images or excessive code
• Get optimization recommendations

PageSpeed Insights helps you understand the changes needed, such as image optimization or compression, to keep your product pages snappy and search engines happy.

Use EDD to Boost SEO for Digital Products

By incorporating these suggestions and tailoring them to your specific needs, you can establish a sound strategy and improve your SEO for digital products.

Don’t have your online store set up yet? Download Easy Digital Downloads to get it up and running in no time!

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The post The Basics of SEO for Digital Products & eCommerce Websites first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Running an online store on WordPress opens a world of possibilities, but capturing leads, processing orders, and engaging customers often depends on effective forms.

That’s where online form builders come in. These powerful plugins integrate seamlessly with your WordPress website, giving you the tools to craft engaging and functional forms for every need.

In this article, I’ll cover:

Why Use Online Form Builders?

There are so many use cases for online form builders that make them a must for eCommerce sites. Form builders allow you to easily create beautiful and interactive forms without any HTML, CSS, or coding knowledge.

Whether it’s a simple contact form, a detailed customer survey, or even a complex order or conversational form, these plugins empower you to build it all.

Benefits of using form builders:

• Improved efficiency: Save time and resources compared to custom coding or hiring developers.
• Enhanced user experience: Design user-friendly forms that are easy to fill out and submit.
• Increased engagement: Capture valuable leads, collect feedback, and boost communication with customers.
• Streamlined workflows: Integrate forms with your email marketing software, CRM, and payment gateways.
• Data collection & analysis: Gather valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences.

What to Look for in Online Form Builders

The best online form builders depend on the type of business you have, your budget, and the specific features you need. There are a wide variety of web form builders to choose from.

For instance, Google Forms, Zoho Forms, Microsoft Forms, Wufoo, and Formstack are all non-WordPress-specific options that can be useful for team collaboration. Others such as Typeform, Cognito Forms, and Formsite can be helpful for conversational forms and conversion rate analysis.

However, if you have a WordPress site, I recommend you get a form builder plugin that offers an all-in-one solution and integrates seamlessly with your online store.

Some key factors to look for in WordPress form builder plugins include easy usability, drag-and-drop form creation, and a range of form fields and question types. It’s also smart to find one that includes marketing integrations with popular email marketing and CRM platforms like Mailchimp, Hubspot, Salesforce, etc.

If you plan to process payments directly through your forms, you’ll want to consider which payment gateway integrations the plugin supports.

Finally, look for an online form builder with built-in analytics and reporting. That way, you’ll be able to collect and analyze data from form submissions in real-time.

Best WordPress Online Form Builders

Ready to jump into the list of the best online form builders for WordPress sites? Below is a list of the top plugins to consider for your eCommerce site.

Form Builder	Free Plan	Pricing	Best For
WPForms		$39.60/yr	Best overall form builder
Gravity Forms		$59/yr	Building custom forms
Formidable Forms		$39.50/yr	Advanced forms & data collection
Ninja Forms		$99/yr	Basic forms with option for added complexity
Jotform		$39/mo	Extensive template selection & non-WordPress options

1. WPForms

The gold standard of WordPress form plugins, WPForms is renowned for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. The plugin has 5+ million active WordPress installations!

It’s perfect for eCommerce stores of all sizes, from beginners to seasoned experts. WPForms makes form-building as simple and easy as possible.

You can use it to create order forms, add payment integrations and coupon code fields, implement abandoned cart recovery, user registration, and more. There are also tons of customization options for your form designs as well as features to help you collect data and boost lead generation success.

It lets you design, customize, and use forms in pop-ups, on landing pages, and across your site. Once you create the forms, you can share them on social media or embed them on your WordPress site via shortcode or the WPForms block.

Key Features

• Unlimited forms
• Drag-and-drop builder with 1,400+ form templates
• Conditional logic, multi-page forms, progress bars & file uploads
• Payment integrations with Stripe, PayPal, Square, etc.
• Anti-spam & security features
• GDPR-compliant data storage
• Advanced & powerful forms like surveys, quizzes, multi-step forms & registration forms
• Google Sheets integration
• Seamless integrations with popular eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce & Easy Digital Downloads as well as tools for email notifications & email automation
• Comprehensive reporting & analytics

Pricing: WPForms is a freemium drag-and-drop form builder with a Lite version and several paid plans starting at $39.50 per year.

2. Gravity Forms

Gravity Forms is a premium form builder known for its custom-building features and flexibility. It offers file upload forms, multi-step checkout processes, user-submitted product reviews, and advanced data collection.

While it doesn’t have nearly as many template options as other plugins on this list, Gravity Forms does offer an impressive selection of add-ons.

If you’re looking for a free online form builder, this likely won’t be the solution for you. But it can be ideal for large businesses or users who need complex forms with a high degree of customization.

Key Features

• Intuitive visual form builder with a plethora of field types & add-ons
• Powerful conditional logic & payment integrations
• Multi-page forms
• User registration & form editing by logged-in users
• Seamless integrations with various eCommerce platforms & marketing tools

Pricing: Gravity Forms plans start at $59 per year for a single site license.

3. Formidable Forms

Formidable Forms is a versatile form builder that offers both easy-to-use and advanced features. Similar to WPForms, you can use it to design forms with ease.

That includes everything from order and contact forms to quizzes and polls.

One area where Formidable Forms really excels is the ability to display form data that you collect from respondents in aesthetically pleasing ways. For example, you can choose from charts, graphs, directories, listings, etc.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop builder with various field types & layouts
• 200+ form templates
• App builder
• Form calculation feature
• Stripe payments
• Ability to track form views, user interactions & form responses with ease
• Strong integrations with marketing tools & eCommerce platforms

Pricing: Formidable Forms has a freemium model with a Lite version and paid plans starting at $39 per year.

4. Ninja Forms

Ninja Forms is a user-friendly form builder with a focus on simplicity and affordability. It is a straightforward form builder tool that you can use for simple product order forms, contact forms for customer inquiries, newsletter subscriptions, and basic data collection.

It’s ideal for beginners or smaller businesses looking for basic forms without a steep learning curve.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop interface with essential field types
• Basic conditional logic, payment integrations, & file uploads
• Easy integration with Zoho, AWeber, Mailchimp, Get Response, etc.
• Clean & intuitive interface for faster form creation
• Premium addons
• Dev Mode customization
• Form calculations

Pricing: There is a free version with limited features. Pricing for premium Ninja Forms plans starts at $99 per year.

5. Jotform

Jotform is a cloud-based form builder with a vast library of templates and features. While it’s not specific to WordPress, it deserves a spot on this list thanks to its expansive collection of its form templates and simple usability.

It’s ideal for users who need a wide range of templates and integrations beyond WordPress functionality. Jotform also offers online payment processing, advanced surveys and customer feedback forms, and mobile-friendly purchase experiences.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop interface
• 10k+ form templates & field types
• HIPAA-compliant forms
• Conditional logic, payment integrations, file uploads, & advanced reporting
• Integrations with payment gateways, marketing tools, & other external services (Zapier, Slack, etc.)
• Mobile-friendly forms & offline form submission capabilities

Pricing: Jotform offers a limited free plan and paid plans starting at $34 per month when billed annually.

FAQs About Online Form Builders

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions about online form builders.

Combine WPForms & Easy Digital Downloads

With so many online form builders available, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider your eCommerce focus, desired features, and level of expertise to make the best decision. Ultimately, any of these top contenders can significantly improve your customer interactions and boost your online sales.

Don’t have an online store yet? Download Easy Digital Downloads to get started in no time:

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

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The post 5 Best Online Form Builders for WordPress first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

That’s what motivated Set Sail Studios to find and begin using Easy Digital Downloads in 2016.

In this case study, I’ll explain how type-foundry Set Sail Studios has used Easy Digital Downloads to drive revenue (over $236,000 in sales!) and boost downloads.

Meet Sam Parrett

Set Sail Studios is a type foundry owned and operated by U.K. designer Sam Parrett.

After Parrett he honed his design skills as a freelance designer in the music industry, he has since created a flourishing, world-renowned font foundry business that includes more than 100 typefaces used by some of the biggest brands and agencies worldwide.

Setting Sail With Ambition

Prior to Easy Digital Downloads (EDD), Parrett wasn’t content with the restrictions of third-party font vendors.

With the vendors in decline and taking more commission from font designers (at least 50% per sale), he envisioned a direct connection with the designers—the ability to offer his unique fonts without hefty commissions or limited control.

Enter: Easy Digital Downloads.

Since creating his EDD store in 2016, Parrett’s been able to rely less on third-party vendors and more on his own store, “which I have full control over and receive the full sale amount only minus transaction fees.”

Achieving Digital Selling Success

Choosing EDD wasn’t a random choice. Parrett needed a platform that was user-friendly, seamlessly integrated with WordPress, and catered specifically to digital products.
EDD ticked all the boxes, offering:

• A smooth WordPress integration: The familiar WordPress environment eased the learning curve and allowed Parrett to focus on the creative aspects of his store.
• Flexible sales management: EDD offered complete control over pricing, promotions, and product configurations, giving Parrett the freedom to tailor his offerings to his audience.
• Streamlined download delivery: Secure and automatic downloads ensured a smooth experience for customers, minimizing technical hiccups.
• A treasure trove of add-ons: EDD’s library of add-ons provided powerful tools to enhance the store’s functionality.

From 2016 onwards, Set Sail Studios has charted a remarkable course with EDD as its compass. Here are some key milestones:

• Over $236,537.80 in earnings generated, showcasing the platform’s ability to drive sales.
• 77,776 downloads, including free offerings, demonstrating strong customer engagement and brand awareness.
• Ability to bypass third-party vendors to keep full control over pricing and enjoy higher profit margins.
• The Free Downloads and MailPoet integration resulted in a 15,000-strong email subscriber list, fostering communication and nurturing leads.
• The Multi Currency add-on removed barriers for international customers, expanding Set Sail Studios’ reach and appeal.

Beyond the Horizon

Parrett’s journey with EDD isn’t over, as he continues to explore new features and strategies, such as implementing AffiliateWP to further boost customer acquisition and SEO.

But Parrett’s success story offers valuable insights for aspiring digital creators.

Embrace the free download to email marketing funnel

The Free Download and MailPoet integration has helped Set Sail Studios secure an ongoing stream of new customers and increase repeat purchases through email marketing. You can use it to attract new customers, build relationships, and convert them into paying fans.

Leverage the power of add-ons

Tailor your store with features that address specific needs and enhance your selling strategy. For instance, in addition to MailPoet, Free Downloads, and Multi-Currency, Set Sail Studios also uses Amazon S3 add-on as a simple solution to integrate and manage their database of fonts.

Don’t be afraid to chart your own course

EDD empowers you to take control, experiment, and build a business that reflects your vision. There are plenty of premium extensions, features, and integrations to choose from to suit your specific needs and enhance your eCommerce success.

Start Your Online Store With EDD

Set Sail Studios, with the help of Easy Digital Downloads, continues to conquer the digital selling seas, offering unique fonts and building a loyal community of design enthusiasts. Their story is a powerful testament to the potential of creativity, technology, and the right tools coming together to chart a course toward success.

To learn more about Set Sail Studios or explore their stunning fonts, visit their website at https://www.setsailstudios.com.

Want to experience the power of Easy Digital Downloads yourself? Grab your pass today:

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

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The post How Set Sail Studios Earned $236K+ in Sales With Easy Digital Downloads first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Our Easy Digital Downloads Recurring Payments extension can help—and we’re excited to announce the latest version, Recurring Payments 2.12, is here!

Recurring Payments v2.12 is a powerful new update with reports that give you the clarity and confidence to make smarter business decisions, optimize your pricing strategies, and build a thriving subscription-based business.

Explore the exciting improvements to look forward to:

Introducing Revenue Breakdown Report

The new Revenue Breakdown Report paints a crystal-clear picture of your subscription-based sales, slicing and dicing your earnings into gross revenue for:

• New sales
• Renewals
• Upgrades

No more digging through spreadsheets or puzzling over ambiguous metrics. Now, you can see exactly where your revenue flows, identify growth opportunities, and tackle customer churn head-on.

Plus, the filterable report data is presented in easy-to-understand tiles, graphs, and charts.

New Report Elements

The report (Downloads » Reports) is packed with insightful visualizations to guide your strategy.

Intuitive tiles offer a quick snapshot of key metrics, including the gross revenue for each revenue type and a comparison to the previous period selected:

In addition, stacked bar charts reveal the contribution of each revenue type to your overall success:

You can also dive even deeper with separate pie charts showcasing the sales and revenue breakdown for each category during selected periods:

Want to laser-focus on a specific product? If you sell multiple products, you can simply filter the report from the drop-down menu and see how subscriptions to that particular offering are performing:

Beyond the Revenue Spotlight

Recurring Payments 2.12 doesn’t stop there. We’ve also implemented:

• Enhanced file download access authorization for subscriptions. Rest assured that only eligible customers can access their purchased files.
• Performance optimization. Experience faster loading times and smoother navigation for an even more efficient workflow.
• Boosted PHP compatibility. Enjoy seamless operation with the latest version, PHP 8.2.

Upgrade to Recurring Payments 2.12 Today

Ready to dive into the data and unlock the full potential of your recurring revenue? Update your Recurring Payments extension today and unleash the power of the new Revenue Breakdown Reports!

The newest version is available for update to all customers. If you already have a pass, log in to your account now and get started.

Don’t have a license key yet? You can purchase one today!

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

Any questions, concerns, or comments? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or get in touch with our support team directly through our support page.

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The post NEW: Recurring Payments Update Adds Revenue Breakdown Report first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Before creating an eCommerce site, it’s important to know what expenses to budget for.

Fortunately—and especially if you’re using self-hosted WordPress as your Content Management System (CMS)—there are plenty of powerful yet affordable options for starting and managing an eCommerce website.

In this article, I’ll cover:

Overview of eCommerce Website Costs

Ecommerce website costs vary wildly, from a shoestring budget to a hefty investment. Whether you’re an established business owner or a new entrepreneur, there are solutions available to meet your eCommerce website pricing and online business needs. The key is understanding what your options are.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much an eCommerce website costs. There are far too many variables at play. Therefore, the best approach to gauge the average cost and what you might expect to pay is to break it down by category.

Pricing Summary & Cost Estimate Breakdown

Before I get into the detailed guide of eCommerce website costs, it may help to understand the various pricing tiers and levels. Please note that:

• Basic/Starter sites have simpler designs, fewer products, and basic functionality. Good for new eCommerce businesses.
• Average/Medium stores have more advanced designs, larger product catalogs, and robust functionality. For established eCommerce businesses.
• Large/Enterprise sites have complex designs, huge product selections, and extensive functionality. For major brands and retailers.

Costs scale with site complexity, traffic volumes, custom functionality, and marketing reach.

This guide will explore the various pathways, offering a guide to costs involved in the essential—and some optional—aspects of launching and managing your eCommerce store.

Domain Name

Your domain name is your online address that tells customers where to find you. Naturally, you’ll want to opt for something memorable, relevant to your brand, and easy to spell. But the more ‘common’ the URL, the higher the competition and, in turn, the price.

Costs typically range from $10 to $30 per year, depending on the extension (.com, .net, .shop, etc.). Some popular great domain registrars include Namecheap, GoDaddy, and Domain.com.

However, many hosting providers include domain registration as part of their services.

Domain name average cost: ~$10-$30/year

Web Hosting

Think of web hosting as the land your website sits on. It stores your content and ensures it’s accessible to the online world. Hosting plans come in various flavors, with prices ranging from $5 to $250+ per month.

Choosing the right hosting plan, and how much you’ll pay for that plan, depends on a few factors, including traffic volume and storage space. Shared hosting is sufficient for low-traffic websites, whereas VPS and dedicated hosting offer better performance and security.

I don’t think most startups and medium-sized businesses can go wrong with managed hosting.

Some hosts offer additional features like domain registration, email hosting, SSL certificates, and website backups. For instance, SiteGround’s Managed Hosting plans start at $2.99 per month and include free SSL certificates and domains for new users.

Learn more about WordPress hosting for eCommerce.

Website hosting average cost: ~$3-18/month

eCommerce Platform & Plugin

One of the most essential factors to consider when estimating the cost of an eCommerce website is the eCommerce software or platform you use to power it. There are Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, and Wix.

Each platform has different pricing tiers with varying features and functionalities. On average, you can expect to pay around $50 per month. However, their transaction fees can eat into your profits and they tend to be limiting in terms of customization. Magento, BigCommerce and other alternative platforms are geared toward larger, high-volume websites with complex needs. As such, they tend to be more expensive.

In my experience, the most cost-efficient way to start an eCommerce website is with WordPress. The beginner-friendly, versatile, open-source solution is free to download and use. Learn more about the pros and cons of using WordPress for eCommerce.

Self-hosted WordPress installation: $0

WordPress eCommerce Plugin

Because WordPress doesn’t come with shopping cart functionality out of the box, you’ll need an eCommerce plugin. The best option depends on the type of products you sell. Two of the most popular options include Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) and WooCommerce:

If you sell digital products like eBooks, software, or online courses, EDD is your golden ticket. This WordPress plugin makes selling, delivering, and managing digital products seamless and secure.

The Lite version is packed with powerful eCommerce features. This includes checkout and product pages, customer and order management, discount codes, and so much more.

For EDD Pro, pricing plans start at $199 per year and include an impressive and expansive library of premium extensions to elevate your eCommerce business, enhance the user experience, and drive conversions.

Learn more about Easy Digital Downloads Free vs Pro.

If you sell physical products, the best option is WooCommerce. This free WordPress plugin lets you transform your existing website into an online store. While you’ll need to pay for premium templates and plugins, it can still be a more cost-effective choice than SaaS and other eCommerce platform alternatives.

WordPress eCommerce plugin: ~$0-$200+/year

eCommerce Web Design & Development

Another factor to consider for your total cost estimate is eCommerce website design and web development costs. Pricing for these can vary widely depending on a handful of factors.

For instance, the cost of building a custom eCommerce site in-house is generally much cheaper than outsourcing it to a development company.

Hiring a professional designer or development agency can help elevate your website’s look and allow you to add custom features and functionality you may not otherwise be able to.

Custom development and custom design costs can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. It all depends on your needs and the complexity of your custom website project.

To get a sense of what to expect for your eCommerce website costs, consider using a cost calculator:

A professional design can attract customers, but it’s not crucial for success. The most important elements of UX design are an intuitive user interface, easy navigation, and optimized checkout and product pages.

Most small businesses can save money in the long run by making investments in tools, apps, and solutions designed to simplify the website-building experience.

This is especially true if you’re using WordPress and eCommerce solutions like Easy Digital Downloads or WooCommerce. They integrate seamlessly with website builders, themes, and other add-ons to make designing, customizing, and optimizing an online store easy and affordable.

Web design & development cost: ~$250-$2,500

Website Maintenance

In addition to the upfront eCommerce website development costs, you may face additional costs associated with ongoing website maintenance. Depending on your technical know-how and the size and scale of your business, you may need to dedicate an expert or service to ensure back-end operations are properly secured, maintained, and functioning optimally.

The overall cost of this depends on several factors.

• Small, simple WordPress websites can require minimal or even no monthly maintenance fees. Basic tasks like WordPress updates, plugin/theme updates, and security monitoring can be handled for free or for around $0-$40/month.
• Growing eCommerce sites with consistent traffic increases can expect to pay anywhere between $50-$200/month for maintenance.
• Large, complex eCommerce sites come with hefty maintenance needs. Payment processing, data security, high traffic management, and constant feature updates often necessitate professional services, pushing monthly fees to $500-$2,000 or even more.

For WordPress, consider managed hosting, which often includes basic maintenance in the package. Keep plugins, themes, and WordPress itself updated to avoid security vulnerabilities. Always back up your site regularly to prevent data loss during emergencies. Finally, utilize tools to monitor performance and identify issues early on.

Website maintenance average cost: $50-$250/month

Payment Processing Costs

When running an eCommerce website, one of your essential business needs is the ability to accept online transactions via debit and credit cards, digital wallets, etc.

For that, you’ll need to use a payment gateway like Stripe or PayPal—both available with Easy Digital Downloads and WooCommerce.

Most payment processors charge per-transaction fees (i.e., 2.9% + $0.30) in the US. Fees may vary depending on your country, your chosen gateway, and your eCommerce plugin and plan.

For instance, EDD’s Stripe Pro gateway eliminates those additional transaction fees.

(Optional) Digital Marketing & Advertising

Driving traffic to your store is crucial. There are a handful of digital marketing strategies and channels you can incorporate to reach your target audience. Businesses with larger budgets can invest in paid advertising. Other important and cost-effective options include Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and email marketing.

While professional copywriting and advertising services can help boost your search visibility, there are also plenty of affordable and robust tools that can help you streamline and simplify your eCommerce optimization and promotion.

For example, AIOSEO is an SEO plugin that lets you easily optimize your site content for search engines and target keywords:

Some of my other favorites include:

• WPForms: A robust form builder plugin
• OptinMonster: The leading conversion optimization tool for WordPress
• SeedProd: A drag-and-drop page builder for high-converting pages
• MonsterInsights: A Google Analytics plugin to track website performance & traffic

This is another reason I recommend using Easy Digital Downloads: In addition to built-in features for email marketing and eCommerce automation, it integrates with a wide range of extensions and tools. That includes the ones listed above, as well as MailChimp, ConvertKit, Zapier, and so many more.

Be prepared to spend anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars per month on marketing, depending on your chosen strategies and tools.

Digital advertising average cost: ~$200-$2,000/month

Tips for Optimizing eCommerce Website Costs

Start small and scale gradually. Don’t rush into a high-cost platform or extensive features before you need them. Begin with a basic plan and add features as your business grows.

Use free resources & open-source tools. Don’t underestimate the power of free resources like WordPress themes and open-source plugins. They can offer excellent functionality without breaking the bank.

Depending on your chosen platform and your specific needs, you may need to purchase additional plugins or extensions for more advanced features. While certainly helpful, they may not be necessary. Learn more about the best plugins for eCommerce sites.

Stay on top of your security & maintenance. Protecting your customer data is paramount. Invest in website security badges, use strong passwords, and ensure your store complies with data privacy regulations like GDPR. Keep your software and plugins updated. Consider additional security measures like firewalls and malware scanning if needed.

Track your expenses. Regularly review your website-related expenses and identify areas where you can cut costs or optimize your spending.

FAQs About eCommerce Website Costs

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions.

Start Your eCommerce Website Today

Building a successful eCommerce website is a journey, not a destination. By understanding the costs involved, making informed decisions, and continually optimizing your approach, you can navigate the financial landscape and build a successful online store that thrives.

Ready to start building an online store today? Get started with Easy Digital Downloads:

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

What’s next? Learn how to create a website to sell digital products!

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more WordPress resources!

The post Ecommerce Website Costs & Pricing Breakdown first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Your hosting service is an investment in your eCommerce success and can make or break the customer experience. So it’s important to choose wisely.

In this article, I’ll cover:

Importance of eCommerce Hosting

There are many advantages to using WordPress as your Content Management System (CMS)— which is why more than 43% of all websites are powered by it. WordPress users range from beginner bloggers to seasoned eCommerce website owners. It’s flexible, versatile, and highly scalable.

However, the importance of choosing the right hosting platform for your WordPress site can’t be understated.

A good hosting company is like a dedicated store manager, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Slow loading times, frequent downtimes, and security breaches can drive customers away faster than a grumpy cashier.

On the other hand, a solid web hosting provider can improve your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) rankings, user experience, security, and more.

But with so many hosting companies and hosting packages to choose from, deciding which one is the best for your specific needs can be challenging.

Types of WordPress Hosting for eCommerce

Before you begin exploring the various hosting options, it helps to understand the different types of WordPress hosting that are available.

Here’s a breakdown of different types and their pros/cons to help you choose:

• Shared hosting plans are the most affordable option. But your resources are shared with other websites, potentially impacting performance. It can be an excellent option for small or low-traffic stores.
• Virtual Private Server or VPS hosting plans offer more resources and control than shared hosting but are still managed by the provider. While these plans are generally scalable and suitable for medium-traffic stores, they require more technical knowledge and are less user-friendly than managed options.
• Managed WordPress hosting offers the ultimate hands-off solution. With a managed WordPress hosting account, the provider handles all server maintenance and optimization. This includes automatic updates and basic security features. While it’s more expensive than shared hosting, you can expect faster loading times and better overall performance.
• Dedicated hosting is the most powerful and expensive option, giving you the most resources and control over the server environment. Most small businesses don’t require a dedicated server as they’re geared primarily toward high-traffic stores with high-security needs.

What to Look for in Hosting Solutions

There’s no one-size-fits-all hosting solution for WordPress eCommerce sites. Here are some factors to consider when looking for the best WordPress hosting service for your eCommerce site.

• Store size & traffic volume: Choose a plan with enough resources and scalability to handle your expected traffic. While it may not be a major concern now, eventually you may want to upgrade to a plan with unlimited bandwidth and global data centers.
• Budget: Hosting costs vary widely. In addition to the plan itself, consider the potential additional expenses for premium add-ons, templates, or other functionality. Many reputable hosting companies offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Website performance requirements: eCommerce websites often have complex needs. It’s important to ensure your provider can guarantee optimal performance with fast loading times, high uptime guarantees, and built-in caching mechanisms.
• Technical skills: Choose a website hosting option that matches your comfort level with website management and maintenance. For example, many WordPress hosting plans offer one-click installations and beginner-friendly control panels.
• Security: Strong security features like DDoS protection and SSL certificates are critical to protect your customers’ data and your business.
• Support: Consider the amount of customer support included with each plan, as well as the online documentation and tutorials that are available. Research hosting reviews to see what other users have said about the hosting company’s support.

By considering these factors and weighing the pros and cons of different hosting types, you can choose the best option for your specific WordPress eCommerce site.

Best WordPress Hosting for eCommerce

Now that you understand the importance of choosing reliable web hosting services for your WordPress site, it’s time to explore some of the top options. Below are some of the best WordPress hosting providers to consider for your online store.

Best Web Hosts for eCommerce Sites (Compared)

1. SiteGround

If you’re interested in managed WordPress hosting for eCommerce, I highly recommend SiteGround. SiteGround has earned official recognition from WordPress.org for its optimized platform and specialized tools for WordPress. Each plan includes fast loading times, excellent customer support, and built-in security features.

It’s particularly useful if you plan to power your eCommerce store with Easy Digital Downloads to sell digital products and downloads. SiteGround’s hosting infrastructure is fully compatible with EDD requirements, ensuring smooth operation.

SiteGround’s Managed EDD hosting plans include:

• One-click WordPress + Easy Digital Downloads installs
• Free SSL certificates
• Pre-configured setup wizard
• Reliable uptime
• SSD storage and Google Cloud server
• Built-in SuperCacher for lightning-fast loading times
• Managed security with PCI compliance & daily backup
• 24/7 expert support with EDD knowledge
• User-friendly custom control panel
• Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) & DDoS protection

Additionally, SiteGround offers dedicated WooCommerce hosting plans with optimized settings and pre-installed plugins to enhance your online store performance.

Pricing: Managed WordPress hosting plans at SiteGround start at $2.99 per month.

2. Bluehost

Another highly rated web hosting provider to consider for your WordPress website is Bluehost. With reliable and affordable hosting plans, easy-to-use tools, and 24/7 customer support, it’s a hassle-free option that can be suitable for a wide variety of online businesses.

Similar to SiteGround, Bluehost is also officially recommended by WordPress.org. You can find specialized WordPress and WooCommerce hosting options, options ranging from shared hosting for beginners to dedicated servers for high-traffic websites.

Most Bluehost plans include:

• Free domain name registration
• Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates
• One-click WordPress installations
• Built-in marketing tools & SEO features
• Automatic WordPress core & plugin updates
• Plans with unlimited storage & bandwidth
• User-friendly interface & cPanel
• Automatic updates & pre-installed WordPress plugins
• 24/7 customer support team available via phone, live chat, & email

Pricing: Bluehost plans start at $1.99 per month.

3. WPEngine

WPEngine is a top-notch managed WordPress hosting provider specializing in high-performance hosting for demanding websites and online stores.

It leverages Google Cloud Platform infrastructure and its EverCache technology to deliver blazing-fast loading times crucial for eCommerce success. Its built-in security features and automatic scaling ensure your website remains secure and can handle sudden traffic spikes without downtime.

WPEngine focuses on managed WordPress hosting, offering various plans to cater to different website sizes and traffic volumes. It takes care of all WordPress updates, security, and server management, freeing you to focus on your business. You can also enjoy 24/7 expert support from WordPress specialists, ensuring quick and knowledgeable assistance.

WPEngine key features include:

• Hosting plans suitable for startups to enterprise-grade performance
• Easy Digital Downloads & WooCommerce integration
• eCommerce optimization, features & performance monitoring
• Automated backups, security audits & malware scanning
• GlobalCDN
• High-performance infrastructure for global reach
• Marketing tools integration (Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, etc.)

Pricing: WPEngine pricing starts at $13 per month.

4. DreamHost

DreamHost is a well-established web hosting provider offering a diverse range of services, from shared hosting for beginners to managed WordPress hosting for serious online businesses.

With over 20 years in the industry and an official WordPress.org-approved seal, DreamHost boasts extensive experience and expertise in hosting WordPress websites. DreamHost provides optimized servers and dedicated tools for both WordPress and WooCommerce, ensuring smooth performance and ease of use.

Its options include shared, VPS, cloud, and dedicated hosting. DreamPress is its managed WordPress hosting service, which is optimized for WordPress sites and online stores.

DreamHost key features include:

• 100% uptime guarantee
• Free SSL certificates
• Automatic backups
• Spam protection
• User-friendly custom control for website management
• DreamPress managed WordPress hosting
• Updated PHP versions
• Staging environments
• Dedicated WordPress & WooCommerce support
• One-click installation & pre-configured settings
• Easy Digital Downloads integration
• Ecommerce marketing tools & add-on services for email accounts
• 24/7 support
• Free Cloudflare CDN

Cost-effective option for multiple websites, automatic updates, basic security features, CDN for improved speed, managed hosting upgrade path.

Pricing: DreamHost’s basic WordPress hosting plans start at $4.95 per month, with managed hosting plans starting at $16.95 per month.

5. Hostinger

Rounding out our list of best WordPress hosting for eCommerce is Hostinger. This rapidly growing web hosting provider is known for its exceptional performance, comprehensive features, and affordable pricing.

Officially recommended by WordPress.org, Hostinger offers optimized servers and dedicated WordPress tools for seamless performance and ease of use. With its LiteSpeed Web Server and LiteSpeed Cache, Hostinger delivers exceptional site speeds crucial for eCommerce success.

Hostinger is a compelling choice for WordPress and eCommerce hosting, especially for budget-conscious users. It caters to a variety of hosting requirements, from shared to cloud hosting. Its powerful features, strong performance, and user-friendly platform make it a great fit for Easy Digital Downloads and WooCommerce stores.

Some of its notable features include:

• 99.9% uptime guarantees to minimize downtime
• Automatic backups, DDoS protection, SSL certificates & other security features
• Intuitive, user-friendly hPanel interface & website builder
• Free built-in Cloudflare Content Delivery Network (CDN)
• Integration with Easy Digital Downloads & WooCommerce
• One-click installations & pre-configured settings
• Free domain name
• 24/7 support

Pricing: Hostinger pricing starts at $2.49 per month.

To learn more about these hosting providers, or additional options such as GoDaddy, HostGator, and InMotionHosting, check out WPBeginner’s guide on WordPress hosting.

Final Verdict: Best eCommerce Hosting

SiteGround, Bluehost, and WP Engine offer more robust hosting solutions optimized for WordPress and eCommerce sites, including features like staging environments, dedicated IPs, and managed hosting. They have higher pricing tiers.

DreamHost and Hostinger offer more basic shared hosting plans but at lower price points. Their features are still solid but not tailored for eCommerce.

For a balanced option, SiteGround GrowBig offers a nice middle ground with optimized WordPress hosting and competitive pricing.

FAQs on WordPress Hosting for eCommerce

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions about web hosting for eCommerce sites.

Get WordPress Hosting for eCommerce

Overall, SiteGround is the best choice for powering WordPress eCommerce sites, especially EDD stores. Its focus on performance, security, and ease of use makes it a reliable and user-friendly platform for your online business.

Choose your plan to get started within minutes!

Already have eCommerce hosting but still need to start your online store? Grab an Easy Digital Downloads pass today:

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more WordPress resources!

The post Best WordPress Hosting for eCommerce Sites first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Whether you’re a seasoned creator or a new entrepreneur looking to make money online, establishing a captivating online store is the key to unlocking your eCommerce dreams.

Navigating the vast landscape of eCommerce platforms and website builders can feel overwhelming. But this beginner-friendly guide will help you choose the best website builder for your specific needs.

In this article, I’ll cover:

Why Build Online Stores With WordPress?

WordPress is a powerful, flexible, and incredibly popular Content Management System (CMS) that is ideal for website building. It offers tons of customization options and tools that give you complete control over the site.

Its clean code and strong plugin ecosystem give your store a natural Search Engine Optimization (SEO) advantage, boosting organic traffic and driving curious shoppers to your doorstep.

Compared to other eCommerce platforms, WordPress is incredibly cost-effective. Forget hefty platform fees or locked-in contracts. WordPress is open-source and self-hosted, meaning you only pay for your domain name, web hosting, and any premium templates or plugins you choose.

Learn more about eCommerce website costs.

It’s also user-friendly without a steep learning curve. WordPress has an expansive, active, and engaged community, filled with experts, business owners, and developers offering insights, tips, and tutorials.

Don’t have a WordPress website or eCommerce plan yet? Easily get set up with SiteGround’s Managed EDD hosting, which include the Easy Digital Downloads plugin, a free SSL certificate, & more.

Benefits of WordPress Online Store Builders

While WordPress is ideal for creating an eCommerce site, it doesn’t come with the functionality by default. That’s where online store builders come in.

These plugins or platforms provide you with the eCommerce features and tools needed to transform your WordPress website into an intuitive storefront. They’re a great solution for small businesses looking to increase their scalability and grow their online presence.

Online store builders can help you:

• Create & manage your website design, without any coding knowledge
• Integrate payment gateways like Stripe & PayPal to accept credit cards & other payment options
• Deliver a smooth user experience and checkout process for your shoppers
• Order & inventory management
• Showcase products with detailed product descriptions & images
• Integrate with social media, digital, email marketing, & SEO tools

Before you decide which site builder to use for your eCommerce business, it helps to know what factors to consider and compare.

What to Look for in Online Store Builders

When looking for the best online store builders, consider a handful of factors.

First, your technical skills. It’s important to consider ease of use in online store builders as some platforms are more user-friendly than others. Drag-and-drop editors that make it easy to add products, customize your store designs, manage orders, etc.

Another factor to consider is the type of products you sell. Some platforms are better suited for specific product types. Not only can this influence the best eCommerce website builders for your business, but also which plans include the marketing tools, integrations, and add-ons necessary for your operation.

Costs vary depending on the platform and features you need. Many online store builders offer free and paid plans. I recommend choosing a platform that can scale with your business. You can typically start with the free plan, and then upgrade to one of the pricing plans for more advanced features.

Also, consider potential costs outside of the builder itself. For instance, even if you decide to use a free website builder, there may be transaction fees or other expenses associated with the payment gateway provider.

Finally, determine how much customer support you’ll need (if any). The level and type of support provided may vary depending on whether you have a basic or business plan.

5 Best Online Store Builders for WordPress

There are two main types of eCommerce platforms: hosted and self-hosted. In the following section, I’ll be focusing on self-hosted solutions made for WordPress users.

Later in the post, I’ll touch on some hosted solutions, like Shopify and Wix.

Online Store Builder	Free plan	Starting Price	Best For
Easy Digital Downloads		$199/yr	Digital products & downloads
WooCommerce		Varies	Physical products
BigCommerce		$39/mo	High-volume stores with large product catalogs & complex needs
MemberPress		$179.50/yr	Membership sites & online courses
Ecwid		$19/mo	Mobile & on-the-go storefronts

1. Easy Digital Downloads (EDD)

If you sell digital products and downloads, the best online store builder is Easy Digital Downloads (EDD).

This is the best WordPress plugin for selling digital products like eBooks, software, music, etc. It seamlessly integrates with WordPress and provides an Onboarding Wizard that makes setting up your digital download store a breeze.

Simply install the plugin, create your products, define prices and delivery methods (like automatic download link generation), and start selling.

Built with digital products in mind, EDD offers features like variable pricing, discount codes, recurring payments, software licensing, and file access restrictions. Add buy buttons, manage downloads, and track revenue with its intuitive interface.

Another benefit of Easy Digital Downloads is its impressive collection of eCommerce tools. Its thriving ecosystem of free and paid extensions expands EDD’s eCommerce functionality, allowing you to implement email marketing, subscriptions, advanced analytics, custom gateways, and more.

Key Features

• Unlimited products
• Full shopping cart system
• Multiple payment options, including Stripe, PayPal, Apple/Google Pay, & more
• Integration with popular marketing tools like Google Analytics
• Extensive library of add-ons to cater to specific needs
• Discount codes
• Compatible with tons of website templates and eCommerce-specific themes

Pricing: There is a free Lite version of EDD available. Premium plans start at $199 per year. Each plan scales with features, catering to solopreneurs and growing businesses alike. Learn more about EDD Free vs Pro.

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

2. WooCommerce

Where Easy Digital Downloads is best for selling digital goods, WooCommerce is better suited for physical products.

As one of the most popular online store builders for WordPress, WooCommerce can transform your website into a fully-fledged eCommerce platform. Similar to EDD, you install the plugin, choose a theme, set up products, shipping, and payments, and watch your virtual store materialize. It comes with plenty of web design options and widgets.

Its extensible ecosystem of themes and extensions lets you customize every aspect of your store, integrate marketing tools, manage inventory, and even build marketplaces.

WooCommerce boasts a massive user base and vibrant community. Access extensive documentation, forum assistance, and dedicated developers for troubleshooting and customization.

Key Features

• Physical & digital products
• Tons of themes & extensions
• Analytics
• Multiple payment gateways
• Full shopping cart
• Order & inventory management

Pricing: WooCommerce is free to use, but hosting, themes, and extensions can incur additional costs. Expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per year, depending on your needs and desired features.

3. BigCommerce

Another one of the best online store builders to consider is BigCommerce.

Catered toward established businesses with large product catalogs and high volumes of traffic, this hosted platform lets you rent your online storefront space. It eliminates the technical headaches of self-hosting while offering exceptional security, reliability, and scalability.

You sign up for BigCommerce, customize your storefront using their themes and tools, set up products, and manage your store through their secure dashboard. It’s a solution that exists outside the WordPress sphere intended for sites that need a powerful hosting infrastructure even with thousands of products and orders.

However, it’s worth noting that BigCommerce tends to offer less flexibility and customization options than the first two online store builders in this list. There are limited themes and monthly fees.

Key Features

• Hosted solution
• Built-in CRM & SEO tools
• Abandoned cart recovery
• B2B functionalities
• Sophisticated product variations management
• Mobile-responsive themes & templates

Pricing: BigCommerce pricing starts at $39 per month, scaling up with features and store size. While pricier than WordPress options, it’s a complete package for serious online businesses.

4. MemberPress

MemberPress is a powerful plugin that transforms your site into membership sites and subscription-based models. You can use it to create and sell exclusive content, courses, communities, and offer tiered access levels.

Content restriction tools, course creation features, user management, and integrations with learning management systems empower you to monetize your expertise, cultivate loyal communities, and build a thriving knowledge empire.

Key Features

• Membership-focused content
• Exclusive, paid content
• Drip content
• Access control & user management
• Content creation & protection tools
• Online courses & LMS
• Payment & plugin integrations
• Recurring payments

Pricing: MemberPress pricing starts at $179.50 per year for their Basic plan, increasing with features and site licenses.

5. Ecwid Ecommerce Shopping Cart

Rounding out our list of best online store builders is Ecwid Ecommerce Shopping Cart.

Ecwid fills a unique niche as a fully hosted eCommerce platform seamlessly integrated with existing websites. Whether you use WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or another platform, Ecwid adds powerful eCommerce capabilities without extensive configuration.

After you sign up for Ecwid, you connect it to your existing website, customize your storefront using their themes and tools, and manage products and orders through their secure dashboard.

Ecwid effortlessly embeds into your existing website, regardless of the platform. Maintain your original look and feel while adding comprehensive online store functionality. It’s a freemium plugin with a user-friendly interface, minimal setup, and drag-and-drop builder.

Key Features

• Easy integration
• Storefront optimized for mobile devices
• Marketing & SEO tools
• Drag-and-drop editor
• SaaS platform
• Compatible with most themes
• Google Ads configuration

Pricing: Ecwid offers a free plan with limited features. Paid plans start at $15 per month and scale with sales volume and features.

Other Online Store Builders

As I mentioned earlier, most of the online builders discussed above are self-hosted solutions. But there are also hosted options to explore if you don’t have/want a WordPress site.

Note that these options tend to be limited in terms of customization and advanced eCommerce features. You also typically have to pay monthly fees, as well as other costs for custom domains, increased bandwidth, etc.

• Shopify: All-in-one platform for businesses prioritizing ease of use and scalability
• Squarespace: Known for its beautiful pre-designed templates and focus on aesthetics
• Wix: Easy-to-use drag-and-drop builder, suitable for those with limited technical skills
• GoDaddy Website Builder: Offers basic SEO features & integrates with SEO guidance tools

FAQs About Online Store Builders

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions about eCommerce website builders and online store builders.

Get the Best eCommerce Site Builder

Remember, the best online store builder depends on your unique needs and goals. By carefully comparing your needs and priorities with the strengths of each platform, you can confidently choose the right online store builder and launch your WordPress eCommerce venture in no time.

If you’re planning to sell digital products and downloadable files, download Easy Digital Downloads to get your store up within minutes:

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

What’s next? Learn how to make digital passive income selling online.

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more WordPress resources!

The post 5 Best Online Store Builders for WordPress first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

The digital and e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve. As we step into 2025, several new trends are set to shape the e-commerce industry in the coming year and beyond.

By understanding and embracing these trends, you can enhance your digital marketing efforts, improve customer experiences, and drive sales.

In this article, I’ll cover:

Why Adopt Digital E-Commerce Trends?

Staying current with trends isn’t just a good idea; it’s crucial for survival and growth. Let’s look at some of the biggest reasons to adopt e-commerce trends for 2025.

• Gain a competitive advantage. By adopting new trends before your competitors, you’ll offer a fresh and differentiated customer experience that sets you apart, attracts attention, and fosters brand loyalty.
• Enhance the customer experience. Customers today are tech-savvy and expect seamless, personalized experiences. In fact, research found that 65% of shoppers expect online retailers and businesses to adapt to their changing needs and preferences.
• Increase reach and visibility. New trends often involve emerging platforms and technologies. By staying at the forefront of e-commerce, you’ll gain visibility, attract attention, and boost brand awareness.

Remember that trends aren’t simply fads. Rather, They represent advancements and shifts in consumer behavior that shape the future of e-commerce. Therefore, staying informed and proactively adopting relevant trends can unlock new opportunities, build a competitive edge, and thrive in the world of e-commerce.

Top E-Commerce Trends for 2025

Ready to get into it? In the following sections, I’ll discuss some of the biggest e-commerce industry trends for 2025 that you can expect to see and prepare for. I’ll also explain the importance of these trends and provide some ways you can apply them to your own business.

1. Personalized Shopping Experiences

Personalization—the practice of tailoring marketing messages and experiences to individual customers—has been a buzzword in marketing for years. But it’s only now that technology is making it truly possible to deliver personalized experiences at scale.

In 2025, expect to see even more personalized marketing campaigns, product recommendations, and e-commerce site experiences. This requires businesses to collect and analyze more customer data. But the rewards will be worth it.

For instance, personalized product recommendations can help shoppers find the products they are most interested in. Also, tailored email marketing campaigns can drive more engagement and conversions.

Aim to ensure every interaction along the customer journey feels uniquely crafted. This applies to both existing and potential customers and omnichannel experiences across in-store and online channels.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is already having a major impact on digital marketing. Its role is only going to grow. AI can be used throughout a range of touchpoints along the online shopping journey.

You can leverage it to automate e-commerce marketing tasks, such as campaign creation and management, and personalize customer experiences. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data, including customer demographics, purchase history, and website behavior, to identify patterns and make intelligent decisions.

Also, predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms can anticipate consumer needs and optimize product listings and pricing.

Automation and AI-powered chatbots are increasingly prominent top e-commerce trends for 2025 and beyond. They can provide 24/7 customer service, understand customer inquiries, and provide relevant responses.

Chatbots also integrate with customer service databases to access order information and resolve issues. For example, A chatbot might assist a customer in tracking an order, checking product availability, or initiating a return process. This provides efficient customer support, reduces response times, and enhances the overall shopping experience.

3. Voice & Image Search

Another essential aspect of e-commerce trends to expect is voice search and image search optimization.

Voice search is the use of voice commands and speak-to-text technology to search the internet. It’s a more natural and convenient way to search for information.

According to Statista, voice-assistant users reached over 150 million users in the U.S. alone!

Make sure your website is optimized for voice search by using natural language keywords and structured data markup. Consider creating voice-activated product demos and customer support chatbots.

Image search is also becoming more prevalent. It allows users to search for products or other items by uploading an image or using a visual description.

An online shopper might use image search to find a product similar to one they’ve seen in a magazine. Meanwhile, a voice assistant can be used to search for recipes or product reviews without typing.

4. Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are still in their early stages. But they have the potential to revolutionize e-commerce.

AR is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world. VR technology immerses a user in a simulated environment, typically through a headset or other device.

For example, AR can be used to allow customers to try on products virtually. VR can be used to allow customers to explore stores in a 3D environment that mimics walking around the physical store.

5. Social Commerce

Social selling is booming. More businesses are making their products available for purchase on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Social commerce refers to the seamless integration of shopping experiences into social media platforms. Customers can browse products, view product reviews, and checkout directly within their social media feeds without leaving the platform.

An Instagram user might discover a new product through a shoppable post, read reviews in the comments section, and purchase the product without leaving the Instagram app.

Perhaps you’re not ready to switch from primary e-commerce platforms like your website to social channels. That’s okay. After all, a research study found that 53% of shoppers are finding it increasingly difficult to trust products sold through social media.

However, you can (and should) use social media to grow brand awareness, engage with your customers, and build relationships.

A WordPress plugin like Smash Balloon makes it easy to aggregate and integrate your social feeds on your e-commerce site:

Additionally, direct messages (DMs) on platforms like Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and X/Twitter are increasingly being used for customer service interactions. This provides a more personalized and convenient way for customers to resolve issues or seek assistance.

Customers can send DMs to a brand’s social media accounts to inquire about products, request order updates, or report problems. Then brand representatives can respond promptly and address customer concerns directly.

6. Quick & Convenient Checkouts

Providing a smooth, hassle-free shopping experience is more important than ever. Primarily, this means ensuring your online store delivers a seamless user experience on desktops, smartphones, and other mobile devices.

It should be easy to use and navigate and include search functionality. It’s also essential to optimize the checkout process to be as quick and straightforward as possible.

One way to do this is to use a reliable payment gateway like Stripe. Stripe lets users save their payment details for future purchases. Additionally, it supports multiple payment methods so shoppers can choose the one most convenient for them.

This includes debit and credit cards, digital wallet payments, and pay-later options.

In addition to offering multiple payment options, create a clean and concise checkout page with as few steps as possible. Only ask shoppers for necessary information. Minimizing friction can help reduce shopping cart abandonment and increase conversion rates.

7. User-Generated Content (UGC)

User-Generated Content (UGC) is one of the most helpful digital marketing trends. You can use it to incorporate content marketing, SEO, and storytelling into your marketing strategies.

UGC is content created by consumers, such as product reviews, social media posts, or blog articles. It provides real-world perspectives and opinions from actual people, fostering trust and credibility. Brands can curate and showcase UGC to demonstrate product usage, address customer concerns, and build a sense of community.

8. Micro-Influencer Marketing

As far as e-commerce trends surrounding influencers, expect to see the dynamics of influencer marketing transform, moving toward authenticity and relevance.

Brands will continue to seek micro-influencers and nano-influencers with niche audiences. These individuals can create reviews, tutorials, or promotional posts to help you reach your target audience.

But influencer marketing campaigns must prioritize authenticity and engagement over reach.

Younger generations like Gen Z care deeply about social responsibility. This translates to a demand for transparency and authenticity. Gone are the days of polished ads and hidden partnerships. Instead, audiences crave real experiences, honest reviews, and connections with relatable individuals.

Sustainability and ethical practices are crucial. Therefore, expect online sellers, influencers, and shoppers to embrace eco-conscious brands and open conversations about conscious consumption.

It’s also likely that we’ll see micro-influencers, trusted for their niche expertise and genuine voices, rise in prominence. In other words, influencers who embrace transparency, advocate for positive change, and prioritize real connections win over a value-driven audience.

9. Subscription-Based Models

Subscription-based models provide customers with recurring access to products or services for a regular fee. This can be an attractive option for both businesses and consumers. It offers predictable revenue streams and convenient access to goods or services.

Customers subscribe to a service and receive ongoing deliveries, access to content, or usage privileges. Also, subscription models can be tailored to various industries, from meal delivery services to streaming platforms.

Their convenience, recurring revenue potential, and ability to foster customer loyalty and retention make them a compelling choice for a wide range of businesses.

If you use WordPress, there are plenty of membership plugins to choose from.

Easy Digital Downloads offers multiple extensions that can help with selling memberships and subscriptions, including All Access Pass and Recurring Payments.

10. Cross-Selling

Cross-selling is a sales technique (often seen on Amazon) that encourages customers to purchase additional items related to their initial purchase. It involves recommending complementary products that enhance the overall shopping experience and increase the average order value.

Cross-selling strategies often utilize product recommendations based on purchase history, browsing behavior, and product affinities. For instance, if a customer buys a laptop, cross-selling might suggest a mouse, carrying case, or external hard drive as complementary items.

Thanks to advanced personalization and AI techniques, cross-selling will continue to be among the most crucial e-commerce trends for 2025. Incorporating it can make your sales channels more effective, driving higher revenue and increasing customer satisfaction.

Check out the EDD Cross-sells and Upsells extension to learn how to incorporate it into your WordPress site with ease.

11. Short-Form Videos

Video is one of the most engaging forms of content, and it’s becoming increasingly important for e-commerce businesses. In 2025, create more video content, such as product demos, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes videos. Share your videos on social media and your website.

Short-form videos capture attention quickly and effectively convey information in a visually appealing manner. So it makes sense that short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are becoming powerful tools for educating shoppers and influencing purchasing decisions.

Brands can create engaging video content to showcase products, demonstrate their features, and provide tutorials or styling tips. For instance, if you’re a beauty brand, you might create a short video tutorial on how to apply a particular makeup product.

12. Instant Analytics

Data is the key to success in digital marketing. Instant analytics refers to the ability to access and analyze real-time data. Then use the data to gain insights into customer behavior, business performance, and marketing effectiveness.

In 2025, collect and analyze data from your website, social media, and email marketing campaigns.

Utilize data analytics tools like MonsterInsights that provide up-to-date information on website traffic, sales conversions, customer engagement, and marketing campaign performance:

Then use this insight to identify trends, better understand your customers, optimize strategies, and improve overall business outcomes. You can even integrate it with Easy Digital Downloads or WooCommerce and enable enhanced e-commerce tracking.

For instance, for your e-commerce store, you might use instant analytics to monitor customer behavior during a sales campaign, identify popular products, and adjust pricing or promotions accordingly.

13. Sustainable E-Commerce Practices

As I mentioned, millennials, Gen Z, and younger consumers are increasingly conscious about how their consumption impacts the planet. They’re expected to continue to place an amplified emphasis on sustainability in e-commerce practices.

Therefore, it’s important to focus on opportunities to implement eco-friendly practices that meet consumer expectations. This includes everything from the supply chain to sustainable packaging.

14. Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs often offer points or rewards for purchases, while referral programs provide incentives for referring new customers. These programs can be tiered to provide exclusive benefits for high-value customers.

An airline might offer a loyalty program where customers earn miles for flights, which can be redeemed for future travel or upgrades. An e-commerce brand might incentivize customers to refer friends by offering discounts or exclusive products.

The ability of loyalty and referral programs to nurture customer relationships, drive repeat purchases, and expand customer bases will make them essential tools for long-term business growth.

FAQs About Digital E-Commerce Trends

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions about e-commerce trends.

Use EDD to Adopt to E-Commerce Trends

Although you may now know the latest e-commerce technology and trends you want to leverage, implementing them won’t happen overnight. However, staying on top of the latest industry trends and knowing what to expect can help you adapt and evolve for sustainable e-commerce growth.

Don’t have Easy Digital Downloads yet? Grab a pass today to enhance your digital selling experience. Then you can use it to effectively incorporate e-commerce trends and technology into your online business!

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

What’s next? Explore more ways to scale your e-commerce business. Additionally, you can check out the most common e-commerce mistakes and how to avoid them.

Finally, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more WordPress resources!

The post 14 Top E-Commerce Trends for 2025 & Beyond first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

As a growth marketer, I’ve used various tools and solutions over the years. I’ve learned a lot about which work (and which aren’t worth the headache).

I created this guide to save you time and simplify the process of finding, comparing, and choosing the best affiliate marketing plugins for your WordPress site.

Best WordPress Affiliate Plugins: My Rankings

If you want to get straight to the point, here’s a quick look at my top picks for the best WordPress affiliate plugins.

Plugin	Price	Best For
AffiliateWP	$149.60/yr	Complete affiliate program management for WordPress users.
ThirstyAffiliates	$99.60/yr	Simple link management for tracking links and shortening/cloaking referral links.
Pretty Links	$99.60/yr	Users who need advanced link shortening and redirect and tracking capabilities.
Easy Affiliate	$99.60/yr	Businesses wanting a user-friendly platform for managing affiliates; AffiliateWP alternative.
MonsterInsights	$99.60/yr	Users looking to track affiliate link clicks and conversions with Google Analytics integration.
AdSanity	$89/yr	Websites focused on displaying and managing ads, including affiliate links.
YITH WooCommerce Affiliates	$179.80/yr	WooCommerce stores wanting to create their own affiliate program.

How I Tested & Ranked the Best Affiliate Plugins

I compiled this list based on the factors that matter most to users.

Figuring out how to choose an affiliate plugin for WordPress doesn’t really have a one-size-fits-all solution. The best WordPress affiliate plugin depends on your specific needs.

That’s why I compared and ranked the top options according to a range of factors, including:

• Link management features: Link tracking, shortening, and cloaking, as well as keyword targeting and automatic redirection.
• Ease of use: Interface, learning curve, technical settings and configuration, customer support, etc.
• Pricing: Free version with basic features, starting pricing options, money-back guarantee, etc.
• Tracking and reporting: Data on clicks, conversions, earnings, top-performing affiliates, etc.
• Testimonials: WordPress ratings and reviews from other users.
• Payments and commissions: Supported payment methods, options for setting affiliate commission structures, etc.
• Affiliate portal: Options and availability for dedicated affiliate portal to access resources, track performance, receive payouts, etc.
• Integrations: Addons and support for other tools and platforms, including those for eCommerce plugins, analytics, marketing, landing pages, email marketing, etc.

Easy Digital Downloads uses both AffiliateWP and ThirstyAffiliates regularly. I’ve also personally tested and worked with all of the tools in this list. To form a more well-rounded perspective, though, I’ve also gathered key insights and first-hand experiences from others in the WordPress community.

Best Affiliate Marketing Plugins Compared

Let’s take a closer look at the best affiliate marketing plugins and see how they stack up against each other. This WordPress affiliate plugin comparison breaks down what each tool is used for, its key features, pros/cons, pricing, and more.

1. AffiliateWP

In my experience, AffiliateWP is hands down the best WordPress plugin for affiliate marketing. It’s like a complete control center for managing your entire affiliate program. From registering affiliates to tracking referrals and payouts, this plugin handles it all.

It’s a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, particularly those wanting a WordPress referral plugin or dedicated solution for starting and managing their affiliate marketing efforts. It’s trusted on over 30,000 active WordPress installations, showcasing its reliability among users.

That’s exactly why we use it for our own affiliate program at EDD.

With a wide array of features and integrations, it offers an excellent solution for scaling your affiliate program effectively. AffiliateWP’s reliable tracking and flexible commission structures make it a top contender in the best affiliate marketing plugins competition.

You can customize registration fields, create tiered commission levels to reward top performers, and even offer lifetime commissions. Detailed reporting helps you understand which affiliates are performing best and where your most valuable referrals are originating.

In addition to a quick and easy setup, AffiliateWP integrates seamlessly with popular eCommerce and membership plugins, including Easy Digital Downloads, WooCommerce, and MemberPress.

If you use EDD to sell your digital products, you’ll appreciate its dedicated AffiliateWP extension.

Some of AffiliateWP’s other notable features include a referral link generator, custom affiliate coupon creation and tracking, and more.

Key Features

• Unlimited affiliates
• Built-in intuitive affiliate dashboard
• Setup wizard for new affiliate onboarding
• Manual or automatic affiliate registration
• Automatic and one-click payouts (Stripe, PayPal)
• Unlimited creation of banner images & other creatives
• Real-time reporting to monitor & track referrals, clicks, & earnings
• One-click integrations with Easy Digital Downloads, WooCommerce, WPForms, Elementor, MemberPress, Gravity Forms, and more
• Advanced fraud detection
• Simple & flexible commission settings (flat rate or percentage, varying commission rates, etc.)
• Add-ons for additional functionalities & enhanced customization (like tabs & shortcodes)

Pros and Cons of AffiliateWP

Pros: AffiliateWP’s detailed reporting is a significant advantage, providing valuable insights into your WordPress affiliate program performance. The flexible commission structures allow you to create tailored reward systems for your affiliates, encouraging higher performance.

Intuitive integration with a wide range of eCommerce and marketing platforms simplifies setup and automates your workflow. The reliable tracking ensures accurate attribution of referrals, and the excellent customer support provides assistance when needed.

You can get the setup configured in. minutes, and then manage everything from the same interface.

Cons: While powerful, AffiliateWP can be slightly more complex for beginners compared to some simpler link management plugins. Some users have reported occasional minor conflicts with other plugins, though these are typically resolvable.

Best for: Businesses of all sizes seeking a powerful and reliable affiliate program.

I chose AffiliateWP because of its comprehensive features and reliable performance. Its ability to manage the entire affiliate lifecycle from registration to payout makes it a valuable tool for maximizing your affiliate campaign success.

Pricing: AffiliateWP plans start at $149.60 per year for a single site license. Higher plans are available for more advanced features and multiple sites.

2. ThirstyAffiliates

ThirstyAffiliates is a popular choice for managing affiliate links, especially for bloggers and small businesses. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to cloak, organize, and manage your links without any technical headaches.

It’s like a helpful assistant, tidying up your URLs and making them look presentable to your audience. It offers a good balance of simplicity and functionality, providing essential features without overwhelming users with complex options.

This plugin helps you cloak your affiliate links, making them shorter, more aesthetically pleasing, and easier to remember. TA also protects your commissions by preventing affiliate link hijacking. It provides basic link statistics so you can track clicks and see which links are performing well.

You can categorize your links for better organization and easily insert them into your content using a convenient interface. ThirstyAffiliates offers add-ons for features like automatic keyword linking and geolocation links.

Key Features

• Simple & user-friendly affiliate link management
• Link cloaking to create clean, branded links
• Link automation, categorization & optimization
• Automatic keyword linking
• Banners & link images
• Amazon API importing
• Detailed reports & statistics for tracking link performance (clicks, conversions, redirects, etc.)

Pros and Cons of ThirstyAffiliates

Pros: ThirstyAffiliates shines in its ease of use, making it great for beginners and non-technical users primarily interested in simple, straightforward affiliate marketing plugins. It efficiently cloaks links, improving their appearance and protecting commissions.

The plugin’s affordable pricing also makes it accessible to budget-conscious users. It’s definitely among the best free affiliate plugins for WordPress. The ability to categorize and organize links simplifies management, especially for users with many affiliate partnerships.

Cons: While user-friendly, ThirstyAffiliates doesn’t offer the kind of advanced reporting and analytics as other affiliate plugins on this list. Many of the more advanced features require paid add-ons, potentially increasing the overall cost.

Some users have mentioned that customer support can be slow to respond at times.

Best for: Bloggers and small businesses wanting basic and affordable link management.

I included ThirstyAffiliates because of its user-friendliness and affordability. It can help you simplify link management without making a significant financial investment.

Pricing: ThirstyAffiliates offers a limited free version. Paid plans start at $99.60 per year for a single-site license.

3. Pretty Links

If your primary concern surrounding affiliate marketing is the appearance and management of URLs, this could be the best plugin for you.

Pretty Links specializes in creating clean, memorable shortened links. But it’s more than just a link cloaker; it’s a powerful tool for managing your links and understanding how users interact with them.

Think of it as a combination of a link shortener, a tracker, and a redirect manager all rolled into one. If you need more than basic link management and want in-depth click statistics, it has you covered.

Pretty Links allows you to create custom, branded short links, which are easier to share and remember. The detailed tracking features give you insights into click counts, unique clicks, and other valuable metrics.

You can even track clicks based on geographic location and other criteria. The redirect feature is invaluable for managing broken links or updating affiliate programs. It also allows you to create custom and dynamic redirects.

Key Features

• URL shortening & link cloaking
• Detailed link reports in the WordPress dashboard
• Pretty Bar tool for branding & advertising links
• Configurable slugs
• Customized checkout links
• Keyword & URL replacement
• Redirect management (301, 302, 307)
• Customizable link parameters
• Expiring links
• Weekly link health scans

Pros and Cons of Pretty Links

Pros: Pretty Links excels at creating aesthetically pleasing, shareable short links. The in-depth tracking features provide valuable data for optimizing your affiliate campaigns. The ability to create custom redirects helps maintain a professional online presence.

The plugin also offers excellent documentation and support resources. Any time I’ve run into an issue or had a question (which hasn’t been often), the answer is a quick search away.

I’ve also enjoyed and made use of the Growth Tools integrations. Most are well-known solutions that I’ve used for years.

Cons: The pricing is higher than some link management plugin alternatives. It’s potentially less suitable for users on a tight budget or those looking for basic link cloaking. The sheer range of features can feel overwhelming for some users, especially those who are new to link management.

Best for: Users who need advanced link shortening, tracking, and redirect capabilities.

I chose Pretty Links because it offers a significant upgrade from basic link cloaking. The detailed tracking and redirect management features set it apart from others I’ve used for the same purpose.

Pricing: Pretty Links has a limited free version. Paid plans begin at $99.60 per year for a single-site license.

4. Easy Affiliate

Easy Affiliate is designed to make managing your in-house affiliate program simple and efficient. And it does.

It’s like having your own WordPress affiliate management team built right into your site. You can easily track affiliate registrations, referrals, commissions, and payouts all within your dashboard.

You can use it to create and manage your own affiliate program without the complexities of a larger, third-party platform. It streamlines the process of recruiting, onboarding, and rewarding affiliates, all within a user-friendly interface that’s super easy to navigate.

Easy Affiliate lets you customize the affiliate registration process. You can build tailored commission structures and easily track affiliate performance. It provides integrated payment options and offers detailed reporting on your affiliate program’s progress.

It also includes features like built-in email notifications for communicating with affiliates and marketing materials to keep them engaged and motivated.

Key Features

• Intuitive, pre-styled affiliate dashboard
• Integrations with MemberPress, Easy Digital Downloads & WooCommerce
• One-click affiliate payouts
• Fraud detection
• No hidden fees
• Real-time tracking & performance insights with customizable charts
• Fast & beginner-friendly setup wizard
• CSV imports
• Setting options for commission rates & type
• Unlimited affiliates

Pros and Cons of Easy Affiliate

Pros: Easy Affiliate is an excellent and slightly more straightforward alternative to AffiliateWP. Even without any technical know-how, you can use it to start your own affiliate program. In addition to the clean, user-friendly interface, I particularly appreciated the integrated payment options for payouts and the ability to customize your rewards program.

Cons: The reporting features, while adequate, are not as comprehensive as some dedicated affiliate marketing platforms. This may not be a con, depending on the depth level of insights you’re looking for.

Best for: Businesses wanting a user-friendly platform for creating and managing their own affiliate programs.

I chose Easy Affiliate for its focus on in-house affiliate program management that offers greater control over affiliate relationships.

Pricing: Easy Affiliate offers a 14-day free trial. Paid plans begin at $99.60 per year.

5. MonsterInsights

If you’re even moderately familiar with WordPress, you likely already know about MonsterInsights.

But if that’s not the case, MonsterInsights is a powerful plugin that connects your WordPress site to Google Analytics. It tracks your website traffic and gives you a wealth of data.

Think of it as a detective for your website. It helps you understand where your visitors are coming from, what they’re doing on your site, and what’s making them leave.

For affiliate marketing, this means you can see which links are getting clicked and which are being ignored. This helps you optimize your link placement and choose the most effective affiliate products to promote.

While not solely an affiliate marketing plugin, MonsterInsights can be extremely valuable for tracking your affiliate link clicks and conversions.

It’s especially helpful if you want to understand how your affiliate links are performing within the larger context of your website traffic. You can integrate it with a handful of affiliate tools, including Easy Affiliate and AffiliateWP.

Key Features

• Google Analytics integration for monitoring key metrics in WordPress
• Affiliate link tracking & enhanced eCommerce tracking
• Customizable, in-depth reports for affiliate URLs, most profitable pages, & traffic sources, etc.
• Support & integration with tons of WordPress tools (EDD, WooCommerce, AffiliateWP, WPForms & more)

Pros and Cons of MonsterInsights

Pros: MonsterInsights makes understanding complex website data easy. I personally think it’s a must-have for any WordPress site, especially those in the eCommerce space.

It presents information in clear, digestible reports. The ability to track affiliate link clicks and conversions within the broader website traffic analysis is a major advantage for data-driven marketers.

The user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and interpret data without feeling overwhelmed. The insights help you optimize your affiliate marketing as well as your overall website strategy.

Cons: The full range of features requires a paid version. While the free version offers basic tracking, the in-depth affiliate link and conversion tracking is only available in the premium plans.

Some users have noted that the sheer amount of data available can be initially overwhelming, requiring time to learn how to best use the platform.

Best for: Users focused on data and analytics.

I included MonsterInsights because it provides a broader perspective on affiliate marketing. It’s not just about managing links; it’s about understanding the user journey and learning how affiliate marketing fits into your overall strategy.

Pricing: MonsterInsights offers a limited free version. Paid plans, which include the more advanced affiliate tracking features, start at $99.60 per year.

6. AdSanity

Next up is another plugin that, while not a dedicated affiliate tool, does come in handy.

AdSanity is primarily an ad management plugin. But its flexibility makes it a suitable option for managing affiliate links as well. Think of it as a versatile organizer for all your display ads, including affiliate promotions.

It allows you to rotate different ads, schedule when they appear, and track their performance. This control and organization can be particularly useful for websites that rely heavily on display advertising, including affiliate marketing.

AdSanity helps you organize your ads into groups and insert them into content via shortcodes or widgets. You can schedule specific ads to run during certain timeframes and track impressions and clicks to measure their effectiveness.

This level of control is super useful for optimizing ad placements and maximizing earnings. I also really appreciate the ability to A/B test different ad creatives to see which perform best.

Key Features

• Affiliate campaign & ad management
• Targeted campaign creation
• Option to insert ads into sidebars, widgets, or posts via shortcodes, template tags, etc.
• Performance tracking
• A/B testing, retargeting, & ad scheduling
• Automatic ad block detection
• Start/end date publishing options

Pros and Cons of AdSanity

Pros: AdSanity provides a centralized platform for managing all your display ads, including affiliate links. The scheduling and rotation features offer great control over your ad campaigns. The ability to track impressions and clicks helps measure ad performance effectively.

Cons: While suitable for affiliate links, AdSanity’s primary focus is on general ad management. So it may not offer the specific features found in other dedicated affiliate marketing plugins that you might prioritize. It has a learning curve, particularly for users unfamiliar with ad management concepts.

Best for: Websites heavily reliant on display advertising, including affiliate promotions.

I included AdSanity for its versatility. It’s a useful tool for websites using display advertising or a combination of ad types, even if affiliate marketing isn’t the primary focus.

Pricing: AdSanity offers various pricing plans, starting at $89 per year for a single site license.

7. YITH WooCommerce Affiliates

Rounding out my list of the best affiliate marketing plugins for WordPress is YITH WooCommerce Affiliates.

This plugin is designed specifically for WooCommerce stores that want to create and manage their own affiliate programs. It’s tightly integrated with WooCommerce and provides the tools needed to recruit, track, and reward affiliates selling your products.

YITH allows you to set different commission rates for individual affiliates or groups of affiliates.

It provides a dedicated area for affiliates to manage their accounts and access marketing materials. This integrated approach keeps everything within your WooCommerce environment, simplifying the affiliate management process.

Key Features

• Affiliate program management for WooCommerce
• Easy set up
• Affiliate dashboard
• Tracking & reporting for clicks, conversions, & commissions
• Flexible commission rates (based on products, categories, or individual affiliates)
• Automatic payout scheduling via PayPal or Stripe & refund calculations
• Coupon & discount creation
• Affiliate referral IDs

Pros and Cons of YITH WooCommerce Affiliates

Pros: YITH WooCommerce Affiliates offers unmatched integration with WooCommerce. The ability to set individual commission rates allows for flexible reward structures. The dedicated affiliate area provides a professional experience for your affiliates.

Cons: It isn’t suitable for websites not using WooCommerce. Some essential features, such as advanced reporting and payout functionalities, require purchasing the premium version. Also, it has a steeper learning curve compared to other plugins.

Best for: WooCommerce stores looking to set up and manage their own affiliate programs.

I chose this plugin because it offers everything WooCommerce users need for affiliate success, without unnecessary features meant for non-WooCommerce sites.

Pricing: YITH WooCommerce Affiliates offers a free version with limited features. The premium version, which includes essential functionalities like advanced reporting and mass payments, starts at $179.80 per year.

Best Affiliate Marketing Plugins: Final Thoughts

Choosing the “best” plugin truly depends on your specific needs. Each of the affiliate marketing plugins above offers a unique advantage.

However, considering its comprehensive features, robust performance, and countless integrations, AffiliateWP takes the top spot. The all-in-one toolbox is equipped to handle everything from basic link management to complex affiliate program structures.

However, if you’re just starting and need simple link management, ThirstyAffiliates is an excellent choice. It eases you into the world of affiliate marketing without overwhelming you with complex features.

If your only focus is affiliate marketing plugins that offer advanced link tracking and shortening, Pretty Links is a strong contender. It provides the tools you need to manage your links effectively and understand user behavior.

On the other hand, if you’re already using MonsterInsights, you could also use it to track your referral links.

Ready to supercharge your WordPress site with affiliate marketing? Follow our guide on how to start an affiliate program with AffiliateWP.

To learn more ways to increase WordPress sales with affiliates, check out our digital seller’s guide on making money with affiliate marketing!

FAQs: WordPress Affiliate Marketing Plugins

I’ll wrap up with some frequently asked questions about affiliate WordPress plugins.

Integrate Your Affiliate Marketing Plugins

With the right WordPress affiliate marketing plugins and tools, you can implement an effective affiliate program to significantly increase your reach, drive sales, and boost your online business.

If you’re looking for the best WordPress affiliate marketing plugins to use with your Easy Digital Downloads store, you can’t go wrong with AffiliateWP or Easy Affiliate.

Don’t have Easy Digital Downloads yet? Grab a pass today to get started in no time.

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

Want to learn more ways to diversify your revenue? Learn how to create digital passive income selling online.

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The post 7 Best Affiliate Marketing Plugins for WordPress (Complete Comparison Guide) first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

Navigating the online selling landscape can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. However, whether you’re a seasoned eCommerce vet or just starting out, it’s helpful to know which common pitfalls to look out for, and how to identify and address them.

This information can help set your eCommerce store on the path to success!

In this article, I’ll cover:

11 Common eCommerce Mistakes & Solutions

Let’s jump into some of the most common eCommerce mistakes for business owners to avoid when running an online store. For each issue, I’ll explain why it’s important to avoid it and some tips and tools you can use to do so.

1. Choosing the Wrong eCommerce Platform

When you’re creating and managing an eCommerce website, the importance of choosing the right eCommerce platform and plugins to power it cannot be understated.

Among the myriad of platforms available, WordPress stands out as a versatile and popular choice. Its customizable nature and extensive plugin options make it a favorite for many aspiring online entrepreneurs.

While using WordPress as your Content Management System (CMS) may be a no-brainer, the open-source software doesn’t come with eCommerce functionality built-in. Therefore, there’s still the decision of which eCommerce plugin to use.

If you sell digital products and downloads, Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) is the best eCommerce solution:

This robust WordPress eCommerce plugin is designed specifically for digital selling. WooCommerce is a popular eCommerce plugin for selling physical products.

2. Not Enough Market Research

Before diving headfirst into the eCommerce world with a new business, it’s crucial to conduct thorough market research to understand your niche and target audience, including their preferences and online shopping behavior.

Without this foundational knowledge, you risk making decisions that alienate your target audience and hinder your sales.

Thoroughly conducting research involves:

• Analyzing market trends
• Identifying your competitors & similar eCommerce brands
• Understanding the demographics of your ideal customers & personas

Without this foundational knowledge, you risk making decisions that alienate your target audience and hinder your sales.

Start by utilizing marketing and analytics tools to gather insights into audience demographics and competitors’ strategies. Some popular options include Google Analytics and Semrush.

As you grow your business, engage directly with your customers through social media, email, and other channels. Conduct polls and surveys to gain direct feedback on their preferences and pain points.

3. Poor Website Design & User Experience

One of the most common eCommerce mistakes I see online sellers make is underestimating the impact of design and navigation on user experience. Cluttered layouts, confusing navigation menus, and slow-loading pages can drive potential customers away, affecting conversion rates.

The customer experience of your eCommerce store is paramount to its success. A well-designed and intuitive user interface guides shoppers seamlessly through their journey.

On the other hand, a poorly designed site leads to frustration and abandoned shopping carts.

It’s also essential that your site is mobile-friendly. With a significant portion of online shopping occurring on mobile devices, overlooking mobile optimization can lead to reduced user engagement and higher bounce rates.

Choose a WordPress eCommerce theme that is responsive and adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes:

Be sure to test your site from mobile devices to ensure there are no distracting popups and that every page, from your homepage to the product page and the checkout, is easy to access and navigate.

4. Lengthy Checkout Process

Speaking of your store’s UX, a complex checkout process can be a major turn-off for customers. Simplifying and streamlining the checkout can lead to more completed transactions and higher sales.

This is another reason your eCommerce plugin is so important. The right solution can influence your cart and checkout features to help ensure a smooth experience.

For instance, Easy Digital Downloads lets you easily optimize your eCommerce checkout to add conditional fields to your checkout form, offer multiple payment methods, condense the checkout into a quick, one-page process, and more.

Making the checkout process as painless as possible can reduce the likelihood of shoppers abandoning their carts. In addition to making a single-page checkout, you can also add progress bar indicators, only ask for required information, and enable guest checkout.

5. Lackluster Security

Security breaches and data theft can tarnish the reputation of any eCommerce site. Prioritizing secure transactions and customer data protection is imperative.

Ensure that your eCommerce store is as protected as possible by using a trustworthy and reputable hosting provider that prioritizes both performance and security. For instance, SiteGround’s Managed EDD plans include Secure-Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates for free with every plan:

Beyond your web host, there are other proactive measures you can take. Install and activate a robust WordPress security plugin like Wordfence to provide protection against eCommerce fraud, malware, and intrusion attempts:

Maintain regular WordPress core updates and plugin updates to address security vulnerabilities promptly.

In addition, make sure not only your web development team members but the entire staff are educated on cybersecurity best practices, such as strong password management and phishing prevention.

6. Lack of Payment Options

Another common eCommerce mistake is failing to provide a variety of secure payment options.

Limiting the payment methods supported on your site can discourage new customers from completing their purchases, especially if their preferred method is not available.

Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this. There are a handful of popular and reputable payment gateways that let you accept transactions online via debit and credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers.

For our Easy Digital Downloads users, I typically recommend Stripe Pro or PayPal Commerce.

Both with advanced payment processing and automation features that help improve the security and efficiency of eCommerce transactions.

For instance, with Stripe Pro, users can save their payment and contact information, eliminating the need to manually enter their details on future purchases.

Easy Digital Downloads also lets you accept recurring payments for subscriptions.

7. No Customer Reviews or Social Proof

Neglecting the power of customer reviews and feedback is a detrimental eCommerce mistake. These insights provide invaluable information about consumer preferences, helping you refine your offerings and enhance customer satisfaction.

In addition, product reviews and other forms of social proof are tools for influencing purchasing decisions.

Encourage your customers to leave reviews and highlight positive testimonials on your website to build trust and credibility. Implement extensions like EDD’s Reviews add-on that lets you easily collect and showcase reviews across your eCommerce site:

Consider offering rewards for reviews or social sharing. For instance, offering discounts as incentives for sharing products on social media can help expand brand awareness:

A plugin like TrustPulse can also help with social proof:

It lets you easily highlight and display positive customer feedback and activity in real-time.

8. Inadequate Product Descriptions & Images

Another aspect of eCommerce mistakes I see too many online sellers make is failing to use high-quality product images and detailed, accurate product descriptions.

Inadequate images and misleading descriptions can result in unsatisfied customers and increased return rates. In fact, research found that the majority of U.S. online shoppers who made returns in 2022 did so because the items didn’t match their descriptions.

Accurate and detailed product information is fundamental to building trust and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Be transparent and detailed about everything from product pricing to measurements, materials, etc. To help manage customer expectations, include multiple high-quality images that accurately and clearly showcase the item from all angles.

9. Ignored SEO & Digital Marketing Strategies

A well-defined eCommerce marketing strategy is crucial for driving traffic to your store and converting visitors into customers. But relying solely on one marketing channel is one of the most common and easiest eCommerce mistakes to make that can limit your reach.

Instead, I suggest diversifying your digital marketing strategies for broader audience engagement.

For example, to promote products and improve visibility, you could utilize a combination of:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Content marketing
• Social media marketing
• Email marketing
• Paid advertising

There are so many plugins and tools that can help you automate your eCommerce marketing. For instance, an SEO WordPress plugin like All In One SEO (AIOSEO) helps optimize your website content for search engines and improve rankings in real-time:

Easy Digital Downloads also offers a plethora of built-in features and add-ons you can use for email marketing.

For instance, you can install extensions that let you easily integrate with email service providers and apps, including MailChimp, GetResponse, Constant Contact, and more.

10. Lack of Analytics & Data Insights

Data is the lifeblood of eCommerce success, and data-driven decisions are crucial for adapting and evolving in this competitive online landscape.

Failing to analyze your website metrics and customer data deprives you of valuable insights.

Regularly review your website analytics to gain insights into customer behavior, identify areas for improvement, and optimize your marketing efforts.

To help make this easier, utilize a plugin like MonsterInsights to connect your site with Google Analytics:

You can use it to track site traffic, engagement and conversion rates, and other key metrics directly from your dashboard. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with Easy Digital Downloads so you can enable enhanced eCommerce tracking and advanced reports.

11. Poor Customer Service & Support

Rounding out our list of the most common eCommerce mistakes to avoid is poor customer service and support.

Customer support is a critical aspect of eCommerce, as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and retention. Ignoring queries or complaints can hamper lost trust and loyalty.

Provide responsive and helpful customer support through various channels, such as live chat, email, and phone support.

WordPress plugins like LiveChat let you offer real-time support on your website:

To further demonstrate strong customer support, it’s smart to create and add a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section and detailed support documentation:

This can help you effectively manage and reduce live chat inquiries or support tickets.

Finally, be upfront and clear about returns, refunds, and other policies. Make it easy for your customers to both find and understand this information. Not only can this boost trust, but it can also help manage expectations.

FAQs About Avoiding eCommerce Mistakes

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions about how you can avoid common eCommerce mistakes.

Avoid eCommerce Mistakes With EDD

By addressing these common eCommerce mistakes, you can create a thriving eCommerce business that attracts and retains customers, drives sales, and achieves sustainable growth.

Ready to expand and grow your online business? If you sell digital products, download Easy Digital Downloads today & start enhancing your eCommerce site in minutes:

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

Want to learn more ways to improve your online store? Check out the best WordPress plugins for eCommerce sites!

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more WordPress resources!

The post 11 Most Common eCommerce Mistakes & How to Avoid Them first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in. To sell online, you need a secure and efficient way to collect and process payments.

The right payment gateway can make all the difference.

But with so many options available, how do you decide the best payment gateway plugin for your website?

I’m here to help.

🔎 In this article, I’ll cover:

What Is a Payment Gateway?

A payment gateway acts like a middleman between online stores and financial institutions/payment processors. In other words, it enables the secure processing of online payments, including credit cards, digital wallets, and other payment methods.

Think of a payment gateway as your online shop’s digital cash register/card reader. Online transactions start and end at the gateway.

The role of the payment gateway is to:

• Check if a credit card is legitimate.
• Encrypt and transmit payment data.
• Facilitate the authorizing/declining of transactions.

Some payment solutions, like Stripe, combine payment gateway and processor services.

Also known as Merchant Service Providers (MSPs), payment processors are the financial services/institutions that handle the actual processing of transactions. Processors verify and approve or decline payments based on info received from the gateways.

Choosing a WordPress Payment Gateway

WordPress doesn’t let you accept online payments by default. You need a plugin.

Payment plugins are extensions that let you integrate the most popular payment gateways and processors with your WordPress website.

There are various plugins you can use to collect and process payments on your WordPress site.

If you haven’t already, you should decide which solution you’ll use to power your online business.

WordPress eCommerce plugins like Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) and WooCommerce are ideal for adding full shopping cart systems to your site.

Easy Digital Downloads is the best eCommerce solution for selling digital products; WooCommerce is geared more toward selling physical goods.

Both offer free and premium payment gateway options, including Stripe and PayPal.

Maybe you don’t need a full online store and shopping cart system — just a way to accept one-time payments on your site. Simpler WordPress credit card payment plugins are also available.

For instance, WP Simple Pay is a Stripe payment plugin widely used to accept one-time payments.

The WordPress payment gateways you’ll have access to depend on the eCommerce plugin(s) you’re using.

Some plugins, such as Easy Digital Downloads, support multiple payment gateways for free. Others only let you add certain payment gateways for an added fee (via premium addon).

Factors to Consider

Choosing the best WordPress payment gateway plugin for your site requires you to consider a handful of factors. Let’s take a look at some of the most important.

Best WordPress Payment Gateways for eCommerce

Now that we understand more about what to look for in your payment gateway plugin, let’s explore some of the best options. Below is a comprehensive WordPress payment gateway comparison.

1. Stripe

The best WordPress payment gateway for eCommerce is Stripe. As one of the most popular and widely used digital payment service providers, Stripe is feature-rich, flexible, and intuitive.

It offers a strong combination of security, global reach, and user-friendly features. Stripe’s robust fraud prevention tools, excellent customer support, and ability to process international payments make it a compelling choice for businesses of all sizes.

Aside from being my personal favorite payment gateway, Stripe is also considered among the top payment gateways for WordPress users. It’s the go-to choice for many plugins.

We even use it at Easy Digital Downloads and recommend it to all our digital sellers.

One of my favorite aspects of Stripe is its intuitive and modern interface. It’s perfect for delivering a safe and smooth checkout, thanks to the Universal Payment Elements integration and Link features.

On the checkout page, your users can enter and save their info with Stripe to use on future purchases. The functionality is accessible on any site that supports Stripe Link—not just yours.

🔑 Key Stripe Features

• Easy setup & integration
• Supports a wide range of payment methods, including debit and credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and, now for U.S. users, CashApp.
• Test Stripe payments mode
• EDD Verified Stripe Partner
• Available in 40+ countries
• Supports 135+ currencies
• On-site checkout
• Approve/decline refunds directly in WordPress
• Mobile payments
• Subscription management
• Ability to take pre-orders
• Fraud prevention tools

Stripe Security Features

As a PCI Level 1 compliant company, Stripe adheres to the strictest industry standards for data protection.

Stripe uses advanced data encryption technologies to safeguard sensitive customer data and prevent unauthorized access.

One of the aspects of Stripe I appreciate most—especially when it comes to eCommerce—is its Radar fraud prevention solution. With its advanced machine-learning algorithms, Stripe offers an impressive fraud detection system to help you identify and block fraudulent transactions.

Stripe’s early fraud warnings help you avoid unnecessary chargeback and dispute fees. When integrated with Easy Digital Downloads, you can configure emails to automatically notify you any time a fraud warning is triggered.

Stripe Pricing & Fees

Stripe is known for its straightforward, simple, and transparent pricing model. Unlike other gateways with complex pricing structures and monthly or annual fees, Stripe operates on a pay-as-you-go basis.

This means you only pay for the transactions you process. Plus, there are no hidden fees or setup costs.

Stripe’s standard rate for online card payments is a flat fee of 2.9% plus 30 cents per successful charge. This can vary.

For instance, Easy Digital Download Pro plans eliminate the Stripe transaction fees.

Additional fees may apply for certain services like currency conversion or chargebacks. I recommend reviewing Stripe’s fee schedule for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

2. PayPal Commerce

It’s nearly impossible to create a list of the best WordPress payment gateways without including PayPal. PayPal is a titan in the world of online payments, known for its reliability and trustworthiness.

PayPal’s strong emphasis on security, combined with a user-friendly platform, makes it a popular choice for merchants. While PayPal Commerce excels in international payments and customer support, i

Before Stripe, PayPal used to be my preferred method for both sending and receiving online payments. As with Stripe, the standard version of PayPal is included for free with many WordPress plugins, including Easy Digital Downloads.

However, when it comes to the best WordPress eCommerce payment gateways, the superior option is PayPal Commerce Pro. PayPal’s strong emphasis on security, combined with a user-friendly platform, makes it a popular choice for merchants.

PayPal Commerce has advanced features specifically optimized for eCommerce platforms and marketplaces. It excels in international payments and customer support.

It’s a solid option whether you’re selling digital goods with Easy Digital Downloads or physical products with WooCommerce. Both eCommerce plugins include the standard version for free.

🔑 Key PayPal Features

• Reliable, recognizable & user-friendly
• Buyer & seller protection
• Accepts payments from PayPal balances, credit/debit cards, & bank accounts
• Alternative payment methods (Sofort, iDEAL, giropay, etc.)
• One Touch™ for faster checkouts
• PayPal Pay Later
• Support for subscription sales
• Approve/decline refunds within WordPress
• Test payment mode
• Dynamic APIs
• Available in 200+ countries & supports 35 currencies
• PCI compliance

PayPal Security Features

PayPal Commerce prioritizes the security of both merchants and customers. Like Stripe, PayPal is PCI Level 1 compliant, ensuring adherence to the highest security standards.

It also has advanced fraud detection systems to identify and prevent fraudulent transactions. Features like Seller Protection can provide additional peace of mind.

PayPal Pricing & Fees

PayPal Commerce offers a variety of pricing plans tailored to different business needs. Typically, you’ll encounter transaction fees based on factors like payment type (credit card, PayPal wallet), transaction volume, and the specific plan you choose.

PayPal per-transaction fees vary by country and payment type.

While the standard PayPal is available for free with EDD Lite, transaction fees vary, starting at 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. PayPal Commerce is included with EDD Pro plans. It removes the additional fees beyond the license purchase.

3. Authorize.net

Authorize.net is a widely trusted and well-established payment gateway with solid features for eCommerce websites.

While not as comprehensive as some of its competitors, Authorize.Net supports multiple currencies and allows processing of international payments. It integrates seamlessly with popular WordPress plugins like WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, and more.

It offers on-site checkout that lets your customers quickly enter their payment details and complete the transactions without any hassle.

I’ll be honest: the setup and configuration process might be a bit more confusing than other WordPress payment gateways. It’s also not one that I’m as familiar with as, say, Stripe or PayPal.

However, beyond the initial configuration process, the interface is simple and easy to navigate. It integrates seamlessly with Easy Digital Downloads.

In addition to the EDD Authorize.net extension, there’s also an add-on available for WooCommerce users. It also works with WPForms, allowing you to easily create a simple payment form if you don’t need a full eCommerce system.

🔑 Key Authorize.Net Features

• Accepts major credit cards and debit cards, ACH payments (electronic checks), and eWallets like Apple Pay and PayPal in some regions.
• Excellent security
• Wide range of integrations
• On-site checkout
• Supports recurring billing for subscriptions or memberships
• Available in 35+ countries & supports 12+ currencies

Authorize Security Features

Authorize.Net adheres to the PCI DSS, ensuring the highest level of security for sensitive customer data.

It also offers various tools like Address Verification Service (AVS) and Card Verification Value (CVV) to identify potentially fraudulent transactions. Additional risk management features can be customized to your needs.

Authorize.Net Pricing & Fees

Authorize.Net provides two primary plans. The All-in-One Plan combines a merchant account with gateway services, with fees typically including a monthly gateway fee, per-transaction fee, and a potential setup fee.

If you already have a merchant account, the Payment Gateway-Only plan offers access to the gateway with monthly and per-transaction fees.

While fees can vary based on your business type, transaction volume, and chosen plan, Authorize.Net strives for transparency in its pricing.

Transaction fees start at 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. If you sign up for an Easy Digital Downloads Pro plan, you can install the Authorize.Net extension for free.

Specific options and potential cross-border fees may vary depending on your location and account type.

4. Braintree

Another contender for one of the best WordPress payment gateways for eCommerce: Braintree. Powered by PayPal, Braintree offers a flexible and scalable payment solution for businesses of all sizes.

It’s a particularly worthwhile option if you need a developer-friendly solution that can be used for international transactions.

Braintree supports a wide range of currencies and countries, enabling businesses to expand their reach. Efficient currency conversion is offered with competitive exchange rates.

With the Easy Digital Downloads Braintree extension, seamlessly integrating Braintree into your WordPress-based eCommerce site becomes a breeze. Alternatively, if you’re a WooCommerce user, you can use the Braintree for WooCommerce extension.

You can use these add-ons to accept credit card payments directly on your eCommerce site via your Braintree Payments account.

🔑 Key Braintree features

• Powered by PayPal
• Accepts major credit cards
• Easy Digital Downloads & WooCommerce add-ons
• Subscriptions & recurring payments
• PCI compliance
• Ability to process refunds
• Fraud prevention tools
• Currency conversion

Braintree Security Features

As part of the PayPal family, Braintree adheres to strict PCI compliance standards and offers fraud detection tools that help prevent chargebacks.

Braintree Pricing & Fees

Braintree gateway pricing and fees vary.

Braintree offers a flexible pricing structure that adapts to different business needs. This includes custom pricing plans based on factors like transaction volume, business size, and specific features utilized.

Similar to other payment gateways, Braintree charges a per-transaction fee, which may vary depending on the payment method and transaction type. Typically, there’s a 2.59% + $.49 per transaction fee.

Depending on the chosen plan, there might be additional fees for specific services, such as chargebacks, refunds, or international transactions

The Braintree payment gateway extension is included in EDD Pro plans, starting at $199 per year.

5. Square

So far, the WordPress payment gateways in this list are ideal mostly for digital selling and Easy Digital Downloads sites. However, perhaps you’re looking for one better suited for traditional commerce and selling physical products/goods.

Square offers a user-friendly platform with a straightforward pricing model, making it an attractive option for small to medium-sized businesses.

If you have a WooCommerce store, you can this payment gateway to WordPress using the Square for WooCommerce free extension. It can be particularly useful if you sell and ship physical items or have a brick-and-mortar location.

Square also works seamlessly with WPForms. You can integrate them to create payment forms using the WPForms Square Addon. This combination is a great, versatile solution for accepting online order payments and donations through WordPress.

It’s important to note that Square doesn’t support currency conversion directly; customers’ banks typically handle the exchange.

While Square primarily focuses on domestic payments, there are some international capabilities. However, they’re pretty limited compared to some other payment gateways.

Aside from the U.S., Square is available to users in Australia, Japan, Canada, and Europe.

🔑 Key Square Features

• Online or in-person transactions
• WPForms & WooCommerce addons
• PCI compliance
• Pay-as-you-go transaction fees
• Fast deposits (1-2 days)

Square Security Features

Square’s security measures are designed with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. Its core security features include:

• PCI Compliance: Square adheres to strict PCI DSS standards to protect sensitive cardholder data.
• EMV Chip Card Reader: Square offers hardware that supports EMV chip card technology, providing an added layer of security against counterfeit cards.
• Fraud Protection: Square’s system includes fraud detection tools that analyze transaction patterns to identify potential fraudulent activity.
• Dispute Resolution: Square offers support in handling chargebacks and disputes, providing resources and assistance to merchants.

While Square may not offer the same level of advanced security features as some enterprise-level WordPress payment gateways, its focus on user-friendliness and robust basic protections makes it a solid choice.

Square Pricing & Fees

Square offers a straightforward pricing model, with no monthly fees. It charges a flat-rate processing fee for each transaction.

Square’s standard processing fee is 2.6% + 10¢ for contactless transactions.

As far as pricing to add the gateway to your site, it depends. The WooCommerce Square plugin is free. The WPForms Square addon is only available with a premium plan, starting at $199 per year.

FAQs About WordPress Payment Gateways

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions.

Get the Best WordPress Payment Gateways

Choosing the right payment gateway for your WordPress eCommerce site is a critical decision that impacts your business’s success. With the right payment gateway in place, you can provide a seamless shopping experience and boost your online sales.

The best (and easiest) way to ensure you’re always able to offer the best WordPress payment gateways for your digital store is to use Easy Digital Downloads as your eCommerce platform. Get your pass & get started within minutes!

📣 P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more WordPress resources!

The post 5 Best WordPress Payment Gateways for eCommerce Sites first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

You have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned online merchant or just starting, lead generation plugins can help you attract, engage, and convert potential customers.

The right tool will seamlessly integrate with your WordPress website to enhance your lead generation efforts and drive your business forward.

In this article, we’ll cover:

Why Use Lead Generation Plugins?

Running a successful e-commerce site takes more than just listing products. You need to engage your visitors, encourage them to take action, and build relationships that lead to repeat business.

In the competitive world of e-commerce, capturing leads is key. Leads represent potential customers who’ve shown interest in your products or services.

Effective lead generation plugins can help you:

• Capture visitors’ attention
• Gather valuable customer data
• Boost sales
• Nurture relationships
• Reduce cart abandonment
• Convert leads into loyal customers

Lead generation plugins empower you to create captivating forms, pop-ups, and calls to action that entice visitors to subscribe, sign up, or make a purchase. With features like A/B testing, advanced targeting, and integration with email marketing tools, these plugins help you optimize your approach and maximize conversions.

11 Best WordPress Lead Generation Plugins

The best lead generation plugin to use on your WordPress site depends on a handful of factors, including the type of site you have, the specific functions and features you’re looking for, and your budget.

WordPress Lead Generation Plugins (Compared)

With all these factors in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best lead generation plugins for WordPress, including both free & paid options.

Lead Generation Plugins	Free Plan	Price	Best For
OptinMonster		$9 – $49/mo	Conversion-optimized toolkit
WPForms		$49.50 – $299.50/yr	Lead generation forms
Easy Digital Downloads		$199-$999/yr	Downloads/freebies as lead magnets
PushEngage		$9 – $49/mo	Push notifications
RafflePress		$39.50 – $199.50/yr $499.50 (one-time)	Giveaways, contests & gamification
TrustPulse		$5 – $39/mo	Building trust & social proof
SeedProd		$39.50 – $239.60/yr	Coming soon pages
AIOSEO		$49.60 – $299.60/yr	Search engine visibility
MonsterInsights		$99.50 – $399.50/yr	Data-driven insights
Thrive Leads		$99/yr	Lead generation forms
HubSpot		Varies by product/plan	All-in-one marketing/CRM platform

1. OptinMonster

OptinMonster is one of the most popular and widely used lead generation plugins for WordPress. Between its exit-intent popups, floating bars, and gamified spin-to-win campaigns, OptinMonster offers versatile tools to engage visitors and prompt them to join your email list.

It comes with an intuitive drag-and-drop form builder for creating eye-catching pop-ups, slide-ins, and more. Plus, OptinMonster’s advanced targeting options help you display the right offer to the right audience to increase the likelihood of conversions.

Additionally, it integrates with third-party email marketing tools, including GetResponse, Mailchimp, and Constant Contact.

Key Features

• 75+ Customizable templates
• Drag & drop visual editor
• Coupon wheel campaigns
• Lightbox popups
• Floating bars
• Slide-ins
• Exit-intent technology
• A/B testing
• Page-level targeting
• Built-in analytics
• Retargeting & personalization

Pricing: There is a free OptinMonster popup builder plugin. Premium plans start at $9 per month.

2. WPForms

As the best contact form plugin, WPForms is an excellent lead generation tool. It lets you easily create and embed lead generation forms across your WordPress site via drag-and-drop editor.

You can use it to create contact forms, surveys, subscription and registration forms, and so much more. It also comes with advanced features. For instance, you can leverage conditional logic to ensure your visitors see only the content that’s relevant to them.

Another advantage of WPForms is that it integrates with email marketing services and CRM tools. This includes GetResponse, Mailchimp, AWeber, and more.

Key Features

• Drag & drop form builder
• 6+ million installations
• Pre-built form templates
• Lead Forms addon to create multi-page forms
• Embeddable lead generation forms
• Integration with page builders like Elementor & Divi
• Newsletter signup forms, user registration, order, survey & more
• Sidebar widgets
• Email notifications & alerts
• Ability to collect payments via PayPal, Stripe, etc.

Pricing: There is a free, Lite version of WPForms. Plans with premium features start at $49.50 per year.

3. Easy Digital Downloads

Easy Digital Downloads is the best plugin for digital e-commerce. You can use it to sell documents, files, webinars, eBooks, software, and so much more.

If you’re looking to increase sales for your digital products and grow your email subscribers, the Free Downloads extension for Easy Digital Downloads is a game-changer. It lets you attract potential customers by offering freebies in exchange for their email addresses.

For instance, you could offer a free download, like an eBook or template. These lead magnets can increase email opt-in submissions and boost sales.

Key Features

• Freebies & lead magnets
• Full shopping cart system
• Compatible with all e-commerce WordPress themes
• Integrates with email services & marketing tools, including Zapier, AWeber, etc.
• Download & lead tracking
• Support for OptinMonster & other popup builder plugins
• Secure online payments
• Order, customer & store management
• Subscription billing
• Content restriction

Pricing: A free version of Easy Digital Downloads is available. However, to get Free Downloads and other extensions, you’ll want a premium version. EDD Pro plans starting at $199 per year.

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

4. PushEngage

Want to incorporate push notifications into your engagement strategy? PushEngage is one of the best lead generation plugins you can use. This powerful tool lets you create and send targeted push notifications directly to your visitors’ devices to attract them to your site.

PushEngage offers an intuitive solution for converting users and reducing cart abandonment. You can set up automatic notifications for certain events, such as when you publish a new blog post or release a new product.

You can add coupon codes within the notification to further engage visitors and motivate them to complete their transactions. Additionally, you can customize the notifications by adding images, emojis, buttons/links, and more.

Key Features

• Customizable push notifications
• Abandoned cart notifications
• Coupon codes
• Price drop alerts
• Dynamic segmentation
• Drip campaigns
• A/B testing
• Interactive messages
• Detailed analytics

Pricing: PushEngage is free for up to 200 subscribers. Paid plans start at $9 per month.

5. RafflePress

Running giveaways can skyrocket engagement, which is why RafflePress is one of the best lead generation plugins for WordPress. It lets you easily create and manage contests and encourage visitors to participate and share your site with others.

This popular giveaway plugin comes with a drag-and-drop builder and templates that are easy to use, even for beginners. You can quickly and seamlessly create viral giveaways to help generate leads and drive traffic to your e-commerce site.

RafflePress is a robust tool for gamifying lead generation efforts. In addition to customizing and sharing contests, you can incorporate rewards as added incentives for user participation.

Key Features

• Custom contests & giveaways
• Drag & drop builder
• Customizable contest page templates
• Tools for promoting viral sharing
• Engagement gamification
• Integrations for social media & email marketing campaigns
• Tracking & retargeting
• Landing pages
• Refer-a-friend feature
• Email verification
• Success tracking
• Fraud protection

Pricing: RafflePress plans start at $39.50 per year.

6. TrustPulse

Earning trust is paramount in e-commerce. And TrustPulse is one of the best lead generation plugins to help facilitate that.

TrustPulse capitalizes on the psychological phenomenon of social proof. It displays real-time notifications of recent customer reviews and activity, such as purchases or sign-ups. This helps boost credibility and encourage potential customers to take action.

It’s also an excellent tool for creating a sense of urgency.

Key Features

• Real-time notification automation
• Easy setup
• Seamless integration with WooCommerce & EDD
• Smart targeting with advanced rules & timing controls
• Flexible design options
• Actionable analytics

Pricing: TrustPulse premium pricing starts at $5 per month (billed annually).

7. SeedProd

Another one of the top lead generation plugins for WordPress to consider is SeedProd. As the best WordPress landing page builder, SeedProd helps you build anticipation for a new product or launch. You can use it to capture leads from your site via coming soon pages.

This powerful lead generation tool is beginner-friendly and comes with a wide variety of pre-built templates, blocks, and sections. You can use the visual drag-and-drop editor to build stunning layouts and landing pages that are optimized for generating leads and driving conversions.

Key Features

• Frontend drag & drop website builder
• Coming Soon pages
• Pre-designed templates, blocks & sections
• Seamless integration with EDD, WPForms, WooCommerce & other plugins
• Countdown timers
• Distraction-free landing pages
• Lead capture forms
• Social share buttons

Pricing: You can download a free version of SeedProd to use its most basic features. A premium plan starts at $39.50 per year.

8. AIOSEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial aspect of online success. All in One SEO (AIOSEO) is one of the best lead generation plugins for improving search engine visibility and ensuring your e-commerce site attracts organic traffic.

The content optimization plugin can help you optimize your WordPress pages and posts to target specific keywords. This helps ensure you’re positioning your content and offerings infront of the right audience.

AIOSEO provides SEO-related suggestions and guidance as you write. Plus, it helps track the readability of your content in real-time.

Features such as the Headline Analyzer help with crafting engaging headlines that generate clicks and drive traffic to your site.

Key Features

• Content optimization with actionable SEO checklist
• Beginner-friendly
• Headliner analyzer
• TruSEO score with detailed on-page analysis
• Tools for generating rich snippet schema markup
• Smart XML sitemaps & RSS sitemaps
• Integration with WooCommerce, ChatGPT, etc.

Pricing: There is a free version available. Premium pricing starts at $49.60 per year.

9. MonsterInsights

Understanding user behavior is crucial for optimization. MonsterInsights is the best analytics plugin for WordPress.

It helps you delve into your site’s analytics, offering insights that guide your lead generation strategies. With its e-commerce tracking, you can analyze which products are resonating most with your audience.

You can use this plugin to keep track of which files and digital assets are performing best and generating the most leads. Additionally, you can use the insights to identify which lead magnets are underperforming and make adjustments accordingly.

Key Features

• Data-driven insights from Google Analytics & Google Search Console
• Lead magnet tracking
• Clear & actionable reports
• Site performance tracking (links, CTA buttons, pages, etc.)
• No coding or scripts
• Automatic file download tracking
• Real-time analytics & reporting
• eCommerce data

Pricing: There is a free version of MonsterInsights. However, to unlock most of its features, you’ll want to upgrade to a professional license, which starts at $99 per year.

10. Thrive Leads

Thrive Leads is designed for one purpose: boosting conversions. With its impressive selection of opt-in form types and targeting options, you can create highly effective lead generation campaigns. It boasts a user-friendly interface that makes creating and managing lead generation forms effortless.

Part of the Thrive Themes suite, Thrive Leads is WordPress popup plugin that can help you customize opt-in forms and use them to grow your email list. This includes slide-ins, lightbox popups, and more.

Key Features

• Pop-up form builder
• Drag & drop editor
• OnSite retargeting & geolocation targeting
• Pre-made lead generation form templates
• A/B testing
• Actionable reporting & insights
• Popup lightbox, in-line forms, slide-ins, and more
• Fullscreen filler overlay

Pricing: You can purchase Thrive Leads for $99 per year. Alternatively, you can get a Thrive Suite license for $299 per year, which includes Thrive Leads as well as other Thrive Themes products & tools.

11. HubSpot

Rounding out our list of the best lead generation plugins for WordPress is HubSpot. Renowned for its comprehensive marketing solutions, HubSpot offers an all-in-one solution for online businesses. Its WordPress plugin makes it easy to create lead capture forms and manage the journey of your e-commerce customers.

If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward solution for your small business, this may not be the best option. It’s a robust platform with a wide variety of tools and features. However, if you want a lead generation plugin that can connect to other marketing and CRM solutions, it’s worth checking out.

Key Features

• Lead capture forms (pop-up, dropdown, slide-in, etc.)
• Drag & drop editor
• Inbound marketing tools
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) integration
• Email marketing, live chat & chatbots
• Integration with WPForms & OptinMonster
• Lead segmentation
• Page-level targeting

Pricing: The HubSpot WordPress plugin is free. However, to utilize all the lead generation features and CRM tools, you’ll need to purchase a premium plan. Pricing varies.

What Is the Best Lead Generation Plugin?

The best lead generation plugins to use depend on several factors. They include the type of site you have, the kind of forms/magnets you want to create, and your budget.

Different tools are best for different use cases. All around, the best lead generation plugins for WordPress are OptinMonster and WPForms. They’re versatile, powerful, reliable, and come with a wide range of features and tools suitable for nearly any type of website.

If you’re selling digital products, the best lead generation tool is Easy Digital Downloads & its Free Downloads extension. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best B2B lead generation plugin, HubSpot is a quality option.

FAQs About Lead Generation Plugins

Let’s wrap up with a few frequently asked questions about lead generation plugins for WordPress.

Get the Best Lead Generation Plugins

Lead generation is a crucial component of e-commerce success. With the right WordPress plugins at your disposal, you can capture and nurture leads, resulting in higher conversion rates and increased revenue.

Not sure where to start? Download Easy Digital Downloads to get the Free Downloads extension and integrate with other WordPress lead generation plugins:

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

Then you can follow these guides to start converting visitors into customers:

• How to Create & Offer Free Downloads in WordPress
• Add Lead Magnets in WordPress to Grow Your Email List
• Create a Lead Magnet Opt-In Form
• How to Create a Lead Capture Page in WordPress

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more WordPress resources!

The post 11 Best Lead Generation Plugins for WordPress first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

With the right tool, you can easily restrict content, manage subscribers, and build a strong community. The challenge is figuring out which solution is the best for your specific needs.

WordPress offers a plethora of membership plugins that cater to diverse needs and requirements. In my 12+ years working on WordPress sites, I’ve seen firsthand the difference the right plugin can make.

This guide is to help make your decision easier.

Quick Picks: Best WordPress Membership Plugins

WordPress Plugin	Free Plan	Pricing	Best For
Easy Digital Downloads		$199 – $999/yr	Digital product sellers
MemberPress		$179.50 – $399.50/yr	Complete membership solution
Thrive Apprentice		$149 – $299/yr	Building online courses
LearnDash		$199 – $799/yr	Learning Management System
Restrict Content Pro		$99 – $249/yr	Monetizing blog content
WooCommerce Memberships		$199/yr	Physical product sellers/Woo users
MemberMouse		$149.50 – $349.50/yr	Enterprise sites
Paid Memberships Pro		$174 – $299/yr	Flexible subscription-based businesses

Why Trust My Recommendations?

When testing WordPress membership plugins, I focus on real-world usage scenarios. My testing process comes from years of working on WordPress sites and seeing what does and doesn’t work.

Here’s why you can trust our plugin comparisons:

• Hands-on testing of each plugin in real-world scenarios
• Direct experience helping digital sellers choose the right tools
• Regular updates to our comparisons based on the latest features and updates
• Transparent evaluation criteria focused on users’ needs
• Community feedback from thousands of users who’ve tried different solutions

My plugin recommendations are based on real experience and actual pain points users commonly encounter when choosing and using membership plugins.

For this comparison, I focused on these key factors:

Benefits of WordPress Membership Plugins

Membership-based websites can provide numerous benefits to your online presence. No matter what type of website you run, such as a blog, e-commerce store, or educational platform, WordPress membership plugins can have a significant impact. Some compelling reasons to consider using a membership plugin on your WordPress site include:

• Exclusive content. WordPress membership plugins allow you to provide exclusive content, products, or services to your members. Restricting access to certain areas of your site enables you to offer unique benefits to your loyal subscribers and safeguard it from non-members.
• Monetization opportunities. Membership plugins help you monetize your website. You can create premium membership tiers that offer additional features, content, or discounts, attracting members willing to pay for these added perks.
• Recurring revenue streams. Running a website with membership plans allows you to generate recurring revenue. Monthly or yearly subscriptions can provide a stable income stream and contribute to your website’s financial sustainability.
• Content dripping & course progression. For educational websites, membership plugins often offer content-dripping capabilities. You can release course material progressively, ensuring learners stay engaged and motivated throughout their learning journey.
• Enhanced security. The best WordPress membership plugins come with built-in security features that protect your premium content from unauthorized access.

A WordPress membership plugin empowers you to create a dynamic and profitable online community. From generating recurring revenue to fostering user engagement, these plugins offer a plethora of benefits that can significantly enhance your website’s success.

What to Look for in Membership Plugins

Choosing the right WordPress membership plugin is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your membership-based website. To ensure you make the best choice, there are a handful of essential factors to consider, including:

Ease of use. The best plugins offer a user-friendly interface and intuitive setup process. It should be easy for you to create membership levels, manage content restrictions, and handle member interactions without technical expertise.

Content protection. Ensure the plugin offers robust content protection features, allowing you to restrict access to specific pages, posts, or custom post types based on membership levels.

Payment gateway & email marketing integrations. Verify that the membership plugin supports popular payment gateways, like Stripe and PayPal, to enable seamless and secure online transactions. Similarly, it’s smart to find plugins that integrate with your preferred email marketing services to facilitate efficient communication with members.

Reporting & analytics. Opt for a plugin that provides detailed reporting and analytics on member engagement, churn rates, and revenue data to inform your business decisions.

Support & documentation. It’s best to look for membership plugins that offer comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and reliable customer support to assist you in case of any issues.

Compatibility with themes & plugins. Check to ensure the plugin seamlessly integrates with your current WordPress theme and other essential plugins to avoid conflicts and ensure smooth functionality.

8 Best WordPress Membership Plugins

Ready to learn more about your membership plugin options? Below are some of the best WordPress membership plugins to consider!

1. Easy Digital Downloads

Easy Digital Downloads is the best digital eCommerce plugin for WordPress. It streamlines the process of selling digital products, managing licenses, and protecting your content and/or downloads. This includes software, eBooks, PDFs, audio files, videos, and so much more.

In addition to a complete, built-in shopping cart system, Easy Digital Downloads lets you create discount codes to increase conversions, accept recurring payments & subscriptions, and restrict file downloads based on a range of factors, such as membership/access levels.

Easy Digital Downloads integrates smoothly with various payment gateways. There are also a handful of premium extensions you can install and integrate with your EDD store that help you easily sell membership content. This includes Restrict Content Pro, which is another one of the best WordPress membership plugins included in this list.

Key Features

• Sell unlimited digital products & file downloads
• Members-only digital products/downloads
• Full shopping cart system
• Ability to accept Recurring Payments
• Restrict file downloads by time/access level
• Integration with popular payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net, etc.)
• Library of extensions to expand e-commerce functionality (Purchase Rewards, Content Restriction, Wish lists, & more)

Who It’s Best For: EDD is perfect for creators selling digital products and wanting to offer memberships. It’s especially great for those who want a streamlined system for both products and memberships.

Pricing: EDD has a free version, but the essential membership features require a paid plan starting at $199/year.

2. MemberPress

Another one of the most popular WordPress membership plugins is MemberPress. With its easy setup and powerful features, you can use it to create membership levels, restrict access to content, and manage digital products effortlessly.

Offering seamless integration with payment gateways and email marketing services, MemberPress ensures a smooth and secure membership experience for your WordPress users.

Key Features

• Unlimited memberships & member subscription levels
• Content dripping & upgrade paths
• LMS/Drag-and-drop course builder
• Dynamic pricing pages
• Content restriction rules & access controls
• User profiles & user registration forms
• Integrations with BuddyPress, bbPress forums & other community building tools
• Discounts & coupon codes
• Support for multiple payment options & gateways
• Widgets, REST API & shortcodes
• Email marketing integrations (Contact Contact, Mailchimp, GetResponse, etc.)
• Customizable checkout

Pricing: Pricing for MemberPress plans starts at $179.50 per year.

3. Thrive Apprentice

Thrive Apprentice is a specialized WordPress membership plugin designed explicitly for creating captivating e-learning platforms. With Thrive Apprentice, you can build and manage online courses with ease.

Its user-friendly interface allows you to organize your course content, create modules, and track learners’ progress effortlessly. The plugin also offers content-dripping capabilities, enabling you to release course material gradually and keep learners engaged throughout their learning journey.

Key Features

• Drag & drop editor
• Online course builder
• 50+ course templates
• Course progress tracking
• Content dripping
• Interactive quizzes
• Customizable certificates & rewards
• Setup wizard
• Membership management dashboard
• Detailed reporting

Pricing: Thrive Apprentice plans start at $149 per year. You can also purchase Thrive Apprentice as part of the Thrive Suite bundle for $299 per year.

4. LearnDash

If you’re looking to transform your WordPress website into an e-learning platform, LearnDash is a plugin worth checking out. This powerful Learning Management System (LMS) plugin enables you to create and sell online courses, quizzes, and assignments.

This tool offers an intuitive, sophisticated solution for creating an online environment and controlling access to courses based on a handful of factors. You can utilize its comprehensive reporting and analytics tools to track learners’ progress and refine your teaching strategies.

Key Features

• Complete LMS
• Advanced drag & drop course builder
• Quizzes & other interactive learning materials
• Access controls & permissions
• Certificates & user badges
• Frontend user profiles
• One-time fee or subscription-based courses
• Support for popular payment integrations (PayPal, Stripe, 2Checkout, etc.)
• Detailed reporting
• Easy setup
• Drip content
• Integrations with EDD, MemberPress, WooCommerce & more
• Automatic email notifications

Pricing: LearnDash plans start at $199 per year.

5. Restrict Content Pro

As I mentioned earlier, Restrict Content Pro is one of the best WordPress plugins that you can use to create a membership website and sell various levels. To get the most value out of it, you can install and integrate Restrict Content Pro Member Discounts with an Easy Digital Downloads plan.

However, if you don’t need a full shopping cart system or plan to sell digital products, you can also use it as a standalone tool. It’s an excellent member plugin for restricting access to your pages, posts, and other content types in WordPress based on user roles.

Key Features

• Restrict access to pages & posts
• Unlimited membership levels
• Easy setup
• Integration with popular payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Braintree, etc.)
• Free, trial & premium subscription levels
• Simple membership management
• Complete integration with Easy Digital Downloads & WooCommerce
• Member email automation
• Discounts & promotional tools

Pricing: Restrict Content is a freemium plugin. In addition to the basic, free plan, you can upgrade to a paid plan starting at $99 per year.

6. WooCommerce Memberships

Easy Digital Downloads is the top WordPress plugin for selling digital products. However, if you offer mostly physical goods and run a WooCommerce store, WooCommerce Memberships may be the best option for you.

This premium extension lets you easily grant exclusive access to products, discounts, or downloadable content based on membership levels. This seamless integration with WooCommerce allows you to monetize your products and build a loyal customer base.

You can restrict access to content based on one-time payments or recurring payments. It also comes with drip content features and seamless integration with email marketing tools, such as Constant Contact.

Key Features

• Membership system for WooCommerce stores
• Flexible membership & subscription management
• Content dripping
• Manual membership assignments
• Special member discounts & rewards
• One-time or subscription-based payments
• Integration with WooCommerce Subscriptions
• Import/export member data

Pricing: While WooCommerce itself is free, the WooCommerce Memberships premium addon costs $199 per year.

7. MemberMouse

Rounding out our list of the best WordPress membership plugins is MemberMouse. This intuitive tool simplifies membership management with its user-friendly interface. You can utilize its advanced features, such as drip content, one-click upsells, and affiliate program management, to boost engagement and generate more revenue.

As one of the most powerful and scalable membership plugins for WordPress, MemberMouse probably isn’t suitable for beginners. However, it’s a great option if you run an enterprise-level website and are looking to grow and scale your business.

Key Features

• Unlimited memberships & subscriptions
• Standalone products
• Content protection, restriction & monetization
• Unique SmartTag features for creating personalized member experiences
• Drip content
• Integrations with marketing & communication tools (bbPress, ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp, AWeber, Zapier & more)
• Advanced reporting
• Automatic overdue payment management
• Support for popular payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, ClickBank, etc.)
• One-click purchase links
• Free & paid trials
• Built-in push notifications

Pricing: MemberMouse plans start at $149.50 per year.

8. Paid Memberships Pro

It’s tough to create a list of the best WordPress membership plugins without mentioning Paid Memberships Pro. Paid Memberships Pro offers an extensive range of membership features and customization options.

Tailor membership plans, manage recurring payments, and protect exclusive content effortlessly. Its developer-friendly approach makes it a preferred choice for businesses of all sizes.

• Unlimited membership levels
• Content restriction
• Flexible & recurring payment options
• Drip content
• Trial memberships for premium content
• Coupon codes
• Automated email notifications
• Member reports & analytics
• Extensive integrations with third-party plugins and services to enhance functionality, including email marketing platforms, affiliate programs, & CRM tools

Pricing: Paid Memberships Pro is a freemium plugin. Paid plans start at $174 per year.

FAQs: Best WordPress Membership Plugins

Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions about the best WordPress membership plugins.

Get the Best WordPress Membership Plugins

Choosing the right membership plugin is crucial for maximizing your website’s potential. Whether you aim to build an e-learning platform, a social network, or an online store, each of the best WordPress membership plugins mentioned in this article offers unique features and benefits.

By getting an Easy Digital Downloads pass, you can get a complete eCommerce solution and the Restrict Content Pro extension all in one plan! Grab your pass below to get started:

Grab an Easy Digital Downloads Pass

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more WordPress resources!

The post 8 Best WordPress Membership Plugins (Compared) first appeared on Easy Digital Downloads.

In addition to its overall look and feel, your website theme influences your store’s performance, functionality, and user experience. So choosing the right one is important.

But with so many options, deciding on one can be overwhelming. To make it easier, I’ve rounded up some of the best eCommerce themes for WordPress based on factors like popularity and reviews, features, pricing, and more.

In this article, I’ll cover:

Why Use a WordPress eCommerce Theme?

Having a visually appealing and user-friendly website is crucial for attracting customers and boosting sales. The WordPress Theme Directory offers a ton of themes that cater to different businesses and niches.

But it’s essential to choose one that is suitable for eCommerce and the type of business you have.

In my 10+ years as a digital marketer, a common mistake I see new online sellers make is underestimating the importance of their site design.

Unlike blogs or small starter sites, eCommerce sites have unique and sometimes complex requirements.

Choosing a flexible, powerful, and customizable WordPress theme built specifically for eCommerce sites can make all the difference.

What to Look for in eCommerce Themes

In your search for the best eCommerce theme for WordPress, it helps to consider some key factors.

• Purpose and niche: Identify the specific needs of your online shop, including whether there are certain features and functionality you’ll need. Ideally, you find a theme that aligns with your eCommerce niche. Many themes include pre-built templates and layouts designed for certain types of shops.
• Design and customization: Look for themes that offer plenty of design and customization options so you can easily incorporate your brand identity.
• Responsiveness: In today’s mobile-driven world, you need a fully responsive theme to provide a seamless experience across all devices. The majority of WordPress themes are responsive by default. But consider how it will look on mobile devices once you’ve added your products and other content.
• Speed and performance: Look for a lightweight theme to ensure fast loading times. The performance of your site can enhance the user experience and SEO, and boost your conversion rate.
• Plugin compatibility: Verify whether the theme is compatible with popular plugins you’ll use. For instance, your eCommerce plugin, marketing tools, etc.
• Support and updates: Choose a theme from a reputable developer who provides regular updates and excellent customer support.

Pricing will also likely play a role in your decision. Many of the best WordPress eCommerce themes include both free and premium versions.

13+ Best WordPress eCommerce Themes

Now that we’ve covered some important factors to consider, let’s explore the best eCommerce themes for WordPress.

To compile this list, I chose WordPress eCommerce themes that are:

• Highly rated
• Widely used
• Positively reviewed
• Feature-rich
• Easy to use and customize
• Optimized for performance

I used my own experience working with these WordPress themes, as well as the research, feedback, and opinions of other WordPress users and online sellers.

Additionally, I wanted to include options for every budget. This list has both free and paid options, as well as some freemium themes.

Finally, in addition to some general and multi-purpose WordPress eCommerce themes, I included a few options that are ideal for specific use cases and types of stores.

Note that both WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads are built to work with most WordPress themes.

1. GeneratePress

GeneratePress is a lightweight, fast, and highly customizable WordPress theme designed for various websites, including online stores. Known for its clean code and focus on performance, GeneratePress offers a solid foundation for building a fast and efficient eCommerce site.

It’s fully compatible with popular page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder, giving you complete design control. While it doesn’t include specific eCommerce features by default, it seamlessly integrates with Easy Digital Downloads for a smooth and optimized selling experience.

Key Features

• Lightweight and fast, ensuring quick loading times for improved SEO and UX
• Highly customizable
• Trusted by 600,000+ users
• Full Easy Digital Downloads compatibility
• Affordable premium version with advanced features and modules for extended functionality
• Large and active community provides ample support and resources

Why I Recommend GeneratePress

GeneratePress’ performance is also exceptional. In the past, I’ve had websites load noticeably faster after switching to it. Because GeneratePress is highly customizable, you can easily tailor your site to suit your brand’s identity and branding.

Pricing

GeneratePress offers both a free and premium version. The free version includes essential features, while the Pro version unlocks advanced options. Pricing for the Pro version starts at $59 per year.

2. SeedProd

While SeedProd is primarily known as a page builder, it also functions as a full-fledged WordPress theme. Its focus on lead generation and conversion optimization makes it an excellent choice for maximizing your business’s online presence.

I particularly like SeedProd’s drag-and-drop interface. With its professional theme templates and intuitive builder, you can create stunning product pages without any coding knowledge.

Its templates include high-quality layouts for building an online store, including homepages, landing pages, headers, footers, and sidebars.

You can preview your changes in real-time and add key site elements and modules, such as forms and testimonials.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop builder
• Pre-made layouts
• 90+ blocks
• Landing page templates
• Theme and landing page builder
• Unlimited customization options
• Conversion tools
• Integrations for Easy Digital Downloads & WooCommerce

Why I Recommend SeedProd

SeedProd offers a streamlined approach to website building, prioritizing essential elements for capturing leads and driving sales.

I recommend it to any online seller wanting to optimize conversions and customize pages without any coding.

Pricing

A free version of the SeedProd landing page builder is available. For access to all themes and features, you can upgrade to a SeedProd Pro plan, starting at $159.60 per year.

Learn About SeedProd + Easy Digital Downloads Integration

3. Neve

If you’re looking for a fast, lightweight, and free theme that integrates with WooCommerce, Neve is a great option. It’s beginner-friendly, highly customizable, and provides excellent performance.

Its mobile-first approach ensures your online store looks beautiful on all devices. In addition, its minimalist design puts your products in the spotlight. Neve’s high level of compatibility with popular page builders also allows for easy customization and a hassle-free site-building process.

Key Features

• Drag & drop interface
• Header & footer builder
• Multiple blog layouts
• Compatible with popular page builders (Gutenberg, Elementor, Beaver Builder, etc.)
• Live customizer
• SEO-friendly
• Adobe Typekit fonts
• Custom backgrounds
• Mega menus

Why I Recommend Neve

Neve’s speed, simplicity, and SEO-friendliness are its standout features. It’s an excellent choice if you value performance and clean design.

While Neve doesn’t offer the same level of control as some other themes, it provides a good balance between simplicity and customization. However, advanced users might find the customization options somewhat limited compared to more feature-rich themes.

I think Neve is a really solid option for WooCommerce users who want a theme that is a bit more sophisticated than the popular Storefront theme.

Pricing

There is a free version available. Premium plans start at $69 per year.

4. Divi

Divi is the official theme of the Elegant Themes Divi builder. The premium theme comes with an impressive module library and features suitable for any eCommerce business and niche.

Divi is known for its flexibility and design capabilities. You can choose from hundreds of ready-made layouts and templates. My favorite aspect is the visual front-end page builder that I find functions similarly to SeedProd.

You can customize every element of the site, from product pages to checkout flows, ensuring a truly personalized shopping experience.

Key Features

• Drag & drop visual page builder
• 200+ website templates
• Pre-built modules
• Global elements & style
• Inline text editing
• One-click importer & demo content
• Custom CSS
• SEO-friendly
• WooCommerce integration

Why I Recommend Divi

From complex layouts to intricate animations, Divi is a feature-rich eCommerce theme. While it offers endless possibilities, Divi’s learning curve might be steeper for beginners compared to some other themes.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to small-scale sellers who are only offering a couple simple products. But it can be effective if you’re looking to get the most value possible from a theme and want a lot of customization and control.

Pricing

You can start using Divi for $89 per year.

5. Ultra

Ultra is one of several versatile and modern themes offered by Themify. Designed for both general and eCommerce sites, Ultra has smart layout options and advanced design settings.

Its intuitive shop design makes it easy to showcase and highlight your products in the best possible way.

One of my favorite things about this theme is how simple it is to mix and match elements. You can tailor your site layout to fit your specific needs.

Key Features

• 60+ pre-designed demo sites & layouts
• Themify page builder
• Pricing tables & forms
• Multiple header styles
• 15 pre-set color options
• Custom styling
• Video backgrounds
• Mega menu
• Section scrolling

Why I Recommend Ultra

The theme’s ability to adapt to various design styles and its focus on speed make it a strong choice for many projects. Additionally, the pre-built skins and demos can streamline the website development process.

I recommend it to sellers starting out small but eventually plan to expand and build out their store.

Pricing

Ultra plans start at $59, which includes 12 builder add-ons and one year of support. For $89, you can upgrade your plan and get access to other Themify themes, including Shoppe—another option on this list.

6. Storefront

Storefront is the official WooCommerce theme. It’s one of the fastest WooCommerce themes available, which is crucial for conversions and user experience.

The theme’s extensibility allows for customization without compromising performance. While Storefront might not offer the same level of pre-built design options as some other themes, it provides a flexible canvas for creating unique online stores.

It offers a simple, clean, and modern design.

Storefront’s speed, WooCommerce integration, and clean design are its standout features. It’s an excellent choice for businesses looking for a solid foundation for their online store.

Key Features

• Extensions & integrations
• Multiple layouts and color options
• Demo data importer
• Live Theme Customizer support
• Widget-ready areas

Why I Recommend Storefront

Storefront is my top recommendation for WooCommerce users.

Whereas themes like Themedd are built specifically for digital download sites, Storefront is the official WooCommerce theme that’s ideal for selling physical products.

Pricing

Storefront is completely free to download and use. You can extend its functionality with premium extensions available from WooCommerce.

7. Themedd

If you sell digital products, Themedd is one of the best WordPress eCommerce themes. With seamless integration with Easy Digital Downloads, it’s the perfect option for building an online storefront for digital selling.

Built and maintained by the EDD team, this free theme offers a stunning way to display, promote, and sell eBooks, software, files, music, and other digital products with ease.

The grid-like layout boasts a modern and clean look. In addition to the download grid, Themedd includes aesthetically pleasing product download pages and a distraction free checkout.

Key Features

• Seamless integration with Easy Digital Downloads & EDD extensions
• Full width & slim page templates
• Mobile menu location
• Custom widgets
• 40+ color controls
• Distraction-free checkout
• Cart details

Why I Recommend Themedd

If you currently or plan to use Easy Digital Downloads, Themedd is worth using. It’s easy to use but packed with helpful features—especially when paired with EDD blocks and extensions.

It’s simple enough for beginners, but also highly extendable. I highly recommend it to anyone offering digital products or downloadable content on their site.

Pricing

Themedd is a free theme.

8. Ommi (Thrive Theme Builder)

Thrive Suite offers a comprehensive eCommerce solution that includes built-in templates, tools, and features designed for optimizing your online store. While all its products are designed with eCommerce in mind, a stand-out option is Ommi, the new companion theme for Thrive Theme Builder.

The sleek, modern design helps give your site a warm and inviting feel. You can also choose from multiple product showcases and hundreds of pre-made templates, blocks, and customizable elements to build your dream eCommerce website.

Key Features

• Visual editor
• 9 pre-designed homepage templates
• 7 Silo page templates
• 133 Theme blocks
• 350+ Pre-designed landing pages
• Conversion-focused tools
• Customizable headers & footers
• 120 Pre-designed page sections
• 12 WooCommerce store templates
• A/B testing capabilities

Why I Recommend Ommi

I appreciate Ommi’s focus on conversion-focused design. The theme incorporates elements that encourage user interaction and guide visitors toward desired actions.

Additionally, the integration with Thrive Theme Builder offers customization flexibility. While Ommi is part of a larger ecosystem and requires the Thrive Suite, the investment can be justified if you’re looking for a host of marketing solutions.

Pricing

Ommi is included with your Thrive Suite purchase, with plans starting at $299 per year. This includes all Thrive themes and tools.

9. OceanWP

OceanWP is one of the best WordPress themes out there. Highly extendable, this free multi-purpose theme integrates seamlessly with most popular page builders and other eCommerce plugins, including WooCommerce.

In addition to a sophisticated design, it provides a smooth user experience and multiple customization options, including demos and eCommerce templates.

Key Features

• Built-in templates & demos
• Lightweight & SEO-friendly
• Integration with popular page builder & eCommerce plugins
• Live customizer
• 100+ integrated Google Fonts
• Multiple header styles, backgrounds, and colors
• Navigation menu options
• Custom widgets
• Premium addons

Why I Recommend OceanWP

OceanWP’s speed, flexibility, and affordability are its standout features.

This versatile theme offers a solid foundation for building various types of websites, from simple blogs to complex online stores. Its clean and modern design aesthetics make it adaptable to different niches.

Pricing

OceanWP offers a free version with essential features. For advanced options and premium templates, you can upgrade to the ECommerce Pro version, starting at $34 per year.

10. Shoppe

If you offer a lot of physical goods and products, Shoppe is a premium Themify theme powered by WooCommerce that’s worth checking out.

Shoppe includes a ton of helpful features and tools for eCommerce sites, including a quick product search, quick-look lightbox, product image zoom, and more.

You can also choose from various layout and styling options.

Key Features

• Custom layout creation
• Themify builder
• Seamless WooCommerce integration
• Ajax shopping cart
• Wishlist
• Lightbox & product search
• Product image zoom
• Responsive design

Why I Recommend Shoppe

Shoppe’s integration with Themify Builder provides flexibility in designing product pages and overall store layout. While Shoppe might be more specialized compared to some multi-purpose themes, it excels as a platform for online retailers.

Pricing

You can get the Shoppe theme, plus a dozen add-ons, starting at $59. Shoppe is part of the Themify Master Club membership, which offers access to Shoppe and other themes like Ultra, starting at $89 per year.

11. Flatsome

Flatsome is a powerhouse for eCommerce themes, known for its versatility and design flexibility.

With a wide range of pre-built layouts, customizable elements, and powerful tools, Flatsome is an excellent option for creating a stunning WooCommerce store.

I’m particularly impressed by Flatsome’s UX Builder, which allows for intuitive drag-and-drop customization without compromising performance. There are also multiple demo shop themes to choose from.

The theme features modern, carefully crafted product pages, an optimized checkout process, and an impressive overall user experience. While Flatsome offers plenty of options, it might have a slightly steeper learning curve for those new to website building.

Key Features

• UX builder
• Element library
• Extensive customization options
• WooCommerce integration
• Optimized for speed and conversions
• Over 300,000 users
• One-click demo content

Why I Recommend Flatsome

If you sell physical products and use WooCommerce as your eCommerce solution, Flatsome is worth considering. I recommend it for any online business owner looking to build a modern and intuitive shop with plenty of customization options.

However, its complexity might be overwhelming for beginners. The theme can become resource-intensive for highly customized designs. If you want a straightforward theme without any bells or whistles, Flatsome probably isn’t the best option.

Pricing

Flatsome is available on ThemeForest for a one-time purchase price of $59. Additional extensions and support packages are also available.

12. WoodMart

WoodMart is a premium WooCommerce theme known for its exceptional design and performance. It’s crafted with an eye for detail, offering a range of pre-designed templates and customization options to create captivating online stores.

Whether you’re selling fashion, electronics, or luxury goods, WoodMart provides the tools to showcase your products in the best possible light.

I’m particularly impressed by WoodMart’s focus on user experience. The theme incorporates features like AJAX product filters, quick view, and wishlist to enhance customer engagement.

Its performance optimization ensures fast loading times, even with large product catalogs. While WoodMart offers a ton of features, it might require a bit more technical knowledge to fully harness its potential.

Key Features

• High-performance
• Visual builder
• WooCommerce integration
• Extensive customization options
• Product filters and sorting
• Wishlist and compare features

Why I Recommend WoodMart

WoodMart is one of the best WordPress eCommerce themes for stores seeking a high-performance, visually stunning, and feature-rich theme. WoodMart’s strengths lie in its stunning design, performance optimization, and extensive features.

It’s an excellent choice for businesses looking to create a premium online store. However, the theme’s complexity might be overwhelming for beginners, and it might require additional plugins for certain functionalities.

Pricing

WoodMart is available on ThemeForest for $59. Additional extensions and support packages are also available.

13. Hestia

Earlier, I mentioned Neve. Another one of ThemeIsle’s most popular offerings, Hestia is a highly-rated theme that boasts a modern and clean one-page design.

It’s fitting for just about any type of eCommerce site. It’s also optimized for speed and performance, meaning fast loading times and an optimal user experience.

Hestia is an excellent theme if you want something that is clean and sleek. I appreciate how lightweight and minimalist it is without skimping on any essential eCommerce features you expect in a WordPress theme for online businesses.

Key Features

• One-page & multi-page layouts
• Live customizer
• Starter sites
• Unlimited colors
• Lightweight and SEO-optimized
• Multiple layout options & navigation menus
• Customizable header
• Social media icons
• Compatible with page builders (Elementor, Beaver Builder, Visual Composer, etc.)
• Mega menus
• 200+ video tutorials

Why I Recommend Hestia

I appreciate Hestia’s minimalist approach and ease of use, and recommend it to online sellers looking for a distinct and straightforward design. The theme is easy to set up and customize, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.

Additionally, its compatibility with popular page builders allows for more advanced design options when needed. While Hestia might lack some advanced features for complex websites, it excels as a starting point for many projects.

Pricing

Hestia is a free theme. A premium version is available starting at $199.

Niche eCommerce WordPress Themes

Many of the options in this list of best WordPress eCommerce themes are multi-purpose, meaning they can be used for a variety of different businesses.

But there are also some excellent niche-specific themes that are particularly useful for Easy Digital Downloads users.

Vendd

If you’re interested in starting a marketplace site for online selling, Vendd is one of the best WordPress eCommerce themes. Like Themedd, it’s free and designed specifically to integrate with Easy Digital Downloads.

• Full-featured marketplace theme
• Page templates
• Design options including logo uploader, colors, and background customizations
• Full-width layouts
• Full support for EDD Marketplace Bundle extensions
• Extended EDD support

It’s available to EDD users for free.

Hello! Commerce

Hello! Commerce is a stunning theme that can be used for a variety of websites, including eCommerce stores. Fully compatible with Easy Digital Downloads and WooCommerce, it’s an awesome theme for online selling.

This Genesis child theme, powered by brandID, is easy to customize and provides a simple setup for a full shopping cart and shop page.

Key Features

• Blocked-based widget areas
• One-click setup wizard
• Custom starter pages
• Customizer controls
• Starter pages
• Demo content
• Easy Digital Downloads ready

Pricing: Hello! Commerce is available for $139.

Digital Downloads Pro

If you want to start selling online but don’t have a website or store set up yet, Digital Downloads Pro can help you launch your business in no time.

This premium theme comes with Easy Digital Downloads already integrated. The combination provides an aesthetically pleasing site with all the eCommerce features and tools you need to start monetizing your content.

Key Features

• Three unique theme options
• Block patterns
• Drag-and-drop page sections
• Block-based widget areas
• One-click setup wizard
• Customizer controls
• Google Fonts
• Customizable logo
• Custom starter pages
• Demo content

Pricing: You can purchase Digital Downloads Pro for $127.

KnowAll Knowledge Base Theme

KnowAll isn’t your typical eCommerce theme. Instead of selling products, it’s designed for building vibrant online communities centered around shared knowledge and expertise. Think online courses, membership sites, and collaborative learning platforms.

KnowAll provides the framework for connecting with your audience and fostering a thriving online ecosystem. While it can be used with other knowledge base plugins, it truly shines when paired with Heroic Knowledge Base, offering a beautifully integrated solution for sharing your expertise and supporting your customers.

• Seamless Integration with Heroic Knowledge Base. Create a visually appealing and user-friendly knowledge base that’s deeply integrated with your website.
• Designed for Support and Documentation. Provide exceptional customer support and empower users to find answers quickly and easily.
• Clean and Modern Design. Present your knowledge base content in a clear and professional manner.

Plus, it’s included with every Heroic KB plan.

Coaching Pro

Backed by brandID, Coaching Pro is a premium WordPress/EDD theme designed to help you grow your coaching business and land new clients. It comes packed with powerful features and tools for driving traffic to your website.

Podcast Pro

Another impressive eCommerce theme from brandID that works seamlessly with Easy Digital Downloads: Podcast Pro.

As the name suggests, this theme offers an ideal solution for showcasing, promoting, and monetizing podcast episodes. It includes video and blog capabilities so you can deliver multiple forms of media to your audience, all on a website customized to your specific needs and branding.

Stocky

Stocky is a premium stock photography marketplace theme for WordPress. It has tons of features, tools, and customization options that help you sell your stock photos online with ease.