Where to Store Freebie Files for Opt-In Downloading (pdf,audio,video,etc)

[sheriesmith]

When using WordPress themes for a website, where do you upload your opt-in freebie files to store them for future downloads by opt-ins?

This will be the first WordPress site on which I've set up an opt-in. I'm using HostGator so would they go into one of the WP files on HostGator? Or do I need to be using an AmazonS3 account?

I do understand I need to put the link in my email communication from Aweber for the opt-in subscriber to click on for the download, but this is the first WordPress site on which I'm setting up a list. Better late than never, huh? LOL

Thanks Lynn!

~Sherie

[Lynn Terry]

Hi Sherie,

You can upload the file directly through your hosting cpanel. I would create a folder/directory titled "download" or similar and put the file(s) there. OR, in WordPress you can log in to your dashboard and click Media > Add New and upload your file there. Once it's uploaded, it will give you a direct link to the file - which you can then add to your confirmation page, the page they are taken to once they confirm their subscription by email.

[sheriesmith]

I never thought about putting freebie files in the Media area where my regular photos go. I was thinking they had to be in a separate folder because it was pdf, video or audio.

What about the files for SALE products you need to protect from unauthorized download? Are they still protected in the regular Media area? And is there a size limit for storage space on a WordPress site?

Lots of questions for you and Slim this morning. :) Thanks for your help.

[LaShae]

Sheri,

No they aren't protected when you upload them into the media file folder inside wordpress.

Moving forward I'll be following Regina's/ Traci's instructions http://www.clicknewz.com/members/showthread.php?8439-Help-with-protecting-my-free-download-pages-in-Wordpress to keep those files protected.

For my downloads offered as freebies I use this plugin (free) https://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-downloadmanager/

There is a paid version of it also but the free one does what I need.

[ChristineCobb]

Hey Sherie. The Media area is not a "protected" area. WordPress has just made it easier to upload files to the Uploads directory on your server. This is fine for your freebie products which should have affiliate links and/or links back to your site.

For products that you are selling, you'll want something more secure and harder to access. There are shopping carts that provide expiring links (ie 1ShoppingCart) or put the links behind a login (ie JVZoo). You can put your links inside a membership area (ie DAP, Premise, Wishlist). There are scripts like DLGuard that you can install on your server to provide expiring links. If you decide to just put them on a page, I would upload them to Amazon S3, install the S3MediaVault plugin to create the link on the page, put a password on the page and no-index the page.

[sheriesmith]

Thanks Christine for all the good suggestions. :)

[CarolineJ]

Christine - I wonder if I could ask you a question about Amazon s3?

Davina is the account holder.

We have been using the S3 Organizer Plug in for Firefox.

I can go directly to the FF plug in and gain immediate access to Davina's Amazon 3 account! No password needed etc.

Is this correct? It seems rather unsecure...

Caroline

[ChristineCobb]

The keys to the Amazon account have been stored on that computer only. If it is a desktop, you should have good anti-virus and malware scanning software on it. If it is a laptop that you travel with, you should also have password protection and perhaps even anti-theft software like Lo-Jack.