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WPBeginner» Blog» Beginners Guide» How to Add Ebook Downloads in WordPress

How to Add Ebook Downloads in WordPress

Last updated on May 2nd, 2018 by Editorial Staff
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How to Add Ebook Downloads in WordPress

Do you want to add ebook downloads to your WordPress site? WordPress makes it easy for you to upload your ebook files in PDF format and make them available for download. You can also sell ebooks or use them to get more email subscribers. In this article, we will show you how to add ebook downloads in WordPress as well as how to make the most out of your ebooks.

How to add ebook downloads in WordPress

Method 1: Direct Ebook Downloads in WordPress Posts

The direct Ebook download method allows you to upload your ebooks and add a link to your WordPress site allowing all users to download them.

First you need to edit the post or page where you want to add the ebook download. On the post edit screen, click on the ‘Add Media’ button.

Add media button

This will bring up the WordPress media uploader popup. You need to click on the ‘Select files’ button to upload the ebook file from your computer.

Select and upload your ebook file

Once uploaded, you will be able to see your ebook file selected. If your eBook file is in PDF format, then you will also be able to see a thumbnail preview of the first page of your ebook.

On the right hand column, you can provide the title, caption, and description for your ebook.

Insert your ebook download into WordPress

You can also select how you want your ebook to be linked. By default, it will link to the ebook file itself and that’s the option you want.

Click on the ‘Insert into post’ button to add ebook download into your post.

That’s all, you have successfully added your ebook download into a WordPress post. You can now visit your website to see it in action. Your download link will look like this:

Ebook download link in a WordPress blog post

Method 2. Use Ebook Downloads to Get More Subscribers

Directly adding an ebook download to your WordPress posts is easier and will work for most users.

However, if you want to use your ebook download to grow your email list, boost conversions, and get more traffic, then try this method instead.

For this method, you’ll need OptinMonster. It is a lead generation software created by our founder Syed Balkhi which helps you get more email subscribers.

OptinMonster comes with tools to create beautiful forms asking users to perform an action before sending them to the ebook download.

Offering ebook download as content upgrade

This marketing technique is sometimes referred to as content upgrades.

Basically you offer free bonus content to your users in return of a small action like signing up for your email list.

It’s a win win for both parties. You get a new subscriber, and your users get free ebook download.

For detailed instructions, see our step by step guide on how to add content upgrades in WordPress.

Method 3. Sell Ebook Downloads in WordPress

Sell ebook downloads on your WordPress site

Want to sell ebook downloads on your WordPress site? Selling things online was never this easier. WordPress allows you to create your own online store using WooCommerce.

WooCommerce is a powerful and extremely easy to use WordPress eCommerce plugin. You can install it on your existing WordPress site, or create a new online store to sell your ebooks.

It can be used to sell both physical goods (things that need shipping) and digital downloads (ebooks, musics, software, etc). It supports most popular payment gateways and requires no technical or programming skills to setup.

For complete step by step instructions see our guide on how to start an online store.

We hope this article helped you learn how to add ebook downloads in WordPress. You may also want to see our list of 9 best PDF plugins for WordPress.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

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14 Comments

Leave a Reply
  1. Suhail Kakar says:
    Jul 18, 2020 at 6:16 pm

    Really helpful, Thanks

    Reply
  2. Cassandra James says:
    Oct 26, 2019 at 11:01 pm

    That was VERY helpful, thank you SO VERY much!!!

    Reply
    • WPBeginner Support says:
      Oct 28, 2019 at 11:48 am

      You’re welcome, glad our guide was helpful :)

      Reply
  3. Melanie says:
    Jul 30, 2019 at 10:31 am

    Hello,

    Is it possible to organize my site so ebooks are available to readers without downloading (a lot of photos)?

    Reply
    • WPBeginner Support says:
      Aug 1, 2019 at 9:06 am

      For what it sounds like you’re wanting, you may want to take a look at our article here: https://www.wpbeginner.com/plugins/how-manage-track-control-file-downloads-wordpress/

      Reply
  4. Audrey Ryan says:
    Feb 28, 2019 at 2:46 pm

    Really helpful, and simply stated post! Just what I was looking for. Thanks!

    Reply
    • WPBeginner Support says:
      Mar 1, 2019 at 10:00 am

      You’re welcome :)

      Reply
  5. Troy Porter says:
    Nov 28, 2018 at 5:31 pm

    Hello,

    WordPress don’t allow .epub or .mobi File is there a plugin or a solution to allow also epub and mobi file and want to be limited with PDF File, tanks in advance.

    Reply
    • WPBeginner Support says:
      Nov 29, 2018 at 4:22 pm

      Hey Troy,

      Please see our article on how to allow additional file types to be uploaded in WordPress.

      Reply
      • Troy Porter says:
        Nov 29, 2018 at 4:23 pm

        Thank you so much it works

        Reply
        • WPBeginner Support says:
          Nov 29, 2018 at 4:44 pm

          We are glad you found it helpful. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more WordPress tips and tutorials.

  6. christian says:
    Jun 15, 2017 at 1:09 pm

    this is a big help to all beginners like me..

    thank you

    Reply
  7. Ifiokobng Ibanga says:
    Apr 16, 2017 at 9:17 am

    Thanks for this wonderful guide. I really found it useful.

    I want to start selling eBooks directly on my blog instead of send traffic to gumroad or Amazon.

    Thanks. It’s helpful.

    Reply
  8. Soham Pratap says:
    Apr 5, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    I want to add ebooks and this article helps me. Before this I used to add ebooks through Google Drive.
    One question too – Which is good for SEO? Adding PDFs on host or drive?

    Reply

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