Sharing a PDF through your WordPress website via email is not just about distributing content—it’s about creating connections with your audience, offering value, and even driving engagement. Whether you’re offering a free eBook, a product catalog, or a downloadable whitepaper, the ability to share PDFs via email efficiently can be a powerful tool.
We’ll walk you through how to share a PDF on WordPress with email, utilizing various methods and plugins to make the process smooth and professional.
Why Sharing PDFs via Email on WordPress is a Smart Move
The ability to share a PDF on your WordPress website via email gives you more control over how your content reaches users. Instead of relying solely on downloads from your website, delivering PDFs directly through email ensures that your audience gets your materials in a format they can easily access, even when offline.
Furthermore, sharing PDFs through email can help you build your mailing list. By offering content in exchange for an email address, you not only give users something valuable but also grow your subscriber base.
The Benefits of Email-PDF Integration:
- Direct Engagement: Email allows you to connect directly with your audience, ensuring that the PDF content is delivered straight to their inbox.
- Lead Generation: Offering a PDF in exchange for an email address helps you generate leads and nurture relationships with potential customers.
- Branding Opportunities: You can customize the email with your brand colors, logo, and even personalized content.
Now, let’s get into the specifics of how to share a PDF on WordPress with email.
Method 1: Using Contact Forms to Send PDFs Automatically
One of the easiest ways to share PDFs via email in WordPress is by using a contact form plugin. This method allows visitors to request a PDF, and it’s automatically emailed to them after they provide their contact details.
Step 1: Install a Contact Form Plugin
There are several powerful form builder plugins for WordPress, such as WPForms, Contact Form 7, and Gravity Forms. For this tutorial, let’s use WPForms due to its simplicity and ease of use.
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New and search for “WPForms.”
- Install and activate the plugin.
Step 2: Create a Form to Collect Emails
Now that WPForms is installed, create a new form to collect email addresses in exchange for a downloadable PDF.
- Go to WPForms > Add New.
- Select the Blank Form option.
- Add fields like Name and Email to capture the user’s details.
Step 3: Set Up Email Notification with the PDF Attachment
To share the PDF, you’ll need to configure WPForms to send the file automatically.
- In the form editor, click on Settings > Notifications.
- In the notification section, you’ll see an option to add email content. Here, write a custom message that includes a link to the PDF.
- Upload your PDF to your WordPress media library by navigating to Media > Add New. Once uploaded, copy the file URL.
- Paste the PDF link into the notification email so that when users submit the form, they receive an email containing the link to the PDF.
This method allows you to share a PDF on WordPress with email automatically, which saves time and ensures efficiency.
Method 2: Using Email Subscription Plugins to Deliver PDFs
Another excellent way to deliver PDFs via email is by using an email subscription plugin. This method works particularly well if you’re looking to grow your mailing list by offering a downloadable PDF as a lead magnet.
Step 1: Choose and Install an Email Marketing Plugin
Plugins like Mailchimp for WordPress or MailPoet allow you to collect email addresses in exchange for downloadable content. For this method, we’ll use Mailchimp.
- Go to Plugins > Add New and search for “Mailchimp for WordPress.”
- Install and activate the plugin.
Step 2: Create a Sign-Up Form
Once Mailchimp is set up, create a subscription form that offers the PDF as a lead magnet.
- In the WordPress dashboard, navigate to MC4WP > Forms.
- Create a new form, ensuring that it includes fields like Name and Email.
- Customize the form to mention the PDF offer, such as “Sign up and receive our free eBook instantly!”
Step 3: Send the PDF After Subscription
To ensure the PDF is delivered, you’ll need to set up an automated email through Mailchimp that triggers when someone subscribes.
- Go to your Mailchimp dashboard and create an Automation.
- Set the trigger to send the email immediately after the user subscribes.
- Attach the PDF or include a download link in the email body so the user can access the file after confirming their subscription.
This approach allows you to efficiently share a PDF on WordPress with email while growing your mailing list.
Method 3: Embedding a Downloadable PDF Link in Emails
For users who already have an established email list, you can simply embed a PDF link in your email campaigns. This method doesn’t require any specific plugins but relies on good email marketing practices.
Step 1: Upload the PDF to Your WordPress Media Library
First, upload the PDF file you want to share with your subscribers.
- Navigate to Media > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Upload the PDF and copy the generated URL.
Step 2: Create an Email Campaign
Now, use your preferred email marketing platform (such as Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or MailPoet) to create a new campaign.
- In the email editor, write the content of your email.
- Add a button or text that links to the PDF file, using the URL you copied from the media library.
By embedding the PDF link, your subscribers can instantly download the content, making it an efficient way to share files with your audience.
Method 4: Using a PDF Download Manager Plugin
If you want more control over how PDFs are distributed, consider using a download manager plugin like Download Monitor. This plugin tracks how many times a file is downloaded and gives you additional customization options.
Step 1: Install Download Monitor
- Go to Plugins > Add New and search for “Download Monitor.”
- Install and activate the plugin.
Step 2: Add Your PDF as a Downloadable File
- After activation, go to Downloads > Add New.
- Upload your PDF and configure settings such as download limits or file expiration.
- Copy the shortcode provided and embed it in any post or page.
You can then integrate this with a contact form or subscription service, offering the PDF as a gated content download.
Final Thoughts: Streamlining PDF Sharing via Email on WordPress
Knowing how to share a PDF on WordPress with email is an invaluable skill for any website owner, whether you’re running a blog, business, or online store. By combining email forms, subscription plugins, or download managers, you can create a seamless process for distributing valuable content to your audience. Each method ensures you remain in control of how your PDFs are shared while enhancing your engagement and growing your email list.
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