Selling digital products shouldn’t require constant manual intervention. Automating the delivery process allows you to generate income even while you sleep. A basic method involves leveraging the autoresponder functionality often included with web hosting accounts.
The core idea is to designate a specific email address for payment notifications. The autoresponder monitors this address; upon receiving a notification, it automatically sends a pre-configured reply containing the download information. This establishes a rudimentary automated system.
However, this simple approach has limitations. Any email to the designated address triggers the download response, creating a potential security issue. Furthermore, some payment processors send notifications from their own addresses, embedding the customer’s email within the message body. Basic autoresponders can’t extract this information, meaning thank-you emails and download links would be sent to the payment processor instead of the customer.
More advanced autoresponder systems offer intelligent solutions. These systems can parse payment notification emails, extract customer data, add customers to a database for follow-up, and send personalized replies with download information. This all happens seamlessly in the background, offering a smooth customer experience. These advanced solutions are available as monthly services or installable scripts.
Securing your downloads is also crucial. Most web hosting control panels include a ‘Protect Folder’ or ‘Password Protection’ feature. Placing downloads within a password-protected folder prevents unauthorized access from bots and users without the password.
For stronger protection, consider using a membership manager that requires user logins. Alternatively, scripts and hosted shopping carts can generate unique, expiring download links. These solutions typically range from $50 to $200 or more.
While these methods protect the download itself, they don’t secure the product against piracy. For robust protection, consider using a service that assigns unique key codes to each download, integrating seamlessly with your existing checkout process. These services typically cost between $9.95 and $24.95 per month. This can be a worthwhile investment if piracy is a significant concern.
Consider this: a small percentage of customers may attempt to circumvent your protections. Excessive control can alienate legitimate customers, who may resent restrictions on products they’ve purchased. Balancing security with customer satisfaction is essential. Clearly define your copyright terms and terms of use. This proactive step is often the best defense against misuse.