Are you intrigued by the idea of selling video downloads online and wondering if it’s feasible to do so using a WordPress website? The good news is that it’s not only possible but also quite straightforward. Selling videos with WordPress offers simplicity and gives you maximum control over your content and earnings. This means you can sell the same video files multiple times, maximizing your revenue. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of starting your own video-selling venture on WordPress.
### Why Sell Videos Online?
Video content on the internet is more prevalent than ever, with 86% of businesses using video as a marketing tool and the average person dedicating 100 minutes per day to watching videos. Selling your video content online not only allows you to generate income but also enables you to contribute to the creative community. Whether you’re offering stock footage, motion graphics, logos, or your own finished videos such as training content, music videos, or product reviews, there’s a market for it.
Monetizing your videos can take various forms. You might opt for a membership site, where users pay a subscription fee to access your content, or you can choose to sell your videos as digital downloads – the focus of this article.
### Choosing the Right Platform
Selecting the correct eCommerce platform is crucial for a smooth selling experience. WordPress, powering over 43% of all websites, is an excellent choice, particularly when paired with Easy Digital Downloads (EDD). WordPress.org, the self-hosted version, is recommended for its flexibility and control.
EDD is a specialized WordPress eCommerce plugin designed explicitly for selling digital products. Unlike platforms geared towards physical products, EDD streamlines the process, ensuring you don’t waste time configuring irrelevant settings such as shipping and inventory management.
### How to Sell Video Files on WordPress
Let’s delve into the step-by-step process of selling video files on WordPress. You can use the quick links below to navigate through different sections of the tutorial.
**Step 1: Setting Up Your WordPress Website**
To initiate the sale of digital downloads on WordPress, you’ll need a domain name, web hosting, and an SSL certificate for secure online transactions. Popular hosting providers like SiteGround offer managed WordPress hosting, ensuring a seamless integration with EDD.
**Step 2: Creating an Online Store With Easy Digital Downloads**
Since WordPress lacks built-in eCommerce functionality, you’ll need to install a plugin. If you’ve chosen SiteGround’s EDD hosting deal, the plugin is already installed. For other hosting providers, follow our step-by-step guide on installing the free EDD plugin.
*Entering Your Business and Location Information*
Activate the plugin and proceed to the Downloads » Settings page to start the EDD setup wizard. Provide your business name and location information. Your location is crucial for auto-filling fields during purchases and sales tax calculations. Customize your currency settings if needed and proceed.
*Setting Up Your Payment Methods*
Set up online payment collection methods. Stripe, a top payment company, offers a straightforward setup without a lengthy merchant account process. Click ‘Connect with Stripe’ to link your Stripe account to EDD.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to selling video files efficiently on your WordPress website. The flexibility of WordPress and the streamlined process of Easy Digital Downloads make it a powerful combination for content creators looking to monetize their video assets.
