Easy Digital Downloads Free Downloads is a WordPress plugin extension designed to enhance EDD online store functionality by facilitating the distribution of lead magnets or freebies.

The primary aim is to engage site visitors and boost sales by offering a simplified pop-up modal for users to easily download free resources in exchange for their contact information, typically an email address.

The concept of a lead magnet is central to this extension, defined as a complimentary resource available on the website that users can obtain by providing their contact details.

Lead magnets can include various types of content such as eBooks, PDFs, lite versions of software, free trials, sample media (images, vectors, videos, music tracks), and exclusive training resources or tutorials.

The Easy Digital Downloads Free Downloads extension streamlines the download process by presenting users with a modal window, allowing them to skip the standard cart and checkout procedures.

Integration with popular email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, and others enables automatic subscription to email lists when users complete a free download.

The configuration options for this extension offer flexibility. After users enter their information into the modal, administrators can choose to redirect to a success page for a download link, perform a custom redirect to a designated page, or have the file start downloading automatically.

Additional customization includes specifying the required information from users (first name, last name), the option to set up an account, email verification requirements, and the display of custom messages.

Leads generated through this extension are tracked and managed in the Downloads » Customers section. This list serves various purposes, such as keeping track of users who have downloaded free resources, updating customer records, leaving notes, resending confirmation emails, sending new download links, and exporting a list of those who have downloaded lead magnets.

Despite being labeled as ‘customers’ within Easy Digital Downloads, leads can be identified based on their spending behavior. A ‘customer’ who has not spent any money on the site is considered a ‘lead.’

The provided information emphasizes the importance of staying in touch with leads and converting them into paying customers through email marketing.

Recommendations for professional email marketing platforms (ESP) are included, such as ConstantContact, CovertKit, Sendinblue, Drip, Hubspot, AWeber, and Mailchimp.

These ESPs offer features such as managing contact lists, sending professional-looking emails, preventing emails from going to spam folders, and integrating with websites and stores.

In summary, Easy Digital Downloads Free Downloads is a feature-rich extension that seamlessly integrates lead magnet distribution with email marketing strategies to enhance user engagement, track leads, and ultimately drive sales for online stores.