Ever wondered how to turn your digital storefront into a points-earning, loyalty-driving machine? Well, buckle up buttercup, because we’re diving headfirst into the wonderful world of the myCred Gateway for Easy Digital Downloads (EDD). Okay, it’s a fork of the original myCred Gateway – Easy Digital Downloads, but hey, forks are useful, right? Think of it as a spork – a multi-tool for your e-commerce empire. This little gem bridges the gap between your digital products and the power of points, badges, and ranks. It’s like giving your customers a virtual hug with every purchase, only instead of a hug, they get points. Points they can redeem for more goodies! Because who doesn’t love free stuff? We’re talking about seamlessly integrating a robust loyalty system into your existing digital download setup. Get ready to learn how to make your customers happier, more engaged, and, most importantly, coming back for more. Prepare to be amazed, or at least mildly entertained, as we unlock the secrets of this awesome plugin.

Setting Up Your Points System

Alright, let’s dive into the exciting (and potentially mind-numbing) world of setting up your very own points system! First, find the myCred settings. It’s usually lurking somewhere in the admin dashboard. Don’t worry; it’s not hiding… probably.

Now, for the important stuff: naming your points. ‘Points’ is so last decade. Get creative! Think ‘Awesome-sauce Bucks,’ ‘Galactic Credits,’ or even ‘Dust Bunnies’ if that aligns with your brand. The goal is to be memorable, or at least mildly amusing.

Next, exchange rates. How many ‘Awesome-sauce Bucks’ does a user get for spending a dollar? Be reasonable, unless you want to bankrupt yourself. Setting earning and redeeming limitations is key. Don’t let users earn infinite points by repeatedly clicking a button. Implement some rules!

Finally, consider different business models. A subscription service might offer points for renewals. An online course platform could award points for completing modules. Tailor the points system to your specific needs. It’s your world; they’re just earning points in it.

Integrating with Easy Digital Downloads Products

So, you want to bribe people to buy your digital wares? Excellent choice. Let’s link this points system to those products. Because who needs quality when you have… points?

First, navigate to the product edit page. There, you’ll find a magical settings box. Here, you specify the point value awarded upon purchase. Simple, right? Variable pricing? No problem! You can set point values based on the price they actually pay – for the privilege of owning your digital gold. Product bundles? Treat each bundle as a single product and award points accordingly. Because who wants to deal with math?

Want to flaunt the points they could earn on the product page? We’ve got shortcodes for that. Sprinkle them liberally. The more, the merrier (and the more points they might get).

To ensure points are awarded, the system hooks into the purchase process. Once a purchase is marked as complete (and only then!), the points are automagically bestowed upon the user. If it doesn’t work? Well, double-check your configurations, cry a little, and then check them again. Repeat until it works or you give up. We recommend the first option.

Customizing the User Experience

So, you want your users to actually see their points? Fine. We’ll make it happen. First, the basics. Displaying point balances is shockingly simple. Use the [mycred_my_balance] shortcode. Yes, it’s that obvious. Want to put it on every page? Congratulations, you now understand copy and paste. Redemption options? Embed those with their respective shortcodes. It’s like we want you to use them! Activity logs, tracking every point like a hawk, can be embedded with (you guessed it) another shortcode – [mycred_history]. But wait, there’s more! Those dull notification messages? You can change them! Navigate to the plugin settings and prepare to unleash your inner wordsmith. Want to make it snarky? Go wild. Just remember someone has to read it. The layout is customizable too, mostly because we felt bad about how boring it was initially. Code snippets? Sure, if you’re into that sort of thing. But honestly, the shortcodes cover most use cases. If you really need custom code, you’re probably overthinking it. Still, flexibility is key, even if it’s just for showing off your coding prowess. Now, go forth and make it… tolerable.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Points drier than the Sahara? Let’s troubleshoot. First, confirm your product prices and point values align. Did you accidentally set a product worth $10 to award 0.000001 points? Hilarious, but fix it.

Plugin conflicts are the Bermuda Triangle of websites. Deactivate other plugins one-by-one to isolate the troublemaker. If deactivating a plugin fixes the issue, notify the developers of both plugins, so they can work together. Maybe they’ll even become friends!

Display errors giving you a headache? Clear your browser cache. If that doesn’t work, inspect your website with your browser’s developer tools. Look for Javascript errors in the console. Common culprits? Theme incompatibilities or custom code gone rogue.

Logs are your friend. Activate logging (if you haven’t already). They reveal errors other than ‘user is dumb’. Check both your system logs and the plugin’s logs (if available). Ensure your settings in the plugin itself are configured correctly. Is the point type enabled? Are users assigned the correct point balances to start with? If after all of this you still have no clue, then it might be time to consider hiring a professional, unless you enjoy repeatedly banging your head against a wall.

Advanced Usage and Developer Hooks

For those ready to push the boundaries, the plugin offers custom hooks. They let you extend its core functionality and tailor it to your specific needs. Want to create a unique award rule? Use the edd_payment_completion hook to grant points based on purchase amount. This expands beyond default options.

To define new point types, leverage the filters available within the core points management system. This allows you to build a multifaceted loyalty system. Developers can integrate the plugin with external CRMs or accounting systems. For example, use the points_awarded hook to trigger an event in your CRM, logging customer loyalty data.

The most impactful use comes from combining these customizations. Craft a bespoke loyalty program where points earned through purchases can be redeemed for exclusive content or priority support. These actions empower true differentiation.

Final words

So, there you have it – your crash course in turning your digital download store into a point-earning, customer-loving paradise using the myCred Gateway for Easy Digital Downloads (the forked version, of course!). It’s not just about slapping some points on purchases; it’s about creating an engaging experience that keeps customers coming back for more. Think of it as building a virtual loyalty program, but without the hassle of paper cards and hole punchers. Now, armed with this knowledge, go forth and create a system that’s not only effective but also fun. Because, let’s face it, if you’re not enjoying the process, your customers probably won’t either. Implement your point system, track those metrics, and adjust as needed. And remember, a happy customer is a paying customer. Or, at the very least, a customer who will leave you a glowing review (which, let’s be honest, is almost as good as money these days). So, get out there and start rewarding your loyal users, you’ll not regret it!