## How to Add Content Locking in WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide (2 Methods)
**By Naveed Ahmed**, WordPress Expert with 15 years of experience
As a WordPress expert with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how content locking can be a powerful tool for growing your online business. It’s a strategy used by many successful websites to boost lead generation, increase sales, and build their email lists.
Content locking is a simple yet effective technique that encourages your visitors to take a specific action, such as signing up for your email list or subscribing to a premium membership.
The key to successful content locking is to make it seamless and non-intrusive for your users. The goal is to create a win-win situation where you achieve your objectives while providing your visitors with valuable content.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through two proven methods for adding content locking to your WordPress website, covering everything from choosing the right tools to optimizing your strategy for maximum results.
### What is Content Locking?
Content locking refers to the practice of restricting access to certain content on your website until a user completes a desired action. This could involve:
* **Signing up for your email list:** This allows you to build a valuable email list and keep your audience engaged with regular updates and promotions.
* **Purchasing a premium membership:** This lets you monetize your content and offer exclusive benefits to paying subscribers.
* **Completing a specific task:** This could involve downloading a free resource, filling out a survey, or engaging in social media interactions.
Think of content locking as a way to offer a “sneak peek” into valuable content while encouraging your audience to take the next step.
### Why Should You Consider Content Locking?
Here are some compelling reasons why content locking can be beneficial for your website:
* **Generate more leads:** Content locking is a proven method for collecting email addresses, driving signups, and growing your email list.
* **Increase sales and revenue:** Offering premium content through paid memberships can be a lucrative way to monetize your expertise and generate consistent income.
* **Boost engagement and build community:** Content locking can encourage users to interact with your website, participate in discussions, and become active members of your community.
* **Target specific audiences:** By locking content based on user roles, you can tailor your content to specific groups and deliver highly relevant information.
* **Control access to sensitive information:** You can use content locking to restrict access to sensitive information, such as private documents, member-only forums, or exclusive resources.
**Pro tip:** The key to successful content locking is to ensure that the locked content is genuinely valuable and enticing to your audience. Don’t lock away mediocre content just to try and get people to sign up!
### Method 1: Add Content Locking with OptinMonster (Free Content)
OptinMonster is the leading lead generation plugin for WordPress, and it’s a fantastic tool for using exclusive content to grow your email list.
**Here’s how to set up content locking with OptinMonster:**
1. **Choose a plan:** You’ll need a Plus or higher plan for content locking. If you’re a WPBeginner user, you can get a 10% discount on OptinMonster using their coupon code.
2. **Install and activate:** Install and activate the OptinMonster plugin on your WordPress website.
3. **Connect your account:** Connect your existing OptinMonster account or create a new one.
4. **Create a new campaign:** Go to OptinMonster » Campaigns and create a new campaign.
5. **Select a template:** OptinMonster offers over 300+ beautifully designed templates for your campaign.
6. **Choose the Inline option:** Select the Inline option to add content locking.
7. **Customize your popup:** Use the drag-and-drop campaign builder to edit the content, fonts, colors, and design of your popup.
8. **Enable content locking:** Go to the ‘Display Rules’ tab and choose when and where the campaign will be displayed.
9. **Go to Actions:** Click ‘Done? Go To Actions’.
10. **Enable Content Locking:** Select the ‘Lock Content’ section and enable the ‘Enable Content Locking’ toggle.
11. **Configure settings:** Set your cookie settings and adjust the days after which the popup will show to different users.
12. **Publish your campaign:** Click on the ‘Published’ tab and click on the ‘Publish’ button.
13. **Save your campaign:** Click the ‘Save’ button at the top right and close the campaign builder.
14. **Select output settings:** Choose between the ‘Automatic’ and ‘Manual’ options for how to display your inline campaign.
15. **Copy the shortcode:** Copy the shortcode if you choose the ‘Manual’ option.
16. **Add the shortcode:** Paste the shortcode in the WordPress content editor just before the content you want to lock.
17. **Save and publish:** Save and publish your post or page.
**Now, you can test your content locking by visiting the post or page in a new browser window. You’ll see that the locked content is blurred or hidden. Once a user enters their email address, the locked content will be displayed.**
### Method 2: Add Content Locking with MemberPress (Paid Content)
MemberPress is the premier WordPress membership plugin, making it easy to lock your WordPress content for paid members.
**Here’s how to set up content locking with MemberPress:**
1. **Choose a plan:** You’ll need at least a Basic plan for content locking. WPBeginner users can save up to $479 off their first year of MemberPress using their coupon code.
2. **Install and activate:** Install and activate the MemberPress plugin on your WordPress website.
3. **Enter your license key:** Go to MemberPress » Settings and paste your license key into the text box. Click ‘Activate License Key’.
4. **Set up your membership site:** Select a payment method, decide on pricing, and create a signup page.
5. **Create a membership plan:** Go to MemberPress » Memberships and click ‘Add New’.
6. **Name and price your plan:** Give your plan a name, decide on the cost, and choose the billing type.
7. **Customize membership options:** Scroll down to the membership options meta box and customize permissions and options.
8. **Create rules for content access:** Go to MemberPress » Rules and click ‘Add New’.
9. **Set up rules:** Select conditions and associate them with a membership plan.
10. **Add tags to your content:** Add the corresponding tag to the posts you want to protect.
11. **Set unauthorized access settings:** Scroll down to the ‘MemberPress Unauthorized Access’ meta box and choose what logged-out users will see when they reach locked content.
**You can now test your content locking by visiting your WordPress site. For example, a non-premium member will see the pricing page when they access the locked content. Premium members who have subscribed and logged in will be able to view the content.**
### Bonus: How to Use Content Locking to Grow Your Business
Now that you know how to add content locking to your website, let’s explore some effective strategies for using it to grow your email list and business:
**1. Lock Content for Registered Users:**
* **Offer exclusive content:** Lock away valuable resources like interviews, online courses, videos, podcasts, and cheat sheets for registered users.
* **Drive membership signups:** Encourage users to subscribe to a premium plan to access exclusive content.
**2. Restrict Content Based on User Roles:**
* **Control access to sensitive information:** Restrict access to private documents, member-only forums, or exclusive resources based on user roles.
* **Offer tiered content:** Provide different levels of access to content based on membership plans.
**3. Offer Content Upgrades to Visitors:**
* **Provide bonus content:** Offer free content upgrades, like e-books, checklists, or templates, to users who sign up for your email list.
* **Increase lead generation:** Use content upgrades to incentivize visitors to join your newsletter.
**Pro tip:** When deciding what to lock, consider your target audience and what they value. Offer content that aligns with their interests and solves their problems.
### Conclusion
Content locking is a versatile and effective strategy for growing your email list, increasing sales, and building a thriving online community.
By implementing the right content locking strategy and using the right tools, you can create a seamless and engaging experience for your users while achieving your business goals.
**Remember, the key to success is offering valuable content and making the content locking process easy and intuitive for your visitors. By following the tips and strategies in this guide, you can start using content locking to unlock your website’s full potential.**
## FAQs
**Here are some frequently asked questions about content locking in WordPress:**
**
Is content locking legal?
**
Yes, content locking is generally legal. However, it’s crucial to ensure you’re complying with all applicable copyright and privacy laws. You should also clearly inform users about what content is locked and how they can access it.
**
How can I prevent users from bypassing content locking?
**
While it’s impossible to completely prevent users from bypassing content locking, you can take steps to make it more difficult. These include using strong passwords, implementing SSL encryption, and using a reputable membership plugin with robust security features. You should also be aware of potential vulnerabilities in your website’s code and address them promptly.
**
How can I make sure my content locking strategy is effective?
**
To ensure your content locking strategy is effective, you should track key metrics such as conversion rates, bounce rates, and user engagement. Analyze the data to understand what’s working and what needs improvement. Continuously refine your approach to optimize your results.
**
What are some examples of content locking in action?
**
Many websites use content locking effectively. Here are a few examples:
* **News websites:** Many news websites lock premium content behind a paywall, offering free access to basic articles while requiring a subscription for in-depth reporting.
* **Membership sites:** Membership sites often use content locking to provide exclusive benefits to paid subscribers, such as access to private forums, courses, and downloads.
* **Blogs and online courses:** Bloggers and course creators may lock premium content, such as e-books, cheat sheets, or video tutorials, behind an email signup form.
**
Should I use a free or paid plugin for content locking?
**
The best option for you depends on your specific needs and budget. Free plugins offer basic functionality, while paid plugins provide more advanced features and support. If you’re on a tight budget, a free plugin may be sufficient. However, if you need robust security, advanced customization options, or reliable support, a paid plugin is likely a better investment.
**
What are the best free content locking plugins?
**
Here are a few recommended free content locking plugins:
* **Restrict Content Pro:** A popular free plugin that offers basic content locking functionality, as well as advanced features for membership sites.
* **WP Content Locker:** Another free plugin that allows you to lock content behind a variety of actions, including email signup forms, social media shares, and more.
* **Content Locker by Sucuri:** This plugin offers basic content locking features and integration with the Sucuri security platform.
**
What are some tips for creating effective content locking popups?
**
Here are some tips for creating effective content locking popups:
* **Keep it concise and focused:** Don’t overwhelm users with too much information. Focus on the value proposition of the locked content.
* **Use compelling visuals:** Include eye-catching images or videos to grab attention.
* **Provide clear instructions:** Explain how users can access the content.
* **Offer a strong call to action:** Use clear and compelling calls to action to encourage users to take the desired action.
* **Test and optimize:** Experiment with different designs, messaging, and calls to action to find what resonates with your audience.
**
How can I integrate content locking with my email marketing strategy?
**
Content locking can be a powerful tool for growing your email list. You can offer valuable content upgrades in exchange for email signups. Segment your email list based on the content users unlock and provide them with targeted content and promotions.
**
What are the potential drawbacks of content locking?
**
While content locking can be beneficial, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks:
* **User frustration:** If users find the content locking process cumbersome or intrusive, they may become frustrated and abandon your website.
* **Bounce rate increase:** Users who encounter content locking may leave your website without engaging with your content, leading to a higher bounce rate.
* **Negative impact on SEO:** Content locking can potentially affect your website’s search engine optimization (SEO) if users cannot access your content easily.
**
Can I use content locking to protect sensitive information, like personal data?
**
While content locking can help protect sensitive information, it’s not a substitute for robust security measures. You should also comply with all applicable privacy regulations, such as the GDPR and CCPA.
If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.