“If it takes longer than a cup of coffee, it’s too hard.”
– Every shop‑owner ever
Large sermon videos, motion backgrounds, and hefty resource bundles deserve rock‑solid downloads. S3 Delivery WooCommerce Pro moves your files to Amazon S3, keeps them private, and does it all with a one‑time license—no subscription headaches.
1. Why Move Your Downloads to S3?
| Old Way (host files on your server) | New Way (S3 Delivery Pro) |
|---|---|
| Big files slow pages and can crash checkout. | Amazon’s network handles the heavy lifting—your site stays snappy. |
| Public links get shared around. | Every customer gets a personal link that expires after a set time. |
| Bandwidth spikes can trigger hosting overage fees. | S3 bills only pennies per GB and scales automatically. |
2. What You Need Before Starting
- A WordPress site running WooCommerce.
- An Amazon Web Services (AWS) account (free tier is fine).
- The plugin ZIP file and your license key (emailed after purchase).
Time needed: ~25 minutes—or however long your favorite hot drink lasts.
3. Step‑by‑Step Setup (Zero Coding)
Step 1 – Install the Plugin
Upload the ZIP under Plugins → Add New → Upload and activate it.
Step 2 – Create an S3 Bucket
In the AWS console, click S3 → Create bucket. Use an easy‑to‑remember name (e.g., “my‑downloads”) and leave “Block Public Access” turned on.
Step 3 – Make an IAM User
Still in AWS, head to IAM → Users → Add user. Choose Programmatic access so the plugin—and only the plugin—can grab files. AWS will show you an Access Key ID and Secret Key. Save them somewhere safe.
Step 4 – Give the User Download Permission
Attach the simple “read‑only” policy provided in our plugin’s built‑in Help tab. No coding—just copy, paste, and save.
Step 5 – Tell the Plugin About Your Bucket
Back in WordPress, go to WooCommerce → Settings → S3 Delivery Pro. Paste your keys, choose the bucket region, type your bucket name, and pick a link‑expiry time (30–60 minutes is perfect). Click Save & Test Connection—you should see a green success message.
Step 6 – Upload a File and Attach It
Drag any PDF, MP4, or ZIP into the bucket. Then edit your WooCommerce product, tick Downloadable, and click Add File → Choose from S3. Select the file, save the product, and you’re done.
4. Selling Multiple License Levels
Want Personal, Freelancer, Agency, and Unlimited tiers?
- Create one “Variable Product.”
- Add an attribute called License Tier with your tier names.
- Generate variations and set prices (e.g., $49 / 149 / 249 / 399).
- Use your page‑builder’s pricing‑table widget to display each tier. The “Add to Cart” links are generated automatically—no manual links required.
5. Everyday Tips & Quick Fixes
| Customer sees an “Access Denied” message. | Double‑check that the file is inside the correct bucket and that you saved the right region and bucket name in the plugin. |
| Links expire too quickly. | In WooCommerce → Settings → S3 Delivery Pro, extend the Link Expiry time. |
| Very large video starts slowly. | In your S3 bucket, turn on Transfer Acceleration or set up Amazon CloudFront later for worldwide caching. |
| Migrating lots of old downloads. | Use the plugin’s Bulk Replace tool (found under the plugin’s Tools tab) to swap every old link to S3 in one go. |
6. Frequently Asked (Real‑World) Questions
Do I have to pay Amazon for every download?
Yes, but it’s just a few cents per GB—usually less than the cost of upgrading your web hosting.
What happens if I lose my AWS keys?
Create new keys in AWS, paste them into the plugin settings, and you’re back in business. Existing customer links remain valid until they naturally expire.
7. Best Practices in Plain English
- Keep link expiry short. Thirty to sixty minutes balances convenience and security.
- Label files clearly. Customers prefer “sermon‑notes‑easter.pdf” to “file1234.pdf.”
- Store your keys safely. A password manager beats sticky notes every time.
- Keep your bucket private. Never change your bucket’s “Block Public Access” setting.