The Need: Selling Digital Files isn’t Easy

As a developer running my own WooCommerce website for selling design templates and digital products, I faced major headaches delivering files to customers after purchase.

Manually emailing files left room for mistakes and didn’t guarantee customers accessed the latest product version. And how could I ensure files weren’t being shared around? This tedious process started hindering my productivity.

There had to be automation to seamlessly move a purchased digital product directly into the buyer’s hands. I envisioned a plugin integrating WooCommerce orders with Google Drive access permissions. Upon payment processing, customers could access file links with no extra work from me.

Attempting to Build a Solution

I dug into Google Drive and WordPress developer APIs exploring possible ways to connect order data with file link sharing. Most Drive plugins still required manual sender input rather than grabbing emails automatically.

After many long nights reviewing forums and documentation, I began cobbling together a custom plugin tailored to my needs. It automatically generates a shareable file download link in Drive when payments get captured in WooCommerce.

The plugin pulls the customer email from the order details, adds it to the file access list, and creates permission to view and download. With the Heavy Lifting automated behind the scenes, my digital fulfillment was now streamlined and more secure!

Releasing to the Public

I first used my homegrown plugin privately on my own eCommerce site in 2017. It was a huge success, saving me time while protecting product files from unauthorized sharing.

After getting asked how I handled digital delivery so smoothly, I polished my plugin and publicly released it as “Auto Email Drive Download by WooCommerce Order” on the WordPress repository.

It quickly gained popularity by solving two needs – simplifying seller digital order fulfillment while restricting file access to paying buyers. Reviews noted both the time savings and security value as top features.

Ongoing Maintenance and Evolution

Today over 500 active website installs leverage my plugin’s automation for their own digital products. I continue developing it based on user feedback, adding enhancements like optional Dropbox integration alongside Google Drive.

With each update, I aim to further simplify and smooth out the eCommerce experience when selling virtual inventory items. The plugin story continues just as my own business growth continues.

I’m glad my own needs birthed a solution now benefiting other WooCommerce store owners. This journey highlights how one innovation can spawn an entire legacy by scratching an itch.

You can use the plugin “The Plugin Auto Add Email to Google Drive when the Order Completed” for a good solution right now.

• Automatic Sync: As soon as an order is marked as completed, the associated email is instantly saved to Google Drive.
• Organized Storage: Say goodbye to lost emails. All your order confirmations are stored neatly in designated Google Drive folders.
• Easy Access: Retrieve any order information with just a few clicks. Our plugin ensures that your data is at your fingertips, wherever you are.
• Secure Backup: With Google Drive, your order confirmations are stored safely in the cloud, providing you with a reliable backup for peace of mind.

The Plugin Auto Add Email to google drive when the order completed