Many of our readers utilize Patreon to generate income from their content and often seek ways to seamlessly integrate it with their WordPress sites. We have discovered an effective method to streamline this process.
By limiting access to specific content on your WordPress site exclusively for Patreon members, you can motivate more visitors to subscribe to your Patreon. This strategy not only drives Patreon users to your website but also enhances your traffic and opens up additional revenue opportunities.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of restricting content on WordPress for Patreon members.
Pro Tip:Looking to implement a content paywall on your website without using Patreon? Consider using MemberPress to restrict content to paying members and effectively monetize your blog.
Why Limit Content on WordPress to Patreon Members?
As a content creator, you may wish to monetize your writing, music, podcasts, stock photos, and other creative works.
Patreon enables you to offer memberships and grant access to various content based on the subscription levels of your patrons.
Patreon is also an excellent platform for fostering connections with your audience. For instance, you can automatically send a welcome message to new patrons.
Consider setting up private Discord servers or chat rooms for your members to interact with each other and communicate with you directly.
Once you have established a Patreon account, it’s beneficial to publish exclusive content for members on your WordPress site. This strategy encourages visitors to subscribe to your Patreon for access to unique WordPress material.
This approach can also boost your blog traffic, as patrons will need to visit your WordPress site to access the exclusive content.
Now, let’s explore how to restrict content on WordPress specifically for your Patreon members:
- Step 1: Create a Patreon Account for Your WordPress Site
- Step 2: Install the Patron Plugin Pro to Integrate WordPress with Patreon
- Step 3: Set Up Content Locking for Your Patreon Members
- Step 4: Limit Access to Specific Pages and Posts for Patreon Members
- Step 5: Include a Patreon Button in Your WordPress Posts
Step 1: Create a Patreon Account for Your WordPress Site
If you don’t have an account yet, visit the Patreon website and click on the ‘Get Started’ button.
You can enter your email address and create a password. Alternatively, you can register using your existing Google or Facebook account.
After providing this information, the setup wizard will ask you a few questions about your intended use of Patreon. Just follow the on-screen prompts to create an engaging and informative Patreon page.
Once that’s complete, you can utilize the Patreon tools to personalize your page, establish membership tiers, configure billing, and much more.
When you’re satisfied with the appearance of your Patreon page, you’re all set to integrate it into your WordPress website.
Step 2: Install the Patron Plugin Pro to Link WordPress with Patreon
The simplest way to create content exclusive to Patreon is by using the Patron Plugin Pro. This plugin enables you to restrict access to specific pages and posts or even lock all content associated with a particular tag or category.
You can also schedule content to be automatically locked and unlocked. This feature allows you to offer free trials, release content gradually, and more.
First, you’ll need to install and activate the Patron Plugin Pro. If you need assistance, please refer to our guide on installing a WordPress plugin.
After activation, you’ll need to connect the plugin to your Patreon account. To do this, navigate to Patreon Settings » Patreon Settings, and then click on ‘Connect site.’
When you’re ready, select ‘Start connection wizard.’
On the following screen, click on ‘Let’s get started!’
To link your Patreon account with your WordPress site, you’ll need to create an OAuth client.
If you agree to proceed, click on ‘Allow.’
If asked, enter your Patreon account login details.
After a brief moment, the Patron Plugin Pro will return you to the main WordPress dashboard, confirming that your Patreon account is now linked.
Before restricting any content, it’s advisable to review the plugin’s settings by navigating to Patreon Settings » Patron Settings.
The default settings are generally suitable for most websites, but it’s beneficial to verify if any adjustments are necessary.
If you decide to modify the settings, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the ‘Update Settings’ button.
Step 3: Set Up Content Restrictions for Patreon Members
The simplest way to create content exclusive to patrons is by limiting access to specific content types, categories, or tags. For instance, you could restrict all content tagged with ‘Patreon.’
To achieve this, select ‘Patreon Plugin Pro’ from the left-hand menu and then click on the ‘Content Locking’ tab.
Here, click to expand the ‘Make post types Patron only’ section.
Begin by selecting the ‘Select Post Type’ dropdown menu and choose the type of content you wish to restrict, such as a page, post, media, or another content type.
Next, open the ‘All’ dropdown menu to specify whether you want to restrict this content type based on format, categories, or tags.
Depending on your choice, additional settings will become available. For instance, if you select ‘Tag,’ you will need to specify which tag you want to restrict to Patreon members only.
Finally, access the ‘Select how to lock’ dropdown menu and determine your preferred method for locking and unlocking the content.
The simplest option is to ‘Lock all posts of this type.’ Alternatively, you can lock only the most recent content and allow older content to serve as a preview for non-members.
You can also set a time limit for unlocking or locking content after a specified number of days. This feature enables you to provide exclusive early access to your Patreon supporters.
This functionality can also be utilized to create a free trial period.
For example, you could offer your latest online course to non-patrons for the first 24 hours as a free trial. This strategy generates excitement around the launch while motivating individuals to join your Patreon to maintain access after the trial period ends.
Based on your selections, you will be presented with additional options.
First, you must specify a minimum membership tier with a dollar value.
This should correspond to your membership pricing. For instance, if your Silver tier costs $5, entering ‘$5’ will grant access to this content for all members with a Silver tier or higher.
Once you are satisfied with the content locking configuration, click on ‘Add post type to gating.’
To secure additional content, simply repeat the process outlined above. After completing the setup, remember to scroll down and click ‘Save’ to apply your changes.
Step 4: Limit Access to Specific Pages and Posts for Patreon Members
Alternatively, you can designate individual pages and posts as exclusive to Patreon members. This gives you precise control over which content is accessible to your patrons.
To begin, open the desired page or post in the WordPress content editor.
Next, you will need to establish rules regarding who can access this content. In the right-hand menu, locate the ‘Patreon Level’ section and select an option from the dropdown menu.
You can either choose a specific Patreon level or select ‘Any Patreon.’ For example, selecting ‘Any Patreon’ is suitable for entry-level content that should be available to all members or if you have only one Patreon tier.
You may want to grant new patrons access to your entire collection of exclusive content. Alternatively, you can limit access to those who were patrons at the time the content was released.
This approach is ideal for time-sensitive Patreon promotions, such as special holiday content or a ‘limited edition’ video.
To implement this restriction, locate the ‘Require a pledge active at the time….’ section and select the ‘Yes’ option.
Another option is to automatically display or restrict content based on a schedule, which is great for providing exclusive early access to Patreon supporters.
To set up automatic locking and unlocking of content, navigate to the ‘Advanced Locking’ section. Here, click the dropdown that defaults to ‘No change’ and select your preferred option from the list.
You can then utilize the new settings to manage the automatic locking and unlocking process.
By default, the plugin displays the following message to all non-Patreon members: ‘To access this content, you must be a member of (name) content at (cost) or higher.’
Consider adding a personalized message for non-Patreon members. For instance, you could explain why the content is restricted or encourage them to subscribe to your Patreon.
To include a message, navigate to the ‘Custom Patron-Only Banner’ section and click on the ‘Non-Patrons Only’ button.
This will insert opening and closing tags into the small text editor.
You can easily type your message between these tags. Additionally, you can incorporate links, formatting, and other elements just like you do in the WordPress page or post editor.
Once you are satisfied with the settings, simply click the ‘Publish’ or ‘Update’ button.
If you access this content while logged into your admin account, you won’t notice any changes. However, if you check it in an incognito browser tab, you will see the content restriction in action.
Step 5: Integrate a Patreon Button into Your WordPress Posts
Adding Patreon-exclusive content to your WordPress blog is an excellent start. Additionally, promoting your Patreon in other sections of your website can help convert visitors into paying patrons.
The Patron Plugin Pro can automatically place a ‘Become a Patron’ button on all your posts. Visitors can easily click this button to access your Patreon page.
To begin, choose ‘Patron Plugin Pro’ from the left-hand menu, then select the ‘Quickstart’ tab.
Since we have already linked the plugin to Patreon, you should see your account listed in the ‘Site’s Patreon user’ field.
If the correct URL isn’t displayed, you can add it now.
Now, you can set up the behavior of the call-to-action button.
By default, the plugin directs users to your Patreon page in the same tab, which can lead them away from your WordPress site. We suggest opening the link in a new tab instead.
To enable this, select ‘Yes’ under ‘Open pages in new window.’
The plugin automatically adds the standard Patreon button to your website, making it easy for visitors to recognize it and understand that you have a Patreon page.
If you prefer, you can customize the button with your own branding using the options under ‘Use a custom button.’ Once you’re satisfied with your changes, remember to click ‘Save.’
Next, navigate to the ‘Post Button’ tab to modify the button’s appearance.
By default, the button features the following text: ‘Liked it? Take a second to support {authorname} on Patreon!’
To change this text to your own, simply enter your message in the ‘Message over Buttons in Posts’ field.
You can also adjust the alignment of the message, modify its size, and add margins.
If you wish to remove the message entirely, locate the ‘Show a message over Buttons in Posts’ section and click the ‘No’ button.
If you make any modifications, be sure to click on ‘Save.’
Now, you can navigate to any post on your website to see the live Patreon button.
Optional: Incorporate a Patreon Button into the WordPress Sidebar
If you prefer, you can remove the Patreon button from your blog posts and place it in the sidebar or another similar section instead.
This way, you can display the button in other areas of your website, such as product pages in your online store.
To begin, you’ll want to remove the button from your WordPress posts to avoid showing multiple Patreon buttons on the same page.
To do this, select the ‘Post Button’ tab and locate the ‘Show Button under Posts’ section. Here, select the ‘No’ option.
Once that’s done, click on ‘Save.’
Next, click on the ‘Sidebar Widgets’ tab. Here, you can customize the message that appears next to the button, including adjusting the font size and adding margins.
If you make any changes, don’t forget to click the ‘Save’ button.
With that setup complete, you can add the Patreon button to any widget-ready area by navigating toAppearance » Widgets. Click on the blue ‘+’ button.
Note:If you are using a block-based WordPress theme, navigate to Appearance » Editor and utilize the Full Site Editor. For further details, refer to our beginner’s guide on WordPress Full Site Editing.
In the panel that opens, begin typing ‘Patreon Sidebar Site Widget.’
When the correct block appears, simply drag and drop it into the desired area to display the Patreon button.
You can now enter an optional title in the ‘Title’ field.
This title will be displayed above the Patreon button in the theme’s sidebar or a similar section.
Once you have completed that, click on ‘Update.’
Now, when you visit your WordPress blog or website, the Patreon button will be visible in the widget-ready area.
Considering Leaving Patreon? Explore MemberPress for Selling Your Memberships
Patreon has enabled numerous creators to monetize their content and generate income online, but the platform also takes a considerable portion of your earnings.
Depending on your Patreon subscription plan, you could lose between 5% to 12% of your total earnings on Patreon, in addition to payment processing and payout fees.
Depending on your location, you may also incur additional charges, such as Value-Added Tax, Goods and Services Tax, Québec Sales Tax (QST), and US Sales Tax.
All of these costs can accumulate significantly.
It is essential to adhere to all of Patreon’s terms, conditions, and guidelines. Violating any rules may result in content censorship or even account deletion by Patreon.
If this occurs, paying members will lose access to your content, which can negatively impact your brand and harm your reputation.
Despite this, many WordPress site owners are exploring alternatives to Patreon.
This is where MemberPress becomes a valuable solution.
MemberPress is the top membership plugin for WordPress.
It enables you to establish unlimited membership tiers for your WordPress site and restrict content access according to each member’s subscription level.
In fact, we utilize MemberPress to develop a video membership platform and expand our email list.
This allows you to produce exclusive videos, eBooks, blog articles, online courses, downloadable resources, and more for your members.
You can even assign specific content to various membership tiers, motivating members to upgrade their subscriptions.
This approach mirrors the Patreon tier system but without the additional transaction fees. Since MemberPress does not take a percentage of your earnings, you retain more of your income.
For more information, check out our comprehensive review of MemberPress.
MemberPress allows you to customize your own privacy policy, rules, and terms and conditions. This flexibility enables you to create distinctive and captivating content for your audience, making it easier to expand your business.
To assist you in getting started, we have developed a complete guide to creating a WordPress membership site using MemberPress.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to restrict content on WordPress for Patreon members. Additionally, you may want to explore our expert recommendations for the best WordPress LMS plugins and our detailed guide on adding content upgrades in WordPress.
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