Author: admin

  • Storylinks 1.9 Released

    🎉 StoryLinks just got a major update! But before you upgrade, there’s something important you need to know:

    🚨 You will lose your existing StoryLinks unless you copy them before upgrading.

    Because of a technical change in how StoryLinks stores links, the update renames the custom post type. This means WordPress will no longer recognize your old links after the update.

    👉 To avoid losing your shortlinks, follow these steps before upgrading.


    📌 How to Upgrade Without Losing Your Links

    Step 1: Manually Copy Your Links (Before Updating!)

    1️⃣ Go to StoryLinks > All StoryLinks
    2️⃣ Copy each shortlink and destination URL
    3️⃣ Paste them into a Google Doc, Notepad, or another backup tool

    💡 Why?

    • The update renames the custom post type (storylinkstorylinks).
    • WordPress will not recognize your old StoryLinks after updating.
    • This means ALL existing links will be lost unless you save them manually.

    Step 2: Deactivate & Delete the Old Plugin

    1️⃣ In your WordPress Admin, go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
    2️⃣ Find StoryLinks, click Deactivate, then click Delete

    🚨 Don’t worry! Deleting the plugin does not affect WordPress settings or other site data.


    Step 3: Install the New Version

    1️⃣ Download the latest version of StoryLinks 1.9
    2️⃣ Go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin
    3️⃣ Select the new file and click Install Now
    4️⃣ Click Activate


    Step 4: Recreate Your StoryLinks

    1️⃣ Go to StoryLinks > Add New StoryLink
    2️⃣ Use your backup list to re-enter each shortlink & destination URL
    3️⃣ Click Publish

    🎉 Now, your StoryLinks are restored and ready to use with the new version!


    🔹 What’s New in StoryLinks 1.9?

    ✨ Major Improvements

    Fixed duplicate shortlink & destination URL issue
    Fixed QR code errors (now generates properly)
    Cleaned up the admin menu (no more confusing duplicate options)

    🚀 New Features

    QR Code Download Button – Easily download your shortlink QR codes
    Amazon Affiliate Tracking – Enter your tracking ID once, and StoryLinks automatically adds it to your Amazon links
    Cleaner Admin Panel – Better organization and fewer unnecessary settings


    📖 Full StoryLinks Installation & Setup Guide

    If you’re new to StoryLinks, here’s a full guide on how to install and set it up from scratch.

    📥 Installing StoryLinks

    Method 1: Install via WordPress Dashboard

    1. In your WordPress Admin, go to Plugins > Add New
    2. Search for StoryLinks
    3. Click Install Now, then Activate

    Method 2: Manual Installation

    1. Download storylinks.zip
    2. In WordPress Admin, go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin
    3. Click Install Now, then Activate

    Method 3: Install via FTP

    1. Download and unzip storylinks.zip
    2. Upload the storylinks folder to /wp-content/plugins/ on your server
    3. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins, then click Activate

    🔗 How to Create a StoryLink

    1️⃣ Go to StoryLinks > Add New StoryLink
    2️⃣ Enter a Title (e.g., “My Book”)
    3️⃣ Enter a Global Destination URL (this is where users will be redirected)
    4️⃣ (Optional) Add Amazon, Apple Books, or retailer-specific URLs
    5️⃣ (Optional) Enable Landing Page Mode
    6️⃣ Click Publish

    🎉 Now, you’ll get a shortlink like this:

    https://yourdomain.com/go/my-book

    ✅ Share it anywhere—emails, social media, book pages, ads!


    📱 Using QR Codes

    Every StoryLink automatically generates a QR code.

    📌 To access it:

    • Go to StoryLinks > Edit StoryLink
    • Scroll down to the QR Code section
    • Click Download QR Code

    📸 Now you can add it to your website, books, or business cards!


    🛍️ How to Enable Amazon Affiliate Tracking

    Want to earn commissions from Amazon links? Here’s how:

    1️⃣ Go to StoryLinks > Settings
    2️⃣ Enter your Amazon Associates Tracking ID
    3️⃣ When you add Amazon links, StoryLinks will automatically append your affiliate tag

    You get credit for every sale made through your links!


    🎯 FAQ: Common Questions

    1. Why do I need to copy my links before upgrading?

    • The custom post type name changed (storylinkstorylinks).
    • Your old links will disappear after upgrading because WordPress won’t recognize them anymore.
    • Manually copying your links before upgrading ensures you don’t lose them.

    2. Will I lose my existing StoryLinks?

    • Yes, unless you manually copy them before upgrading.
    • This update changes how links are stored, so WordPress will not recognize old links.

    3. Do I need an Amazon affiliate account?

    • No, but if you have one, you can enter your Amazon tracking ID to earn commissions.

    4. Can I use this with WooCommerce?

    • Yes, simply enter your WooCommerce product URL in the “Direct Sales Link” field.
    • Example: https://yourstore.com/product/my-book/ StoryLinks will shorten & redirect it.

    5. Why isn’t my shortlink working?

    Try re-saving your permalinks:
    1️⃣ Go to Settings > Permalinks
    2️⃣ Click Save Changes (even if you don’t change anything)


    📩 Need Help?

    If you run into any issues, reach out!

    💌 Support Email: support@indieauthormagazine.com

    Thanks for using StoryLinks—happy linking! 🚀