Author Automations Plugins

Category: Uncategorized

  • 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 (storylink → storylinks).
    • 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 (storylink → storylinks).
    • 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! 🚀