Best way to have a Pro version of a plugin

  • Hi
    I’m developping some plugins and I would like to have a Pro version for each one that allows to have advanced feature in it.
    My question is what is the best way to do that ?
    1/ I have a free basic version in the plugin repository
    2/ if I make a pro version with the same name it will be deleted with the updates of the free plugin
    3/ if I create it with another name it will not use the update notification from the repository and needs 2 plugins to be maintained (free+pro)

    The best way for me would be to deliver just the additional files, but how to manage this so that it is the easiest for the user ? ??

    Any suggestion would be welcome
    Thank you
    CEd

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

  • The way that I’ve seen it done is you have them names as myplugin and mypluginpro. That negates any conflicts that might occur with updates.

    As far as updates go, you’ll only ever be able to serve the free version through the WordPress site. Paid plugins are not hosted on here. There are systems and companies out there that can automate plugin updates for your own plugins, so search around and see what you can find.

    Also, after reading a few posts like this, just be careful to not cripple the functionality of your free plugin or make the ‘Upgrade to pro!” messages too huge otherwwise you’ll get your free version blocked from the repository.

    Thread Starter CeiKay

    (@ced1870)

    Hi
    thank you for your fast answer ??
    I will do that then, 2 different versions.
    for the repo, yes I have read that and I do my best to respect the rules
    Regards
    CEd

    Will Brubaker

    (@willthewebmechanic)

    Automattic Happiness Engineer

    There are a couple of hooks that you can use to provide an update method for premium plugins without using any third-party services. It’s actually quite easy to do and will work almost exactly the same way that public plugins update.

    Thread Starter CeiKay

    (@ced1870)

    thank you, do you have an example or a documentation on these hooks and the way to do ?

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
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