The other day someone asked if she could attach a PDF file to a broadcast she sends out in Aweber. While this is certainly possible, I don’t recommend this practice because you’ll find subscribers aren’t likely to open an e-mail message that has a file attached to it.
You’re much better off uploading the file to your hosting account, creating a blog post, adding a download link and sending subscribers to your blog post. This tutorial will show you how to get it done in a few simple steps.
If you don’t care for video, I included text below and a downloadable PDF file with instructions.
Watch the Video:
How to Add PDF to a Blog Post from Bonnie Gean
Instructions
1. Create a New Blog Post
- Login to your dashboard
- Go to Posts and click “Add New” to create a new post
2. Access the Media Library
- Click the “Add Media” button to open the media library window.
- Click the “Upload Files” link and the “Select Files” button.
This will open a window revealing the files on your computer.
3. Highlight the PDF File
Choose the PDF file you wish to incorporate into the blog post and click the “Open” button. This will import the file into the WordPress media library.
4. Update the File Information
Once the PDF file is imported into the media library, scroll over to the right hand side of the media library window and enter the details for the file.
- Under the “Attachment Display Settings” choose “Media File” from the drop down menu.
- Click the “Insert into post” button, which will take you back to the blog post.
WordPress will automatically create the HTML code and insert it for you into the blog post; though, it doesn’t insert the target code that’s needed to create a different tab on the browser.
5. Add Target Code
When someone clicks a link from my blog post, I don’t like it when the browser redirects them away from the post. Instead, I like it when the post remains on the browser tab and the link opens a new tab to give access to the PDF file.
To make this happen, add a target code to the end of your HTML link, right before the closing tag.
Here is what the HTML code looks like:
target=”_blank”
6. Save Draft and Preview Your Post
After adding the target code, click the “Save Draft” button and test your link by clicking the “Preview” button. Click on your PDF file link to make certain it opens in a new browser window.
7. Add the Remaining Information
Finish the post by adding a title, SEO tags and excerpt information. When you’re ready, click the “Publish” button to make the post go live.
Congratulations, you just added a PDF file to a blog post and can continue making more for your subscribers and blog followers to enjoy!
Download the PDF Instructions
Would you prefer a visual? Download the PDF file to this tutorial and work through it at your leisure.
Your turn! Do you add PDF links to your posts? Leave a comment and let me know.
Thanks for reading,
– Bonnie
P.S. Did you enjoy this message? If so, please share it with your friends so they can benefit from schmoozing. Then, if you want to get more messages like this one, connect with me via my social links below or hop aboard my notification list. I would like to keep in touch.
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The Importance of Managing Your Time Wisely
Thank you so much Bonnie, I didn’t expect to get a response so soon!
That’s exactly what I needed, just forget the title.
Fran
No problem Fran. Now I can sleep easily knowing you’re taken care of! Night! 🙂
Hi Bonnie
Thanks for the tutorial. I attached a PDF to an email so I’d better take it off and put it somewhere else. Looking forward to trying this.
Shan
Good luck with it Shan! Let me know how it works out for you!
Hi Bonnie,
well I’m pleased to be able to report that I’m doing this right anyway. You’re so right about people not opening emails with attachments. Unless I instantly recognise the sender, these go straight in the bin.
Good post Bonnie – well said!
All the best
Paul
Thanks Paul!
I hardly see attachments in e-mail anymore, but felt this post was necessary since someone asked me to make a tutorial on how to send attachments with Aweber.
Thanks Bonnie for the warning, which hadn’t occurred to me, that readers wouldn’t open an email with an attachment.
Soon after I came on the Internet, there was a BIG story on how viruses were being sent through e-mail with attachments. Many people won’t open them since that happened and it’s wise not to!
You can read what Yahoo says about viruses and e-mail here:
http://help.yahoo.com/tutorials/mmail/mmail/mm_attachments1.html
Brilliant tutorial again, Bonnie 🙂
Thanks Jan!
Excellent video! I learned something new again -The target=”_blank”!
Awesome! I’m glad to hear it!
Brilliant!!! Thank you so much! I have printed it out so that I can study it on my daily commute.
Ann
You’re welcome, Ann – thanks for the kind words!
Thanks! This will come in handy.
Are you using CamStudios to record? I’ve been trying to use it and I’m getting so many errors. Last time when I went to rewatch my video it was all going twice as fast as it should and have no sound. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. lol
I use Camtasia 8 Amanda, but I heard CamStudios is the next best thing to the pricey Camtasia counterpart.
What kind of computer are you using CamStudios on? A tower computer or a laptop? MAC or PC?
PC laptop. I have a desktop too but it mostly goes unused now.
I’m assuming you have enough memory on the PC laptop to run a screen capture program? I ask because some of them can be big memory hogs. 🙂 I’ll see what I can find out about CamStudio.
I have a PC laptop here too, so I can play and see if I can get it to run smoothly on mine and then share the settings with you.
What program do you use after you record the screen capture to edit the parts or add intro/outro screens?
Another great tutorial, thank you Bonnie.
I know that I will need these all soon ……….. 🙂
You’re so welcome! I’m a tutorial machine! More coming down the pike! 🙂
Hello Bonnie
Thank you for this post that enlightens newbies. At this present time, I do not know if I will use a PDF on my blog, but I am reaching for the stars, so we never know.
I downloaded the article for the future.
Thank you again
You’re so welcome Gladys. I’m glad you can use the tutorial later. 🙂
I haven’t found a need to add PDF’s or other documents to my posts yet. But should the need arise, I now know how to do that 🙂 Thanks Bonnie.
Anytime, Linda! Stash these tutorials so you have them when you need them. 🙂 hehe
this only works on WordPress though right? I need to know how to do it with blogger 🙁 maybe it’s time to trade blogging platforms…
I don’t use Blogger… but if they have a media library, it should work the same. I could check when I have time, but it won’t happen today. 🙁