Admin Management

This guide covers how administrators can effectively manage the Direct plugin, including setting up forms, monitoring performance, and maintaining optimal functionality for customers.

🎛️ Admin Dashboard Overview

Direct Menu Structure

After plugin activation, you’ll find the Direct menu in your WordPress admin sidebar with the following sections:

All Payment Forms – View and manage all custom payment forms
Add New – Create new payment forms
Options – Global plugin settings and configuration

Menu Icon and Position

The Direct menu appears with a custom icon near the top of your admin menu (position 5) for easy access. The menu is only visible to users with appropriate permissions (typically administrators and shop managers).

📋 Payment Form Management

Creating a New Payment Form

Step 1:
Navigate to Direct → Add New in your WordPress admin

Step 2:
Enter a descriptive title for your form (e.g., “Summer Sale Special Offer”)

Step 3:
Add content using the WordPress editor – this appears at the top of your form

Step 4:
Configure form settings in the meta boxes:

General: Select products, payment gateway, user access
Style: Customize layout, colors, and appearance
Texts: Modify all displayed text and labels

Step 5:
Publish the form and copy the generated shortcode from the sidebar

Managing Existing Forms

Forms List View

Title Column: Shows form names with edit links
Shortcode Column: Displays generated shortcodes with one-click copy
Date Column: Shows creation and modification dates
Status Indicators: Published, draft, or private status

Bulk Actions

Bulk Edit: Modify multiple forms simultaneously
Move to Trash: Delete multiple forms at once
Status Changes: Publish or privatize multiple forms

⚙️ Global Settings Management

Accessing Plugin Options

Navigate to Direct → Options to access global plugin settings. These settings affect all forms and product page integrations.

General Tab

User account creation settings
Default image configuration
Verification code settings
Button text customization

Product Page Tab

All Users — Settings applied to all users
Logged-in Users — Settings for authenticated users
Guest Users — Settings for non-logged (guest) users

Important: Changes to global settings affect all existing forms and product page buttons. Test thoroughly after making changes.

🔧 Configuration Best Practices

Initial Setup Workflow

Phase 1:
Basic Configuration

Configure general settings (user creation, verification)
Set up product page settings for your user types
Test with a simple product and form

Phase 2:
Form Creation

Create your first payment form with a single product
Test the complete purchase flow
Verify email functionality and payment processing

Phase 3:
Customization

Adjust styling to match your site design
Customize text for your brand voice
Create additional forms for different products/campaigns

Phase 4:
Deployment

Embed forms on landing pages and marketing materials
Enable product page quick buy for selected products
Monitor performance and user feedback

📊 Monitoring and Analytics

Performance Tracking

WooCommerce Integration

Order Tracking: All purchases appear in WooCommerce orders
Customer Data: User accounts created automatically appear in users list
Product Sales: Sales data integrates with WooCommerce analytics
Payment Gateway Reports: Transaction data available through gateway dashboards

Recommended Analytics Setup

Google Analytics: Track form page views and conversions
WooCommerce Analytics: Monitor quick purchase vs. regular checkout conversion rates
Email Analytics: Track verification code delivery and opening rates
A/B Testing: Compare different form configurations

🛠️ Maintenance and Updates

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Weekly Tasks

Review failed orders and payment issues
Check email delivery for verification codes
Monitor form performance and user feedback
Test forms on different devices and browsers

Monthly Tasks

Analyze conversion rates and optimize underperforming forms
Review and clean up unused payment forms
Update product selections based on inventory changes
Check for plugin updates and compatibility

Quarterly Tasks

Comprehensive performance review and optimization
User experience testing with real customers
Security audit and best practices review
Integration testing with other plugins and themes

🔍 Troubleshooting Common Issues

Form-Related Issues

Forms Not Displaying

Check if form status is “Published”
Verify shortcode syntax is correct
Test with default WordPress theme
Clear caching plugins

Payment Processing Issues

Verify WooCommerce is active and updated
Check payment gateway configuration
Test with different payment methods
Review gateway-specific logs

Email Verification Problems

Test WordPress email functionality
Check spam folders for verification codes
Verify SMTP configuration
Consider using email delivery service

🎯 Optimization Strategies

Performance Optimization

Image Optimization: Use properly sized product images in forms
Caching Configuration: Ensure forms work with caching plugins
Database Cleanup: Regularly clean expired verification codes
Gateway Selection: Choose fastest payment gateways for your region

Conversion Optimization

A/B Testing: Test different form layouts and styling
Minimal Fields: Only collect essential information
Clear CTAs: Use compelling button text and descriptions
Trust Signals: Include security badges and guarantees
Mobile Optimization: Ensure excellent mobile experience

📚 Advanced Admin Features

Shortcode Management

Shortcode Generation and Copying

Each payment form automatically generates a unique shortcode:

[direct id=”123″]

Automatic Generation: Shortcodes created when forms are saved
Copy Functionality: One-click copying from admin interface
ID Management: Form IDs are automatically assigned and managed

Security Note: Only grant access to trusted users as the plugin handles payment processing and customer data.