The challenge
Gated content usually collects junk email addresses because nothing verifies them. The resulting list looks like lead generation but converts like a spam trap.
Objectives
- Verify the email address before releasing the file
- Keep the download experience to a few seconds
- Deliver verified leads into the CRM automatically
- Avoid a third-party service and its subscription
What we built
A self-contained WordPress plugin that issues a one-time passcode by email, releases the file only after verification, and fires a hook so the verified contact can be pushed into Zoho CRM with the document name attached.
Technology
One-time passcodes · PHP · WordPress · Zoho CRM API
How it was delivered
- Passcode issue, expiry and rate limiting handled server-side
- Signed, time-limited download URLs so files cannot be shared indefinitely
- Admin screen listing gated documents and captured contacts
- CRM integration hook for pushing verified leads with source data
- No external service dependency
Outcomes
- Captured addresses are verified rather than typed at random
- Every download is attributable to a contact record
- Leads land in the CRM with the document they wanted
- Runs entirely on the client’s own hosting