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A Beginner’s Guide to WP-CLI for Selling Infoproducts on WordPress

If you’re running a WordPress site to sell infoproducts—like online courses, eBooks, coaching services, or membership communities—managing it efficiently can feel overwhelming. That’s where WP-CLI comes in. It’s a powerful tool that lets you control your WordPress site from the command line, saving time and boosting your business outcomes. In this beginner’s guide for business users, we’ll explain what WP-CLI is, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for your infoproduct sales, with simple steps to get started.

What is WP-CLI?

WP-CLI (WordPress Command Line Interface) is a tool that lets you manage your WordPress site using text commands instead of the dashboard. Think of it as a fast, keyboard-driven way to update plugins, manage products, or fix issues—without clicking through menus. For infoproduct sellers, it’s like having a superpower to keep your site running smoothly, so you can focus on selling more courses or downloads.

Why WP-CLI Matters for Infoproduct Success

As a business user, your time and site reliability are gold. WP-CLI helps you streamline tasks and keep your sales flowing. Here’s how it ties to your infoproduct business:

Saves Time on Routine Tasks

Updating plugins or adding products one-by-one in the dashboard eats up hours. WP-CLI does it in seconds—like bulk-updating your course plugins before a launch—leaving you free to market and sell.

Keeps Your Site Running

A glitchy site—like a broken checkout—can kill sales. WP-CLI lets you fix issues fast, like resetting passwords or clearing caches, so customers can buy your eBooks or memberships without delay.

Boosts Efficiency for Growth

As your infoproduct lineup grows, managing it manually gets messy. WP-CLI automates repetitive jobs—like installing new sales tools—keeping your site lean and your profits high.

Cuts Downtime Risks

Manual updates can crash your site during a big promo. WP-CLI runs changes safely and quickly, ensuring your coaching signups or download deliveries stay live.

Getting Started with WP-CLI

You don’t need to be a tech expert to use WP-CLI—it’s beginner-friendly with a little setup. Here’s how to dive in:

Check Your Hosting

WP-CLI needs SSH access (a secure way to log into your server). Most good hosts—like SiteGround, Kinsta, or DigitalOcean—offer this. Contact your host to confirm you’ve got it.

Install WP-CLI

  • Step 1: Log into your server via SSH (use a tool like PuTTY on Windows or Terminal on Mac).
  • Step 2: Run this command to download and set it up:
  curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/wp-cli/builds/gh-pages/phar/wp-cli.phar
  chmod +x wp-cli.phar
  sudo mv wp-cli.phar /usr/local/bin/wp
  • Step 3: Test it with wp --info—if it works, you’re ready!

Your host might have docs to guide you—check their support pages.

Navigate to Your Site

Once installed, use this command to move to your WordPress folder (replace with your path):

cd /path/to/wordpress

Now you’re set to run WP-CLI commands!

Useful WP-CLI Commands for Infoproducts

Here are some easy commands to boost your business:

Update Plugins

Keep your sales tools—like WooCommerce—current:

wp plugin update --all

This ensures your checkout or course pages stay secure and functional.

Manage Products

Add a new eBook or course fast:

wp wc product create --name="New eBook" --type="simple" --regular_price="19.99" --user=1

Perfect for quick launches without dashboard clicks.

Clear Cache

Speed up your site after updates:

wp cache flush

A fast site keeps customers buying your memberships or downloads.

Reset Passwords

Fix a lost admin login in seconds:

wp user update admin --user_pass="NewStrongPass123!"

Keeps you in control without downtime.

Tools to Pair with WP-CLI

These make it even easier:

  • WP-CLI Handbook: Free guide at wp-cli.org with all commands.
  • Termius: A user-friendly SSH app for beginners.
  • UpdraftPlus: Back up before big changes—WP-CLI can’t undo everything.

Start with the handbook—it’s your cheat sheet.

How WP-CLI Drives Infoproduct Sales

Picture this: you’re launching a new coaching package, and a plugin update slows your site. WP-CLI clears the cache in a flash, keeping checkout smooth and sales rolling. Or you need to add five new eBooks before a sale—WP-CLI does it in one command, saving hours so you can focus on marketing. It’s about working smarter, not harder—your site stays live, customers stay happy, and your revenue climbs.

Real-World Wins

Automating updates can cut maintenance time by 70%, freeing you to sell more. A quick fix with WP-CLI during a launch can save 20% in lost conversions—pure profit protection.

Avoid These Beginner Mistakes

Keep it simple and safe:

  • Back Up First: Use UpdraftPlus before running commands—mistakes happen.
  • Test Commands: Try them on a staging site (WP Staging helps) to avoid live errors.
  • Don’t Overcomplicate: Stick to basic tasks until you’re comfy.

Conclusion

WP-CLI is a business user’s secret weapon for a WordPress infoproduct site. It saves time, fixes issues fast, and keeps your store running—whether you’re selling courses, eBooks, or coaching services. Start with a few commands, pair it with backups, and watch how it streamlines your sales process.

Need help harnessing WP-CLI for your infoproduct business? Contact OptSites via our contact form today. We’re WordPress experts who can set you up for success—let’s make your sales soar!

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