Original Question: Hi, super basic question here! I’m doing research on behalf of a client!
She’s releasing her second Ebook in a couple of weeks. Her last Ebook was great but there were people sharing it in WhatsApp group chats etc. She could tell there was multiple shares per purchase! I know there’s no fully sure way of preventing this but is there at least a way of somewhat deterring people from sharing it or removing the share option? I’m aware there’s some software out there but she doesn’t want to go down the password protected route, something simple that just stops people being as quick to share it!
Great question! You’re right that there’s no foolproof way to completely prevent people from sharing a PDF, but there are some strategies you can use to make it more difficult or less appealing for them to do so.
1. Watermarking the PDF
One of the most effective ways to deter sharing is to add a watermark to the document, preferably with the buyer’s name, email address, or a unique ID. This way, if the PDF gets shared, you can trace it back to the original purchaser. Watermarks won’t prevent sharing but they will discourage people from distributing the file, as it will be clearly tied to them.
2. Restricting Permissions
You can also limit the permissions on the PDF itself to prevent certain actions. For example, disabling printing, copying, or modifying the document can discourage unauthorized sharing. While this doesn’t fully eliminate the risk, it does make it harder for people to distribute the content without losing quality or editing it.
3. Use a Secure Document Viewer
Instead of sharing the Ebook as a simple PDF, you can deliver the content through a secure viewer or platform. This solution often comes with DRM (Digital Rights Management) features that can lock down the document and prevent downloading, printing, and sharing. It also allows you to track who is viewing the Ebook and take action if it is shared inappropriately.
VeryPDF DRM Protector Web Application: A Solution
For a simple yet effective solution, I recommend using VeryPDF DRM Protector Web Application. This tool offers an easy way to protect your Ebook without requiring complicated setups or password protection. Here’s how it can help:
- Watermarking: You can add unique, customizable watermarks to each copy of the Ebook, making it easy to identify the original buyer if the document is shared.
- Restrict Permissions: You can disable features like printing, copying, and editing the PDF, making it much harder for others to repurpose or share the content without compromising its quality.
- Tracking: VeryPDF DRM Protector allows you to track who views the document and when, so if you suspect the Ebook has been shared, you can monitor its usage and take appropriate action.
- User Access Control: You can even set expiration dates or restrict access based on specific criteria, ensuring that the Ebook can’t be accessed beyond the agreed-upon terms.
By using VeryPDF DRM Protector, you can significantly reduce the chances of unauthorized sharing while keeping the process simple and user-friendly. This is a great option if your client wants an easy-to-implement solution without dealing with passwords or complicated software.
Let me know if you need further details or a demonstration!