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In the WordPress ecosystem, adopting a freemium model is a prevalent method for promoting and monetizing commercial plugins. This approach entails releasing a basic version of the plugin for free—usually through the WordPress plugin directory—and offering enhanced features through a PRO version or add-ons, typically sold on the plugin’s website.
There are three different ways to integrate commercial features within a freemium model:
Ship these commercial features within the free plugin, and activate them only when the commercial version is installed on the website or a commercial license key is provided.