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Memberful’s WordPress plugin gives you several ways to protect content, from restricting full posts to controlling visibility for individual blocks or theme elements. Choosing the right method depends on how much content you want to protect and how your WordPress site is built. In this help article, we’ll introduce each WordPress content protection option available in Memberful and explain when to use each method.

Restrict a single post or page

Restricting a single post or page lets you protect one WordPress post, page, or custom post type at a time. Use this method when you want direct control over access for a specific piece of content, including which members, plans, or download owners can view it. You can also add marketing content for visitors who do not have access, so they see a preview, sign-up prompt, or other message instead of the protected content. For full setup guidance, see Restrict access to a single post or page.

Restrict by category or tag

Restricting by category or tag lets you protect all posts assigned to a specific WordPress category, tag, or custom taxonomy. Use this method when you want access rules to apply automatically to current and future posts in the same content group. This option is helpful when you publish recurring members-only content, such as premium articles, videos, or columns, and do not want to configure each post individually. For full setup guidance, see Restrict access by category or tag.

Control block visibility

Block visibility controls let you show or hide individual blocks in the WordPress block editor based on a visitor’s login status or membership plan. Use this method when you want to personalize part of a post or page without restricting the entire page. This is useful for creating mixed-access pages, such as showing a sign-up prompt to visitors, bonus content to logged-in members, or plan-specific content to members with a certain subscription. For full setup guidance, see Control block visibility in the WP block editor.

Bulk restrict access

The Bulk Restrict Access tool lets you apply access settings to many posts or pages in one action. Use this method when you need to protect a large amount of existing content, such as all posts, all pages, or all posts in selected categories. Bulk restrict is a one-time action and can overwrite existing restrictions, so it is best for applying broad changes to existing content rather than managing future posts automatically. For full setup guidance, see Bulk restrict access.

WordPress shortcodes

WordPress shortcodes let you protect specific parts of a post or page, add Memberful links, or show content based on a member’s access. Use this method when you want more control than the standard Restrict Access box provides, especially in the Classic Editor or when adding protected sections manually. Shortcodes can help you show different content to members and non-members, link to sign-in or account pages, or protect content tied to specific plans, downloads, podcasts, or RSS feeds. For full setup guidance, see WordPress shortcodes.

WordPress functions

WordPress functions let developers control access directly in theme or plugin code. Use this method when you need to protect content or features that are handled outside the standard WordPress post editor, such as custom templates, theme elements, or advanced member experiences. Functions can check whether a user is subscribed to a plan, owns a download, has access to a podcast feed, or has permission to view a restricted post. For full setup guidance, see WordPress functions.

Metered paywalls (Coming soon)

Metered paywalls let visitors read a limited amount of content before they encounter a subscription prompt. Use this method when you want readers to experience your content before asking them to subscribe. This approach can help you balance free access and paid conversion by giving visitors a preview of your work while still protecting premium content.

Paywall Divider block

The Memberful Paywall Divider block gives you the power to choose exactly where free content ends and members-only content begins inside a post or page. Use this method when you want to create a tailored preview experience within a single piece of content. Place the divider block where the public preview should stop, and the remaining content will be protected for members. Help article coming soon.
Paywall divider block