Download registration is the process of requiring a person or device to provide contact information (such as name and email address) before being provided access to content that will be downloaded. Some of the options for download registration include gated access, direct file transfer or email delivery, and password protection. The use of download registration can add perceived value to documents and filter out unqualified people.

Gated Access - Gated access is control over white paper viewing, downloading or delivery options based on criteria such as valid name, address and other qualifying information. In general, smaller information requirements result in a higher percentage of white paper registration requests. For example, if a gated access form asks a potential reader to enter their name, email address, date of birth, job title, annual income and number of employees at a company, the person may feel uncomfortable providing such information.

Direct File Transfer - White papers may be delivered directly to recipients by using direct file transfer (FTP). Once the registration is complete, the recipient is provided with a link they can select, allowing them to open or save the white paper file. This link may be uniquely created for each download, or it may be pre-established but hidden from general visitors (non indexed by search engines).

Email Delivery - Alternatively, white papers may be delivered by email following the completion of a registration form. The use of email delivery helps to ensure that the email address in the registration information gathered is valid. Email delivery may be performed by setting up an autoresponder that is triggered when a user has completed a white paper registration form.

Password Protection - Password protection is the restriction of access or use of information or media by requiring the entry of one or more identifying codes (passwords) before allowing access. Password protection systems range from creating files that use a universal password to systems that create documents on demand that are assigned unique passwords.

This figure shows how the gated access process works for white papers. This example shows a visitor that has discovered a white paper summary that contains desirable information. To obtain the white paper, the visitor must enter some personal information such as name and email address. In this example, the person is given a link that can be used to directly download the white paper (direct file transfer). A password code is also setup for this white paper document so the recipient must be provided with a password for use.