URL Parameter Decoder is a lightweight WordPress plugin that decodes URL parameters (both base64 and URL-encoded) and displays them on your posts / pages using simple shortcodes. Perfect for dynamic content that needs to be passed through URLs while maintaining clean, readable output.
Key Features
- Decodes both base64-encoded and URL-encoded parameters
- Creates automatic shortcodes for each parameter you define
- Provides fallback default values when parameters aren't present
- Selective activation on specific posts and pages only
- Security features to prevent XSS and other injection attacks
- Support for displaying both decoded and original parameter values
User Instructions
Basic Setup
- Install and activate the plugin
- Go to Tools → URL Decoder in your WordPress admin
- Add the parameters you want to decode (e.g., "first_name", "email", "message")
- Set optional default values for each parameter
- Select which posts and pages should process these parameters
- Save your settings
Using Shortcodes
For each parameter you add (let's say "firat_name"), two shortcodes are automatically created:
[decode_first_name]
- Displays the decoded value
[encoded_last_name]
- Displays the original encoded value
URL Construction Examples
Use Cases for URL Parameter Decoder
Direct Mail QR Code Scan (Personalized Mail)
Perfect for direct mail campaigns generated by services like
Engagerizer.com:
- Personalized Landing Pages: Create a QR code that contains the recipient's name, account number, or other personal identifiers encoded in base64. When scanned, they land on a page that greets them by name without requiring login.
- Tracking Campaign Effectiveness: Include campaign-specific identifiers in the QR code to track which mailings generate the most engagement.
- Special Offers: Encode customer-specific discount codes or promotional offers that display automatically when they scan the QR code.
- Customer Onboarding: For welcome packages, encode customer information that pre-fills forms when they scan a QR code, reducing friction in the setup process.
Zoom Video Conference Chat and other chat platforms
Enhance virtual meeting experiences with encoded URL parameters:
- Personalized Sales Pages: Create chat links with encoded participant information (first name, last name, avatar image, etc.) that automatically displays when they click the link.
- Custom Welcome Messages: Include URL-encoded welcome messages or instructions that display on your landing page.
- Role-Based Access: Encode participant roles or permissions that determine what content or features they can access during the meeting.
Additional Use Cases
Event Marketing
- Generate unique QR codes for event tickets with encoded attendee information
- Create personalized event agendas based on attendee preferences
E-commerce
- Product recommendations based on encoded purchase history
- Personalized landing pages from marketing emails with product details encoded in the URL
Membership Sites
- Simplified login process using encoded member information from email links
- Member-specific content that displays based on membership level encoded in URLs
Educational Platforms
- Course-specific content that loads based on student information in the URL
- Pre-filled assessment forms with student identifiers passed via encoded parameters
These use cases leverage the plugin's ability to securely pass and decode information through URLs, creating more personalized and streamlined user experiences without sacrificing security.