A well-structured source file is essential for generating pages dynamically in LPagery. By setting up placeholders and data in a source file, you allow LPagery to create unique pages for various services, locations, or any other customizable fields. In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up and uploading a source file using LPagery's Source File Creator.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this article, you’ll understand how to:
Set up and configure a source file for LPagery.
Create placeholders for dynamic data.
Use the Source File Creator to streamline your page generation process.
Set functional columns for specific settings (e.g., categories, slugs).
Step 1: Select Your Keywords
To create a source file, start by defining the keywords or data points you want to use. Let’s imagine we’re a cleaning business generating pages for each service offered in different locations.
In this example, we’ll have:
Services: Window Cleaning, Floor Cleaning, Ceiling Cleaning
Locations: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens
With this data ready, you can proceed to create a source file.
Step 2: Create a Source File
In this step, we’ll set up the source file that will drive LPagery's page generation. You have two main options: using LPagery’s built-in Source File Creator for a streamlined setup or creating a file manually with tools like Excel or Google Sheets.
Option A: Using the Source File Creator
There are two versions of the source file creator:
If you have the free version of LPagery, go to this one.
If you have the paid version of LPagery, you can use the more advanced creator:
Open Pro Version Source File Creator
Start from Scratch or Upload an Existing File
Start from Scratch: Choose this option to create a new file directly within LPagery. This interactive builder lets you add columns, rows, and functional settings, making it easy to customize your setup from the start.
Upload an Existing File: If you already have a CSV or XLSX file, select this option to import it into the Source File Creator. The tool will populate based on the values in your existing file. Ensure your file adheres to LPagery’s upload limits (no more than 100 rows or 5 columns).
Option B: Using Excel, Google Sheets, or Other Spreadsheet Software
You can also create a source file manually using popular spreadsheet tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or similar software.
Step 3: Setting Up Columns (Placeholders and Functional Columns)
Columns represent the dynamic data or settings for each page. In this section, you’ll define placeholders like {service} and {city}, which LPagery will use to populate content across pages.
a. Create Placeholders/Columns
Add Columns: Click the + icon in the Source File Configuration section or simply enter a value in a new column when using a spreadsheet.
Enter Placeholder Names: Define each placeholder that will be dynamically replaced in your template (e.g.,
service,city).Example Placeholders:
servicecityThese columns define
{service}and{city}, which LPagery will use to replace dynamic values in your template.
When using Google Sheets it would look like this:
b. Functional Columns
Functional columns allow you to control specific settings for each page, such as categories, parent pages, or slugs, directly from the source file.
Categories: Assign categories to organize pages (e.g.,
{Service} > {City}).Slug: Define custom URLs using placeholders (e.g.,
{service}-in-{city}).Status: Set publication status (e.g., “Draft” or “Published”).
For a more detailed guide on functional columns, refer to our main article on functional columns and settings.
Step 4: Adding Data to Columns
With your placeholders set up, enter the data values in each cell under the respective columns. Each row represents data for one generated page.
Example Data:
service | city |
Window Cleaning | Manhattan |
Floor Cleaning | Brooklyn |
Ceiling Cleaning | Queens |
Using Combination Mode (Optional)
The Combination Mode automatically generates rows for every possible combination of values across columns, which is ideal when you have multiple services and locations.
When to Use: If you want every combination of service and location (e.g., Window Cleaning in Manhattan, Floor Cleaning in Brooklyn).
When Not to Use: If each row is unique, such as specific store addresses, skip Combination Mode.
Example Source File
Here’s an example source file using the data we discussed:
service | city |
Window Cleaning | Manhattan |
Floor Cleaning | Brooklyn |
Ceiling Cleaning | Queens |
When used with a template page containing the text:
“The Best {service} service in {city}”
LPagery will generate pages such as:
"The Best Window Cleaning service in Manhattan."
"The Best Floor Cleaning service in Brooklyn."
"The Best Ceiling Cleaning service in Queens."
Additional Tips for Using the Source File Creator
Data Rows = Pages: Each row generates one page. The more rows, the more pages created.
Preview Feature: Use the preview feature to check combinations before generating pages.
Use Descriptive Placeholders: Clear placeholder names (e.g.,
{service},{city}) make template setup easier.
Need Help?
For more advanced setups, such as using Google Sheets, refer to our Google Sheets guide. For troubleshooting, check our help section or contact support.