=== GR Widget – Google Reviews Widget ===
Contributors: grwidget
Tags: google reviews, google reviews widget, google reviews embed, business reviews, testimonials
Requires at least: 6.0
Tested up to: 7.1
Requires PHP: 7.4
Stable tag: 1.2.1
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Google reviews widget for WordPress — 34 layouts, shortcode or block, no API keys. Unlimited views.

== Description ==

⭐ **Show Google reviews on your WordPress site in minutes** — no Google API keys, no Google sign-in, and no review data stored in your database.

**GR Widget** is a Google reviews embed plugin for WordPress: search for your business in wp-admin, pick a layout, and publish with a shortcode or Gutenberg block. Reviews stay fresh because they sync on the GR Widget platform.

No account is required to get started. Link a free [GRWidget.com](https://grwidget.com) account from **GR Widget → Account** (one click — no API key copy/paste) to unlock **3 widgets**, **22 layouts**, **10 reviews available**, plus the hosted web builder. Paid plans add unlimited widgets. Sync is bi-weekly on Site and daily on Business and Agency.

🚀 **Unlimited views on every plan** — including free. Your widgets are not metered by page views.

= Why site owners choose this Google reviews widget =

* 🔑 **No Google API keys** — search by business name; we handle Google data on our servers
* 🧩 **Shortcode + Gutenberg block** — `[grwi_widget id="your-key"]` or the **GR Widget** block to embed Google reviews
* 🎨 **34 layouts** — 5 without an account, 22 with a free account, 31 on Site, and the full set on Business and Agency. Badges, feeds, sliders, stickers, quote layouts, and photo showcases.
* 👁️ **Draft and Live preview** — change a widget without affecting the live version until you publish
* 🎛️ **Hosted builder** — link a free account and customise plugin widgets in the full builder on GRWidget.com
* 🔄 **Reviews stay fresh** — synced on GRWidget.com (monthly on Free; bi-weekly on Site; daily on Business and Agency)
* 🛡️ **No local review storage** — your WordPress database stays clean
* ✨ **Works standalone** — create widgets without an account; link a free account when you need more

= Free WordPress plugin (no account required) =

* ✅ Up to **1** Google review widget per site (unlinked)
* ✅ **5** layouts (Rating Badge, Review request, List feed, Slider feed, Classic sticker)
* ✅ Up to **5** reviews available per business
* ✅ **Monthly** review sync
* ✅ Shortcode and Gutenberg block embeds
* ✅ Embed script loads **only** on pages that contain a widget
* ✅ **Unlimited views** — no view caps on free or paid
* ✅ **No GR Widget branding** on verified official WordPress installs

= Link a free GRWidget.com account (still $0) =

From **GR Widget → Account**, click to create or link a free account. No card required. That unlocks:

* ✅ **3 widgets** (instead of 1)
* ✅ **22 layouts** (instead of 5) — Mini review slider, Classic Slider, Classic List, Classic Grid, compact badges, Quote thread, Signature showcase, Pocket proof, and more
* ✅ **10 reviews available** per business (instead of 5)
* ✅ Hosted web builder on GRWidget.com, cloud backup, and the web dashboard

The free tier is a complete, ongoing product — not a time-limited trial. Existing widgets and shortcodes keep working if you hit the current widget limit.

= What paid plans unlock 💎 =

When you need more than the linked free allowance, paid plans are domain-based (clear pricing — not charged per page view):

* ♾️ **Unlimited widgets** (Site and above)
* 📈 **More reviews available** — up to 30 on Site, unlimited on Business/Agency
* ⏱️ **Daily sync** on Business and Agency (Free is monthly; Site is bi-weekly)
* 🎨 **31 layouts on Site**, and **all 34 on Business and Agency**, including Avatar review badge, Carousel feed, Masonry feed, Review ribbon, Classic Carousel, Classic Masonry, Reputation snapshot, Photo spotlight, Review mosaic, and the paid stickers (Bold, Ribbon, and Pill) — Reviews button is included with a free account
* 🪄 **Filters** — highlight the reviews that matter
* 👤 **Reviewer photos** (and review photos on Business+)
* 🧠 **AI review summary** (Business+)
* 🔍 **JSON-LD / review structured data** for search engines on Business & Agency (eligibility for rich results is never guaranteed)
* 🏷️ Agency adds **white-label**, multi-client management, and **10 combined invited seats**
* 🎛️ **Full design customisation (Site+)** — make every widget match your brand with colours, typography, spacing, borders, labels, element controls, and custom CSS (Free keeps light/dark theme + font family)

[Compare plans at GRWidget.com](https://grwidget.com/pricing).

= How it works =

1. Install and activate GR Widget
2. Open **GR Widget** in wp-admin and search for your business
3. Pick a layout and create your Google review widget
4. Paste the shortcode or insert the **GR Widget** block — done
5. (Optional) Link a free GRWidget.com account from **GR Widget → Account** to unlock 3 widgets, 22 layouts, 10 reviews, and the hosted builder

Widget HTML/CSS/JS is served by the hosted `grwidget.js` embed and the GRWidget.com API. This plugin is a thin, Plugin Check–friendly client.

You can see live examples of all the Google Reviews Widget layouts and styles available on our [examples page](https://grwidget.com/examples).

== Installation ==

For a full walkthrough, follow our guide to [embed Google reviews in WordPress](https://grwidget.com/blog/embed-google-reviews-wordpress).

1. Install **GR Widget** from Plugins → Add New (search “GR Widget” or “Google reviews”), or upload the ZIP.
2. Activate the plugin — it registers your site with GRWidget.com automatically.
3. Go to **GR Widget** in the WordPress admin menu.
4. Search for your business, choose a layout, and click **Create widget**.
5. Copy `[grwi_widget id="your-embed-key"]` into a page or post, or insert the **GR Widget** block.
6. Optional: open **GR Widget → Account** and link a free GRWidget.com account (one click — no API token paste). That unlocks 3 widgets, 22 layouts, 10 reviews available, and the hosted builder.

The plugin loads the embed script automatically on pages that contain a widget — no manual `<script>` tag needed.

== Support ==

🛟 **Something not working?** Please ask — GR Widget is actively improving, and we address reported issues very quickly.

* 🐞 **Report bug** — open a widget in **Customize**, then click **Report bug** in the left rail (or top bar). That sends the issue to our team with useful context.
* 💬 **Community (WordPress Plugin)** — [grwidget.com/community/c/wordpress-plugin](https://grwidget.com/community/c/wordpress-plugin) for install, shortcode, block, and linking questions
* 📘 **WordPress.org support forum** — [wordpress.org/support/plugin/gr-widget](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/gr-widget/)
* 💡 **Feature requests** — post ideas on the [WordPress.org support forum for GR Widget](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/gr-widget/). We continually explore improvements and consider all feature requests.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Do I need a GR Widget account? =

No. Unlinked installs include 1 widget, 5 layouts, 5 reviews available, and monthly sync. Link a free GRWidget.com account for 3 widgets, 22 layouts, and 10 reviews available — still free. Paid plans add unlimited widgets and the remaining layouts (31 on Site, all 34 on Business and Agency). Sync is bi-weekly on Site and daily on Business and Agency. Linking does not require a paid plan.

= How do I link a free GR Widget account? =

Open **GR Widget → Account** and click to create or sign in. Linking is one click — you do not generate or paste an API token. That unlocks 3 widgets, 22 layouts, 10 reviews available, cloud backup, and the hosted builder, still at $0.

= Can I customise plugin widgets in the GRWidget.com builder? =

Yes. Link your WordPress site from **GR Widget → Account** (one click), then open any widget in the hosted builder on GRWidget.com. The native **Customise** screen in wp-admin works without an account.

= Do I need a Google API key or Google sign-in? =

No. Search for your business by name in wp-admin. GR Widget handles Google data on our servers — your WordPress site never stores API keys.

= Are views limited? =

No. **Unlimited views** on free and paid plans. Plans are based on domains and features — not page-view metering.

= How do I embed Google reviews on a WordPress page? =

After creating a Google review widget, paste the shortcode into any page, post, or widget area, or insert the **GR Widget** Gutenberg block and pick one of this site’s widgets from the list (you can still enter a widget key manually). That is the simplest way to embed Google reviews on WordPress without writing code.

= Where are reviews stored? =

On GRWidget.com. The plugin does not download or store review content in WordPress.

= What happens when I reach the free widget limit? =

Unlinked sites can create 1 widget. Linking a free GRWidget.com account raises that to 3. Paid plans (Site and above) have unlimited widgets. Existing widgets and shortcodes keep working if you hit the current limit — there is no trial expiry and no lockout of widgets you already created.

= Why do some layouts show as paid plan previews? =

Unlinked installs include 5 layouts. Linking a free account unlocks 22. Site includes 31 layouts. Business and Agency include all 34. Locked layout cards in wp-admin are marketing previews only — they are not disabled plugin code. Upgrade and link-account links open GRWidget.com in your browser; no in-plugin payments are offered.

= How do I upgrade? =

Open **GR Widget → Account**. Link a free account first if you have not already (one click — no API token paste). For paid plans, use **View plans** in the plugin to compare Site, Business, and Agency on GRWidget.com. After checkout, your linked site picks up the new plan automatically.

= What if GRWidget.com is temporarily unavailable? =

Existing embeds on your public site continue to load from GRWidget.com when visitors view pages. wp-admin may show a connection notice until the service is reachable again. Cached plan limits are used when available.

= How do I get help or report a bug? =

Use **Report bug** in the widget **Customize** screen (left rail or top bar). For questions, post in the [WordPress Plugin community](https://grwidget.com/community/c/wordpress-plugin) or the [WordPress.org support forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/gr-widget/). We’re actively improving the plugin and respond quickly.

= How do I request a new feature? =

Post your idea on the [WordPress.org support forum for GR Widget](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/gr-widget/). We continually explore improvements and consider all feature requests.

= Why does Elementor show the shortcode as text in the editor? =

In Elementor, the Shortcode or HTML widget may show `[grwi_widget …]` as plain text inside the editor. The reviews still render on **preview** and on the **front end**. That is expected.

== Screenshots ==

1. Search for your Google Business listing and choose a layout to create your Google reviews widget — no API keys
2. Settings tab — set display mode, alignment, width and spacing with a live preview
3. Style tab — choose a light or dark theme and font family while the live preview updates
4. Reviews tab — choose how many Google reviews to show, then link an account for more
5. Customise tab — match your brand with colours, Google logo options, spacing and more
6. Install tab — copy the shortcode or HTML embed code to place the widget on your site

== External services ==

This plugin relies on external services to work. By installing and activating it, you authorize the connections below (similar to Akismet or other SaaS-connected plugins — no separate opt-in checkbox is required because the plugin cannot function without GRWidget.com).

= GRWidget.com =

**What it is:** [GRWidget.com](https://grwidget.com) (operated by EXTHUS LTD) hosts the Google review widget service — API, embed script, review sync, and wp-admin tools.

**Used for:** Site registration, business search, review sync, widget creation and configuration, plan limits, hosted previews, the style editor, the hosted builder (when you link an account), and serving live embeds on your public site.

**When it is contacted:**

* **Plugin activation** — registers your WordPress site and retrieves plan limits
* **wp-admin (GR Widget)** — business search, widget create/delete, account linking, plan refresh; layout cards use local miniature previews (no iframes); live preview loads `grw-preview.js`; widget style editor runs entirely in wp-admin
* **Widget customisation** — colours, fonts, and display options are edited on the native **Customise** screen in wp-admin (API-backed; no external tabs or iframes). After linking an account, you can also customise the same widgets in the full-featured web builder
* **Public site** — loads `grwidget.com/v1/grwidget.js` only on pages that contain a GR Widget shortcode or block (not site-wide); the script fetches widget JSON to render review embeds
* **Background** — plan limits may refresh twice daily via WordPress cron

**Data sent to GRWidget.com:**

* Site URL and hostname (sent at registration and with each API request, so widgets keep working if the site moves to a new address)
* Plugin version
* Site credentials issued at registration (stored locally in WordPress options)
* Business place IDs, names, addresses, ratings, and review counts you select in wp-admin
* Widget layout and style configuration choices
* API token (only when you choose to link a GRWidget.com account)
* Referrer hostname when a visitor loads a widget embed (to verify the widget is used on an allowed domain)

**Data not sent by this plugin:**

* WordPress user passwords or wp-admin login credentials
* Unrelated site content or visitor analytics
* Payment or billing details (checkout happens on GRWidget.com, not inside the plugin)

**Terms and privacy:**

* Service: https://grwidget.com
* Privacy policy: https://grwidget.com/privacy
* Terms of use: https://grwidget.com/terms

= Google (business data and review links) =

**What it is:** Google Maps / Google Business Profile — the source of business listings and public Google reviews displayed in widgets.

**Used for:** Business search results and review content are fetched by GRWidget.com from Google on your behalf. Widgets may also show links such as “View on Google” or “Write a review” that open Google in the visitor’s browser.

**When it is involved:**

* **wp-admin** — when you search for a business or trigger review sync, your search terms and selected place ID are sent to GRWidget.com, which queries Google server-side (your WordPress site never stores or sends Google API keys)
* **Public site** — review text, ratings, and business details are served from GRWidget.com (originally sourced from Google). Optional Google links appear in the widget UI; data is sent to Google only if a visitor clicks those links and leaves your site

**Data sent:**

* To GRWidget.com (then to Google server-side): business search queries, Google place IDs, and business metadata needed to sync reviews
* To Google directly from the visitor’s browser: only when a visitor clicks a Google link in a widget (standard browser navigation; may include referrer URL per the browser’s normal behaviour). The plugin does not call Google APIs from WordPress.

**Terms and privacy:**

* Google Terms of Service: https://policies.google.com/terms
* Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

= Google Fonts (optional, visitor browsers) =

**What it is:** Google’s hosted web font service (`fonts.googleapis.com`), used only when a widget is configured to use a Google Font rather than the site’s inherited/system font.

**Used for:** Loading the font files that style widget text on the public site.

**When it is contacted:** When a visitor views a page containing a widget whose style uses a Google Font preset — the hosted `grwidget.js` embed script injects a stylesheet request to Google Fonts.

**Data sent:** The visitor’s browser requests font CSS from Google; Google may log the request per its own policies (typically IP address and user-agent). No WordPress user or site-admin data is sent by the plugin for this purpose.

**Terms and privacy:**

* Google Fonts FAQ (privacy): https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq#what_does_using_the_google_fonts_api_mean_for_the_privacy_of_my_users
* Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

= Other third parties =

This plugin does not load third-party advertising or analytics trackers on your public site. Scripts and styles for wp-admin UI (except the GRWidget.com connections above) are bundled in the plugin. Upgrade and account links open GRWidget.com in your browser only when you click them.

== Changelog ==

= 1.2.1 =
**Added**
* Seventeen new layouts, so the gallery is now 34 designs. Mini review slider, Classic Carousel, Classic Slider, Classic List, Classic Grid, Classic Masonry, Inline rating & reviews, Essential rating, Text rating, Stacked rating, Micro rating strip, Quote thread, Signature showcase, Pocket proof, Reputation snapshot, Photo spotlight, and Review mosaic.
* Search with a Google Maps link. Paste a maps.app.goo.gl share link or a Google Maps place URL and GR Widget opens that business, just as it does for a name search.

**Improved**
* A free linked account now includes 22 layouts, up from 10. Site includes 31. Business and Agency include the full set of 34.
* Layout counts in the plugin, the upgrade notes, and this readme match the current catalog.

**Fixed**
* Minor bug fixes across business search and the layout picker.

= 1.2.0 =

**Added**
* A redesigned dashboard and widget builder.
* Draft and Live preview, so edits stay unpublished until you publish them.
* Review curation: choose which reviews appear, sort and filter them, and set how many to display.
* Review request, Reviews button, Review ribbon, and Avatar review badge layouts.
* A confirmation when you copy a shortcode.
* A new menu icon.

**Improved**
* The layout picker is clearer, and its previews match the layouts.
* Searching for your business on Google is easier.
* Margin controls in Customize are more compact.
* Layouts are grouped so badges, feeds, sliders, stickers, and review requests are easier to find.

**Fixed**
* The embed script is no longer held back by delay-JavaScript tools such as WP Meteor, so widgets keep loading on Elementor pages.
* Confirming Unlink account on the dashboard unlinks the site.
* Other fixes across the dashboard and builder.

= 1.1.2 =
* Preview every layout and styling option in the builder, including ones on a higher plan.
* Choosing a layout before a business now shows a notice in the plugin.
* Carousel feed and Slider feed names were swapped so they match the layouts. Existing widgets look the same.
* A default Free widget no longer asks you to upgrade for custom styling. Light theme, default font, full width, and empty spacing stay Free.
* Outer Spacing, theme, fonts, Display Limit, and basic Review Panel options are labelled Free.
* Switching feed layouts no longer turns on review photos. Photo settings only apply when that feed is selected.
* Display Limit updates as you type, including after changing tabs. You can preview a higher count than your plan publishes.
* WordPress widgets stay branding-free. Branding controls are removed from the plugin builder.
* Linked GRWidget.com accounts can list, open, preview, and save widgets, and search for a business in wp-admin again.
* If the widget list fails to load, you get a retry message instead of an empty screen.

= 1.1.1 =
* Improvements to make linking a free GR Widget account from the plugin simpler.
* Width controls in the WordPress Customise builder (same options as the web builder).
* Widgets you created on GRWidget.com now appear in the WordPress plugin automatically when your account is linked. No manual refresh.
* Stops loading the embed script twice on sites that also pasted the GR Widget script tag.
* Gutenberg block: pick one of this site’s widgets from a list instead of pasting the embed key. You can still enter a key manually.
* Feed layouts: mobile headers now wrap cleanly so the title, stars, and “Write a review” button no longer overlap or get cut off.

= 1.1.0 =
* Redesigned native Customize builder with more options and features.
* Link a GR Widget account with a click (sign in or create an account) — no API key copy/paste.
* Additional customisation controls in the builder.
* Change layout from inside the builder.
* Raise free plugin limits by linking a free GR Widget account.
* Other minor bug fixes and improvements.

= 1.0.3 =
* Customise Review Button / Footer Button on feed widgets (show/hide, colours, and typography).
* Style and Customize panels use closed-by-default accordions matching the web builder.
* AI Summary live preview works in the native builder when exploring locked plans.

= 1.0.2 =
* Report a bug is now visible in the Customize left rail (matching the web builder), and still available in the top bar.
* Linked GRWidget.com accounts can submit bug reports from the native builder (previously blocked when the site was linked).

= 1.0.1 =
* Updated the plugin display name to "GR Widget – Google Reviews Widget" for clearer directory search and discoverability (no functional changes; slug, settings, and shortcodes are unchanged).

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial public release on WordPress.org (first SVN / directory release).
* Embed Google reviews with a shortcode or Gutenberg block — no Google API keys or sign-in required.
* Search for your business in wp-admin, pick from five free layouts, and create up to three widgets per site.
* Local layout picker previews and live preview in wp-admin (no external iframes); native style editor with API-backed save.
* Reviews sync on GRWidget.com — your WordPress database does not store review content.
* Optional GRWidget.com account linking for paid plans, more widgets, and daily sync.
* Embed script loads only on pages that contain a widget (not site-wide).
* Plugin Check compliant: escaped output, nonces, uninstall cleanup, and contextual upgrade notices in wp-admin only.
* Prefix compliance — options, cron hooks, AJAX actions, script/style handles, and localized JS objects use `grwi_` / `GRWI_`; legacy `grw_*` options migrate automatically on upgrade.
* Tested up to WordPress 7.0; view-template and uninstall loop variables prefixed for Plugin Check; mock CSS enqueue versioned; core `sidebars_widgets` filter usage documented.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.2.1 =
34 layouts, including the new classic feeds, compact badges, and showcase designs. Search also accepts a Google Maps link. Recommended update.

= 1.2.0 =
Redesigned dashboard and builder, Draft/Live preview, and many fixes. Recommended update.

= 1.1.2 =
Preview layouts and styles before you publish, Slider/Carousel names now match the layouts, and linked accounts can search and save in wp-admin again. Existing widgets and shortcodes are unchanged. Safe update.

= 1.1.1 =
Avoids a double grwidget.js load with pasted snippets, refreshes linked-account widgets on the admin screen, adds a Gutenberg widget dropdown, and documents Elementor editor text. Safe update.

= 1.1.0 =
Redesigned Customize builder, one-click account linking (no API key), more customisation and layout options, and higher free limits when you link a free account. Safe update.

= 1.0.3 =
Feed Review/Footer button customisation, Style/Customize accordion parity with the web builder, and AI Summary live preview fix. Safe update.

= 1.0.2 =
Report a bug is easier to find in Customize and works for linked accounts. Safe update.

= 1.0.1 =
Display name updated to "GR Widget – Google Reviews Widget". No functional changes — safe update.

= 1.0.0 =
Initial public release on WordPress.org.