=== GR Review – Reviews Widget for Google ===
Contributors: besthelptool
Donate link: https://besthelptool.site/grreview/
Tags: google reviews, reviews widget, google business reviews, testimonials, customer reviews, rating badge, trust badge
Requires at least: 5.6
Tested up to: 7.1
Stable tag: 1.0.0
Requires PHP: 7.4
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Embed responsive customer reviews and Google ratings on your WordPress site in Carousel, Masonry Grid, List, Floating Badge, or Compact Pill formats.

== Description ==

**GR Review** is an ultra-fast, zero-dependency WordPress plugin that showcases your verified customer ratings and Google business testimonials anywhere on your site.

No complex Google Cloud Console credentials or Google API keys required! Display verified customer social proof instantly using simple shortcodes, widgets, or the WordPress block editor.

[Studio Generator & Live Demos](https://besthelptool.site/grreview/) | [Documentation](https://besthelptool.site/grreview/#platforms)

### Key Features

* **5 Beautiful Layout Styles**:
  * **Interactive Carousel Slider**: Smooth horizontal touch-friendly review slider with navigation dots and arrows.
  * **Masonry Grid**: Clean multi-column review wall that dynamically adapts to desktop, tablet, and mobile.
  * **Review List**: Clean vertical testimonial feed ideal for dedicated review or case study pages.
  * **Sticky Floating Badge**: Discreet bottom corner pill that slides open an elegant review drawer upon click.
  * **Compact Pill Badge**: High-density header/footer badge displaying your aggregate 4.9★ rating and customer avatars.
* **Sub-10ms Lightweight Footprint**: Zero jQuery dependency, pure vanilla JavaScript under 12KB with zero render-blocking scripts.
* **Direct "Write a Review" CTA**: Optional high-converting button linking directly to your Google Maps review submission dialog.
* **Rating Filter**: Filter reviews to display only 4+ or 5-star ratings.
* **Custom Theming**: Light and dark mode support with customizable accent colors, star colors, and border radii.
* **Shortcode & Gutenberg Support**: Works with `[gr_google_reviews]` shortcode, classic widgets, and modern block editor.
* **Page Builder Friendly**: 100% compatible with Elementor, Divi, Beaver Builder, Oxygen, Bricks, and Gutenberg.

== Installation ==

### Automatic Installation via WordPress Admin:
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to **Plugins &rarr; Add New**.
3. Search for `Google Reviews Widget - GR Review` or click **Upload Plugin** and select the `gr-google-reviews-widget.zip` file.
4. Click **Install Now** and then **Activate**.

### Manual Installation via FTP:
1. Download `gr-google-reviews-widget.zip` and extract the files.
2. Upload the `gr-google-reviews-widget` folder to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
3. Activate the plugin through the **Plugins** menu in WordPress.

### How to Display Reviews:
* **Using Shortcode**: Insert `[gr_google_reviews id="preset_dental"]` into any page, post, or text widget.
* **Using Custom Configuration**: Generate your custom widget at `wp-admin &rarr; Google Reviews` and copy the generated shortcode.
* **Using Widget**: Navigate to **Appearance &rarr; Widgets**, find the **Google Reviews Widget** and drag it to your sidebar or footer.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Do I need a Google Cloud API key? =
No. You do not need a Google Cloud account, billing setup, or API key. The widget loads your listing details or customized verified reviews automatically.

= Which layouts are available? =
You can choose between Carousel Slider, Masonry Grid, Vertical List, Floating Corner Badge, and Compact Header Pill.

= Will this plugin slow down my WordPress site? =
No! The client script is under 12KB, loads asynchronously, and has zero external dependencies, keeping your Google Core Web Vitals green.

= Does it work with Elementor or Divi? =
Yes. Add a Shortcode or HTML block in Elementor, Divi, or your preferred page builder and insert `[gr_google_reviews]`.

= Can I remove the attribution watermark? =
Yes. You can upgrade to a Pro lifetime license at [https://besthelptool.site/grreview/](https://besthelptool.site/grreview/) and enter your license key in `wp-admin &rarr; Google Reviews` to activate 100% white-label embeds with zero branding.

== Screenshots ==

1. Carousel Slider Layout with Google star ratings and customer testimonials.
2. Responsive Masonry Grid review wall layout.
3. Sticky Floating Corner Badge with expandable reviews drawer.
4. WordPress Admin Studio Builder and shortcode generator.

== Changelog ==

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial public release on WordPress.org.
* 5 responsive layout options (Carousel, Grid, List, Floating, Badge).
* Shortcode `[gr_google_reviews]` with flexible attributes.
* WordPress classic sidebar widget support.
* Modern Gutenberg block support.
* Pro White-Label license key activation support.
* Fixed initial avatar SVG base64 rendering to prevent attribute leakage.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial stable release.
