From free WordPress plugin to a linked GR Widget account

The free GR Widget plugin works without signing up. Search for your business, pick a layout, and embed Google reviews in minutes. When you are ready for more widgets, layouts, or the web dashboard, link a GR Widget account from wp-admin with a click. This guide covers the new linking flow, what unlinked vs linked-free includes, and when a paid plan is worth it.

How to upgrade — three steps

1. Update the plugin in wp-admin (Plugins → GR Widget → Update), or install from WordPress.org if you have not already.
2. Link with a click — open GR Widget → Account and choose Create or link free account. A secure popup opens so you can sign in or create a free GRWidget.com account. Confirm, and the plugin returns you to a Linked Account card. No API token copy and paste.
3. Choose a plan on our pricing page when you need paid limits. Linked widgets inherit the new plan immediately.

On plugin 1.0.3, linking still uses an API token under Account. Update to the latest version for click-to-link — that is the current method.

What the free WordPress plugin includes

When you install and activate the plugin, your site registers anonymously with GRWidget.com. You do not need a password or credit card. Unlinked installs are tuned for a single WordPress site getting started:

• 1 widget on one domain
• 4 layouts — rating badge, list feed, carousel, and classic sticker from our core set
• Up to 5 reviews synced and displayed per widget
• Monthly sync — reviews refresh on a fixed schedule
• Gutenberg block, shortcode, and the redesigned native Customize builder — including changing layout inside the builder
• No Google API key — search by business name inside the plugin

These are the unlinked plugin limits. Linking a free GR Widget account raises them — see the comparison below.

What linking your account enables

Linking connects your WordPress site to a GRWidget.com account through a secure popup — sign in or create an account, then confirm. It is free. Your widgets move into the dashboard rather than living only inside wp-admin. The Linked Account card in the plugin shows your plan, site, and included limits; manage the connection or unlink from that card.

• Higher free limits — 1 widget / 5 reviews / 4 layouts becomes 3 widgets / 10 reviews / 8 layouts
• Unified dashboard — manage WordPress and embed widgets in one place
• Web builder access — layout, style, and content on GRWidget.com
• Paid plan upgrades — Site for filters and bi-weekly sync, Business and Agency for JSON-LD, AI summaries, and daily sync
• Existing shortcodes keep working — visitors see no disruption after linking

Even on a free GRWidget.com account, linking never takes capacity away — you never lose capacity by linking.

Link your WordPress site

When to upgrade from the free plugin

Consider a paid plan when you hit any of these walls:

• You need more than 3 widgets or layouts beyond the free set
• You want more reviews stored server-side (30 on Site, unlimited on Business, unlimited on Agency) or daily sync on Business and Agency
• You need star, keyword, or reviewer filters for cleaner testimonial walls
• You want Review structured data (JSON-LD) for search-ready markup
• You manage multiple client sites and need domain-based Agency pricing

Frequently asked questions

What does the free GR Widget WordPress plugin include?

The standalone plugin works without a GRWidget.com account. An unlinked site gets 1 widget on one domain, 4 core layouts, up to 5 reviews synced and displayed, and Monthly sync — enough to try GR Widget on a single WordPress site.

How do I link my WordPress site to a GR Widget account?

In wp-admin open GR Widget → Account and click Create or link free account. A secure popup opens so you can sign in or create a free GRWidget.com account. When you confirm, the plugin updates automatically — no API token to copy or paste.

What happens when I link my WordPress site to a GR Widget account?

Linking merges your plugin widgets into your web dashboard and unlocks the web builder. On a free account your limits rise from 1 widget / 5 reviews / 4 layouts to 3 widgets / 10 reviews / 8 layouts — linking never downgrades what you had in wp-admin.

Do I need to pay to link my WordPress plugin?

No. Linking is free. Click Create or link free account in the plugin — sign in or register in the popup. Paid upgrades are optional when you need more widgets, layouts, filters, daily sync on Business and Agency, or full design customisation.

Which plan should WordPress users choose?

Site ($5.99/month) suits a single business site with unlimited widgets, bi-weekly sync, and filters. Business ($14.99/month) adds five domains, daily sync, unlimited reviews, AI summaries and JSON-LD. Agency ($49.99/month) covers up to 20 client domains with white-label options.

Can I customise widgets in the WordPress plugin without upgrading?

The redesigned native Customize builder is included with the plugin — including changing layout from inside the builder. Basic styling (light/dark theme and font family) is available on Free. Full design customisation — colours, labels, typography, spacing, borders, shadows, element controls, and custom CSS — unlocks on the Site plan and above.

Where do I download or update the WordPress plugin?

Search for “GR Widget — Google Reviews” under Plugins → Add New in wp-admin, or install from the WordPress.org plugin directory. To use click-to-link, update to the latest version first. No account is required to create your first widget.

New to WordPress? Read our guide to embedding Google reviews in WordPress, or browse all pricing plans for embed-only sites.