=== ReviewPanel Ratings for Google Reviews ===
Contributors: 9sjacob6
Tags: google reviews, rating badge, review count, trust badge, stars
Requires at least: 6.4
Tested up to: 7.0
Stable tag: 1.0.0
Requires PHP: 7.4
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Display your Google rating, review count, and Leave a Review CTA on your WordPress site with a clean rating badge.

== Description ==

Add a Google rating badge to any page or post using a shortcode. Show your business name, star rating, review count, and a Leave a Review CTA — designed as a trust signal for your website visitors.

**How it works:**

1. Create a free rating badge on [ReviewPanel](https://www.reviewpanel.dev) or enter your business details directly
2. Choose a layout — compact badge, card, horizontal, or large
3. Add the shortcode where you want the badge to appear

**Two shortcodes included:**

= Auto-updating rating badge =

`[reviewpanel_rating id="YOUR_BADGE_ID"]`

Stays in sync with your Google Business Profile rating. Requires a free ReviewPanel account.

= Free static rating badge =

`[reviewpanel_rating_free name="My Business" rating="4.8" reviews="350" variant="medium" theme="light"]`

A static snapshot — no account required.

**Features:**

* 4 layout variants: small, medium, horizontal, large
* 3 themes: light, dark, auto (matches user preference)
* Responsive design
* Domain validation for paid badges
* Clean, minimal footprint — no bloat

The badge is designed for trust signals. It does not display full individual Google review text.

== Installation ==

1. Upload the `reviewpanel-ratings` folder to `/wp-content/plugins/`
2. Activate the plugin through the Plugins menu
3. Go to Settings → ReviewPanel to configure (optional)
4. Add `[reviewpanel_rating id="YOUR_BADGE_ID"]` to any page or post

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Do I need a ReviewPanel account? =

For the auto-updating badge, yes — a free account lets you create and manage your badge. The static badge shortcode works without an account.

= Does this show full Google review text? =

No. The rating badge shows your star rating, review count, and business name. It is designed as a trust signal, not a full review feed.

= Can I use this for multiple locations? =

Yes. Each location gets its own badge ID. ReviewPanel paid plans support multi-location management.

= Does the free badge include branding? =

Free badges may include "Powered by ReviewPanel" branding as part of the hosted badge output. Paid plans include branding controls.

= Does this guarantee rich-result stars in Google Search? =

No. ReviewPanel can support structured data where eligible, but does not guarantee rich-result stars.

= Is this an official Google plugin? =

No. ReviewPanel works with Google Business Profile review data but is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google.

== External Services ==

This plugin connects to [ReviewPanel](https://www.reviewpanel.dev) to render rating badges on your site.

**Data that may be sent to ReviewPanel:**

* ReviewPanel rating badge ID
* Site URL/domain (for badge rendering and domain validation)
* Google Maps URL (if creating a badge via the free generator)

**When data is sent:**

* When a page containing a rating badge shortcode is loaded by a visitor
* When creating or connecting a badge through the ReviewPanel dashboard

ReviewPanel does not sell customer data.

* [Privacy Policy](https://www.reviewpanel.dev/privacy-policy)
* [Terms of Service](https://www.reviewpanel.dev/terms-of-service)

== Disclaimer ==

ReviewPanel is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google. Google, Google Reviews, Google Business Profile, Google Search, and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.

== Screenshots ==

1. Medium rating badge — light mode
2. Large rating badge — dark mode
3. Small rating badge — light mode
4. Horizontal rating badge — dark mode

== Changelog ==

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial release
* Auto-updating rating badge shortcode
* Free static rating badge shortcode
* Admin settings page with usage instructions
* 4 layout variants, 3 theme options
