=== GhostChat === Contributors: jacobo1 Tags: chat, live-chat, privacy, gdpr, lightweight Requires at least: 5.0 Tested up to: 6.9 Stable tag: 1.0.7 Requires PHP: 7.4 License: GPLv2 or later License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GhostChat by The Chat Widget - 3KB live chat widget. Privacy-first, zero tracking, zero cookies. Gmail threading, CRM Lite, automation. 20-40x smaller than competitors. == Description == GhostChat is the official WordPress plugin for [The Chat Widget](https://thechatwidget.com) — a privacy-first, ultra-lightweight live chat with Gmail threading, CRM Lite features, and automation. Perfect for businesses that care about page speed, visitor privacy, and GDPR compliance. **Key Features:** * **Gmail Threading** - Reply to website messages directly from your Gmail inbox. Every conversation threads perfectly, and visitors can reply via email too. * **CRM Lite** - Every visitor becomes a contact. Email is required before messaging (automatic lead capture). View all contacts, add notes, and export to CSV. * **Automation** - Set business hours, toggle away mode, and capture emails when you're offline. Never miss a lead. * **Privacy-first** - Zero tracking, zero cookies, GDPR compliant by default * **Ultra-lightweight** - Only 3KB (20-40x smaller than competitors) * **Edge-powered** - 10-30ms latency worldwide **Note:** This WordPress plugin is open source (GPL licensed). The Chat Widget service and platform are proprietary. **Why The Chat Widget?** * **3KB widget** - 20-40x smaller than Intercom, Zendesk, Drift, Crisp * **Zero tracking, zero cookies** - No cookie banners needed * **10-30ms latency** - Edge-powered global delivery * **Gmail threading** - Reply directly from your Gmail inbox, threads stay in sync * **CRM Lite** - Built-in contact management, lead capture, and CSV export * **Automation** - Business hours, away mode, and email capture when you're offline * **Lead capture** - Email required before messaging (no anonymous chats) * **Real-time messaging** - Instant customer replies * **Mobile PWA dashboard** - Reply from your phone like WhatsApp * **GDPR compliant** - Built for privacy regulations **How it works:** 1. Sign up free at [The Chat Widget](https://thechatwidget.com/signup) 2. Create a site and get your Site ID 3. Enter your Site ID in the plugin settings 4. The chat widget appears on your site automatically **Pricing:** * **30-day Free Trial**: All features included, no credit card required. Start free at [thechatwidget.com/signup](https://thechatwidget.com/signup) * **Starter ($5/month or $50/year)**: 1 site, unlimited messages, unlimited history, Gmail threading, contact export (CSV) * **Growth ($9/month or $90/year)**: Up to 3 sites, unlimited messages, unlimited history, Gmail threading, contact export (CSV) * **Business ($19/month or $190/year)**: Up to 10 sites, unlimited messages, unlimited history, advanced analytics, remove branding, priority support, export conversations (CSV/JSON coming soon) **Annual billing saves 2 months** - Pay for 10 months, get 12 months of service! Compare that to competitors charging $39-99/month! == Installation == 1. Install the plugin through the WordPress plugin directory, or upload to `/wp-content/plugins/the-chat-widget` 2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress 3. Go to Settings > GhostChat 4. Enter your Site ID from your dashboard at [app.thechatwidget.com](https://app.thechatwidget.com) 5. Save changes - the widget appears instantly on your site! == Frequently Asked Questions == = Do I need an account? = Yes, sign up free at [thechatwidget.com/signup](https://thechatwidget.com/signup) to get a Site ID. = Is it really free? = Yes! We offer a 30-day free trial with all features. No credit card required. After that, plans start at just $5/month (or $50/year for 2 months free). = Does it slow down my site? = No! At 3KB, GhostChat is 20-40x smaller than competitors like Intercom (120KB+), Zendesk (150KB+), or Drift (200KB+). It has zero impact on page speed or Lighthouse scores. = Does it track visitors? = No. GhostChat uses zero tracking and zero cookies. However, visitors must provide their email before messaging (this captures leads automatically). No cookie banners needed. = Is it GDPR compliant? = Yes. GhostChat doesn't track or store personal data without consent. Perfect for EU businesses. = Can I customize the widget? = Yes! Customize colors, position, and welcome messages in your dashboard. = Does it work on mobile? = Yes! The dashboard is a mobile-first PWA. Install it on your phone and reply to customers like WhatsApp. = Can I reply from Gmail? = Yes! This is one of our key features. When a visitor sends a message, you get an email notification. Reply directly from Gmail — your response appears in the chat widget, and the conversation threads perfectly. Visitors can also reply via email. = What is CRM Lite? = CRM Lite is our built-in contact management system. Every visitor who messages you becomes a contact (email is required before messaging). View all contacts, see conversation history, add notes, and export to CSV. Available on Growth and Business plans. = Does it support automation? = Yes! Set your business hours, toggle away mode, and automatically capture visitor emails when you're offline. Available on Growth and Business plans. == Screenshots == 1. GhostChat widget on your website 2. WordPress admin settings page 3. Mobile dashboard (PWA) for instant replies == Changelog == = 1.0.7 = * Updated description to reflect new features (Gmail threading, CRM Lite) * Updated pricing information * Removed "anonymous sessions" reference (email now required) = 1.0.6 = * Fixed WordPress.org plugin checker errors * Corrected text domain to match slug * Added proper input sanitization callback * Updated tested up to WordPress 6.9 * Reduced tags to 5 (WordPress.org requirement) = 1.0.5 = * Added chat bubble icon to header for better branding * Fixed script enqueuing to use WordPress standards * Added input sanitization for security * WordPress 6.9 compatibility verified = 1.0.4 = * Added professional branding with gradient header * Added footer with helpful links = 1.0.3 = * Added smart paste detection - auto-extracts Site ID from script tag * Improved user experience with real-time feedback = 1.0.2 = * Added step-by-step setup instructions * Better guidance for first-time users = 1.0.1 = * Clarified branding: GhostChat by The Chat Widget * Updated widget URL to api.thechatwidget.com * Updated dashboard URL to app.thechatwidget.com * Improved admin UI with better status messages = 1.0.0 = * Initial release == Upgrade Notice == = 1.0.5 = Security improvements with input sanitization. WordPress 6.9 compatible. Better branding.