=== GhostChat – 3KB Lightweight Live Chat === Contributors: jacobo1 Tags: live chat, lightweight, speed, privacy, no-cookies 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 is the world's lightest live chat solution (3KB). Privacy-first, zero cookies, Gmail threading, and extreme performance. == Description == **Stop killing your SEO with bloated chat widgets.** GhostChat (by [The Chat Widget](https://thechatwidget.com)) is the world's lightest live chat solution. While other widgets add 200KB+ to your site and tank your Lighthouse scores, GhostChat is only **3KB gzipped**. = Why GhostChat? = * **Extreme Performance:** 30x smaller than Intercom or Zendesk. Won't slow down your site. * **Privacy First:** No cookies. No tracking. GDPR compliant by design. * **Gmail Threading:** Reply to your customers directly from your Gmail inbox. No new dashboard to learn. * **CRM Lite:** Built-in contact management. Email required before messaging (automatic lead capture). * **Zero Bloat:** One script tag. No dependencies. No jQuery. * **Smart Setup:** Paste the full script tag or just the ID—we figure it out instantly. = Speed Comparison = * Intercom/Drift: 150KB - 300KB * Typical React Widgets: 50KB - 100KB * **GhostChat: 3KB** (Lightning Fast) = Key Features = * **Gmail Threading:** Reply from your inbox. Threads stay in sync. * **CRM Lite:** Export contacts to CSV, add notes, view history. * **Automation:** Business hours, away mode, offline email capture. * **Mobile PWA:** Reply from your phone like WhatsApp. * **Edge-powered:** 10-30ms latency worldwide. == Installation == 1. Install GhostChat via the WordPress plugin directory. 2. Activate the plugin. 3. Go to Settings > GhostChat. 4. Enter your Site ID from [app.thechatwidget.com](https://app.thechatwidget.com). * *Pro Tip:* You can paste the entire script tag from your dashboard, and we'll automatically extract the ID for you! == 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.