Display a banner that allows users to add your website as a preferred source on Google Search.

Mathew

This plugin displays a banner on your website that directs visitors to Google’s preferred sources feature. When clicked, the banner takes users to Google’s preferences page where they can add your site as a preferred source for their personalized search results.
What it does:
<ul>
<li>Displays a customizable banner on your website</li>
<li>Links to Google’s preferred sources feature</li>
<li>Allows users to set your site as a preferred source in their Google Search settings</li>
<li>Provides banner customization options (colors, text, position)</li>
<li>Includes device-specific display controls</li>
</ul>
About Google Preferred Sources:
Google’s preferred sources is a feature that allows users to indicate which sources they want to see more of in their search results. This is a Google feature, not affiliated with this plugin. Users who add your site as a preferred source may see your content more frequently in their personalized search results.
DISCLAIMER: This plugin is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Google in any way. It is an independent tool created to help news publishing sites easily add a banner that links to Google’s preferred sources feature.
Plugin Features:
<ul>
<li>Customizable banner text with website name variable</li>
<li>Color customization for background and text</li>
<li>Position control (top or bottom of page)</li>
<li>Device-specific display (mobile, desktop, or both)</li>
<li>Cookie-based dismissal (banner stays hidden for 7 days after user closes it)</li>
<li>Responsive design</li>
<li>Translation ready</li>
</ul>
Technical Requirements:
<ul>
<li>WordPress 5.0 or higher</li>
<li>PHP 7.2 or higher</li>
<li>Modern web browser with JavaScript enabled</li>
</ul>
<h3>Configuration</h3>
After installation, go to Settings > Add as Preferred Source in your WordPress admin to configure the plugin.
Step 1: Basic Settings
<ul>
<li>
Enable Banner: Check this box to activate the banner on your website. The banner will not appear until this is enabled.
</li>
<li>
Website Name: Enter your website or publication name. This defaults to your WordPress site title but can be customized. This name will replace the {website_name} placeholder in your banner text.
</li>
<li>
Banner Text: Customize the message displayed to visitors. Default text is “Add as a preferred source on Google”. You can use the placeholder {website_name} anywhere in your text, and it will be automatically replaced with the website name you specified above.
<ul>
<li>Example: “Add {website_name} as your preferred source on Google”</li>
<li>Example: “Get more content from {website_name} – add us as a preferred source”</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Banner Position: Choose where the banner appears on your website:
<ul>
<li>Top: Banner appears at the top of the page, above all content</li>
<li>Bottom: Banner appears at the bottom of the page (recommended for better user experience)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Step 2: Appearance Customization
<ul>
<li>
Banner Background Color: Click the color picker to choose a background color that matches your website design. Default is dark gray (#1a1a1a).
</li>
<li>
Text Color: Select the color for the banner text and close button. Ensure good contrast with your background color for readability. Default is white (#ffffff).
</li>
</ul>
Step 3: Display Options
<ul>
<li>
Show on Mobile: Check this box to display the banner on mobile devices (phones and tablets).
</li>
<li>
Show on Desktop: Check this box to display the banner on desktop computers and laptops.
</li>
</ul>
You can enable both, or choose to show the banner only on specific device types based on your audience preferences.
Step 4: Save and Test
<ol>
<li>Click Save Changes to apply your settings</li>
<li>Visit your website to see the banner in action</li>
<li>Click the banner to test the Google redirect functionality</li>
<li>Use the close (×) button to test the dismissal feature</li>
</ol>
Testing Tips: 
* Clear your browser cache and any server/plugin caches after making changes 
* Test in incognito/private browsing mode to see the banner fresh 
* Add a parameter to your URL (e.g., ?test=1) to bypass cache 
* Check on different devices based on your display settings 
* The banner will stay hidden for 7 days after a user closes it
Preview Feature: 
The settings page includes a live preview that updates as you modify colors, text, and position. This helps you see how the banner will look before saving changes.

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