Add as Preferred Source

Description

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:

• Displays a customizable banner on your website
• Links to Google’s preferred sources feature
• Allows users to set your site as a preferred source in their Google Search settings
• Provides banner customization options (colors, text, position)
• Includes device-specific display controls

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:

• Customizable banner text with website name variable
• Color customization for background and text
• Position control (top or bottom of page)
• Device-specific display (mobile, desktop, or both)
• Cookie-based dismissal (banner stays hidden for 7 days after user closes it)
• Responsive design
• Translation ready

Technical Requirements:

• WordPress 5.0 or higher
• PHP 7.2 or higher
• Modern web browser with JavaScript enabled

Configuration

After installation, go to Settings > Add as Preferred Source in your WordPress admin to configure the plugin.

Step 1: Basic Settings

• Enable Banner: Check this box to activate the banner on your website. The banner will not appear until this is enabled.

• 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.

• 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.

  • Example: “Add {website_name} as your preferred source on Google”
  • Example: “Get more content from {website_name} – add us as a preferred source”

• Banner Position: Choose where the banner appears on your website:

  • Top: Banner appears at the top of the page, above all content
  • Bottom: Banner appears at the bottom of the page (recommended for better user experience)

Step 2: Appearance Customization

• Banner Background Color: Click the color picker to choose a background color that matches your website design. Default is dark gray (#1a1a1a).

• 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).

Step 3: Display Options

• Show on Mobile: Check this box to display the banner on mobile devices (phones and tablets).

• Show on Desktop: Check this box to display the banner on desktop computers and laptops.

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

1. Click Save Changes to apply your settings
2. Visit your website to see the banner in action
3. Click the banner to test the Google redirect functionality
4. Use the close (×) button to test the dismissal feature

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.