Improving User Experience: Incorporate a Simple Google Login to Your WordPress Website

Are you seeking to simplify the login process for your WordPress site? By implementing a one-click Google login feature, you can offer your visitors a convenient way to access your site using their Google accounts. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of adding a one-click Google login to your WordPress site, step-by-step.

The Advantages of a One-Click Google Login

Enabling a one-click Google login provides numerous benefits for both you and your users:

• Effortless and quick login for users who are already signed in to their Google accounts.
• Seamless login for team members using Google Workspace with business email addresses.
• Perfect for sites that require user authentication, such as multi-author sites, membership platforms, and e-learning websites.

Now, let’s dive into the process of enabling a one-click Google login for your WordPress site.

Step 1: Install and Activate the Nextend Social Login and Register Plugin

Start by installing and activating the Nextend Social Login and Register plugin on your WordPress site. This free plugin allows you to enable various social login options, including Google, Twitter, and Facebook. While the free version includes these options, you also have the option to upgrade to the paid version for additional social login integrations like PayPal and Slack.

Step 2: Create a Google App

To enable Google login, you need to create a Google app. Rest assured, you don’t need any coding skills for this process. Follow these steps to create a Google app:

1. Open a new tab in your browser and visit the Google Developers Console website.
2. Sign in using your Google account credentials.
3. Click on “Select a project” from the top menu and choose “New Project.”
4. Provide a name for your project and select the desired location.
5. Click “Create” to proceed.

You will be redirected to the “APIs & Services” dashboard. From the left menu, select “OAuth consent screen” and choose the appropriate user type: “Internal” for users with your organization’s Google account or “External” for users with email addresses outside your organization. Click “Create” to continue.

Next, provide relevant information about your app, such as your business name and the email address associated with your Google account. Scroll down to the “App domain” section and add links to your website’s home page, privacy policy page, and terms of service page. After entering the necessary details, click “Save and Continue” to proceed.

Step 3: Generate Google Keys and Configure the Plugin

Now, it’s time to generate the keys required by the Nextend Social Login and Register plugin to connect with Google Cloud. Follow these steps:

1. In the Google Cloud Console, select “Credentials” from the left menu.
2. Click “+ Create Credentials” and choose “OAuth client ID.”
3. Select “Web application” as the application type.
4. In the “Authorized redirect URIs” section, add the URL: http://example.com/wp-login.php?loginSocial=google (replace “example.com” with your website’s address).
5. Click “Create” to save the settings.

Your Google client ID and client secret will be displayed. Make sure to copy these keys.

Return to your WordPress site, navigate to the Nextend Social Login and Register plugin’s settings page, and paste the client ID and client secret into their respective fields. Save the settings.

Step 4: Test and Enable Google Login

Prior to enabling Google login for your users, it’s essential to test the settings to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Open the plugin’s settings page and click the “Verify Settings” button. If the app is set up correctly, you should see a notification stating “Works Fine – Disabled.” You can then safely enable Google login by clicking the “Enable” button.

Step 5: Customize the Google Login Button

While the Nextend plugin provides a default button style and label for the Google login option, you have the option to customize it to match your website’s design. Simply go to the “Buttons” tab in the plugin’s settings and select a different button style or modify the button text according to your preference.

Step 6: Take Your Google App Out of Testing Mode

To allow all visitors to utilize one-click Google login on your site, it’s necessary to take your Google app out of testing mode. Return to the Google Cloud Console, dismiss the popup containing your client ID and client secret, and select “OAuth consent screen” from the left menu. Click the “Publish App” button to transition the app to “In Production” mode.

Conclusion

Enabling a one-click Google login on your WordPress site can significantly enhance user experience and improve conversion rates. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly add this feature and provide your users with a convenient login option. Remember to test the settings and customize the login button to align with your website’s design.