how to embed google calendar in WordPress

Embedding Google Calendar in WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide

WordPress, a versatile platform for building websites, seamlessly integrates various tools to enhance functionality. Google Calendar, a widely-used scheduling tool, can be embedded into a WordPress site, providing the benefit of sharing events, availability, or schedules directly with your audience. This detailed guide walks you through the process of embedding Google Calendar into your WordPress website efficiently.

Step 1: Access Your Google Calendar Settings

Firstly, you need to access your Google Calendar. Ensure you have administrative rights to the calendar you want to embed.

1. Open Google Calendar: Log in to your Google account and navigate to Google Calendar.
2. Select the Calendar: In the left sidebar, find “My calendars,” hover over the calendar you wish to embed, click the three dots (‘More’ icon), and choose ‘Settings and sharing’.

Step 2: Customize Your Calendar Settings

In the settings menu, you have the option to adjust your calendar’s visibility and customize its appearance to synchronize with your WordPress site’s design.

• Calendar Access Permissions: Ensure the calendar’s access level is set to ‘Make public’ if you want everyone visiting your WordPress site to view the calendar. Alternatively, maintain the privacy setting but remember that only people with permission can view it.
• Customize Calendar: Click on ‘Customize’ to select which elements of the calendar (week view, month view, agenda view) to display, and adjust color settings to match your site’s aesthetics.

Step 3: Obtain the Embed Code

After customizing your calendar:

1. Navigate to ‘Integrate calendar’ section: Within the settings menu, find this section.
2. Copy Embed Code: You will see an iframe code under ‘Embed Code’. Copy this HTML code. This iframe code is what will be pasted into your WordPress site.

Step 4: Embedding into WordPress

You now have the embed code, which needs to be inserted into your WordPress site. Depending on whether you are using the Classic Editor or the Gutenberg Editor, the steps slightly vary.

If Using Gutenberg Editor:

• Add a Custom HTML Block: Navigate to the page or post where you want to insert the calendar. Click the ‘+’ (Add Block) button, search for ‘Custom HTML’, and select it.
• Paste the Code: Paste the iframe code into the HTML area.

If Using Classic Editor:

• Switch to ‘Text’ Editing Mode: On the post or page editor, switch from ‘Visual’ to ‘Text’ mode.
• Paste the Code: Insert the iframe code where you want the calendar displayed.

Step 5: Preview and Adjust

Before publishing, preview your page or post to ensure the calendar appears as expected. Adjustments may be needed if:

• Sizing Issues: Sometimes, the calendar may not fit the designated area well. You may need to modify the width and height in the iframe code.
• Visibility Problems: If the calendar doesn’t show up, check the calendar’s privacy settings again.

Step 6: Usage and Maintenance

Post embedding, your Google Calendar will automatically update on your WordPress site whenever you make changes in Google Calendar.

• Regular Checks: Regularly check the functionality and visibility of the calendar, ensuring that updates in Google Calendar are reflecting.
• User Feedback: Consider gathering user feedback about the utility and functionality of the embedded calendar.

SEO Considerations

When embedding Google Calendar into your WordPress site, remember to align it with SEO best practices:

• Fast Loading: Ensure embedding the calendar does not considerably slow down your site’s load time.
• Accessibility: Maintain accessibility standards, ensuring the calendar is usable for all website visitors, including those with disabilities.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Confirm the calendar views and functions well on mobile devices to enhance user experience and support SEO.

Final Thoughts

Embedding Google Calendar into your WordPress site can significantly increase user engagement, streamline your scheduling, and provide value to your visitors. Follow the steps outlined above to ensure a smooth integration process. Always keep user experience in front and center to leverage the most out of this integration.