Google Calendar is quickly emerging as people’s go-to calendar application all over the world. With exceptional functionality, ease of use, and integration with Google’s other services, this should come as no surprise. In fact, 57% of people surveyed say ease of use is their number one priority when it comes to choosing which calendar application to use. Hence, the reason Google Calendar ranks number one.
But have you ever thought about embedding Google Calendar directly into your WordPress website?
Chances are, the answer is no. Since Google Calendar is so accessible while using other popular Google services such as Gmail, you have probably never given any thought as to how to make managing your calendar even easier.
More so, you might be utilizing a separate third-party calendar product right now in your WordPress website that takes care of your scheduling needs just fine.
But does it really?
Today, I am going to share with you reasons why you should consider embedding Google Calendar into your WordPress website and how to do so in two simple ways. Trust me, this will be worth your time – both now and later.
Why Using an Online Calendar Solution in Your WordPress Website is a Good Idea
Using an online calendar solution, as opposed to a traditional paper planner, is beneficial for many reasons. This is especially true in regards to those that own a website and possibly run an online business.
The truth is, online calendars are by far the most popular method for managing tasks. Not only do they allow you to keep track of events and important dates, they provide a way to send invitations, share and organize information with family, friends, and co-workers, and even let you set reminders for upcoming deadlines.
Moreover, many online calendar solutions have additional helpful features such as address books, photo management, the ability to upload and share documents, and more.
But Why Use Google Calendar Instead of Other Calendar Solutions?
There are many online calendar solutions available catering to website owners. Many of them are free and come with plenty of added features that save you time. However, as mentioned above, one calendar solution takes the cake when it comes to usability, features, and functionality – Google Calendar.
Here are just some of the popular reasons website owners choose to use Google Calendar, regardless of whether it is integrated into their WordPress website or not:
- Sharing Ability: Google Calendar allows you to invite other Google users to share a calendar with you. This way everyone that has access to a particular calendar can be aware at all times what is on the schedule each day.
- Multiple Calendars: If you have a lot going on in your personal and business life and want to schedule it in the same place, Google Calendar lets you do just that. And it is all color-coded, so you can keep everything organized.
- Reminders: Using Google Calendar on your mobile device is useful because you can schedule customized reminders so you don’t miss a thing.
- Public Calendars: Interested in knowing the yearly holidays? Or, perhaps you wish to know the different phases of the moon each night. All of this is doable using Google Calendar by simply uploading the available public calendars.
- Cost: You can’t beat free right? Whether you use Google Calendar as a standalone service or embed it into your WordPress website, it won’t cost you a dime.
- Integration: Google Calendar integrates easily with other Google services, such as Gmail and Google Docs.
- Syncing Ability: Google Calendar syncs across all devices and is easily accessible anywhere you can access the internet.
So, Why Embed Google Calendar into WordPress?
Sure, Google Calendar is great, but why would you want to embed it into your WordPress website?
- Chances are you are already using it, in addition to other Google services.
- Manually entering scheduled events into a separate third-party calendar tool on your website is redundant if already posted in Google Calendar.
- Sharing deadlines or events with team members or site visitors is easier and more efficient with Google Calendar.
- It helps you avoid installing another WordPress plugin.
- All calendar changes, made across all devices, update in real-time.
- There is no need to login to your website to make changes thanks to the syncing ability.
- Easily implement a “Copy my calendar” button on your website so others can integrate your calendar into their personal Google Calendars.
How to Add a Google Calendar into WordPress Manually Using a Generated Embed Code
Manually embedding Google Calendar into your WordPress website is straightforward, as it is designed to embed into websites.
Let’s look at the step-by-step breakdown:
To start, log into your Google account and open Google Calendar. This must be done from a computer, as you cannot copy the proper embed code via the Google Calendar app.
On the left side of your Google Calendar, notice a drop down menu labeled My Calendars. From there, select the calendar you would like to embed onto your website. Next, select Calendar Settings.
This will take you to a new window that has all of your chosen calendar’s details. Look for the option labeled Embed This Calendar. This option has the embed code for the calendar you wish to embed into your WordPress website.
In order to customize your Google Calendar beyond the default settings, click on Customize the color, size, and other options.
Again, this will take you to a new window where you can change things such as the width, height, and color of your calendar. Notice the real-time view of your calendar to the right of your customization options. When finished, copy the embed code near the top.
Next, log into your WordPress website and navigate to the Post or Page you wish to embed your Google Calendar. It is worth mentioning that you can also embed your Google Calendar into widget sections if you wish.
Navigate to the “Text” tab in the WordPress editor and paste your calendar’s embed code.
And that’s it. Click on Preview to ensure your calendar embedded properly.
How to Integrate Google Calendar into WordPress Using the Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin
Although decreasing the overall number of plugins on your WordPress website is often a good idea for maintaining optimal speed and performance, sometimes you need that extra control that only a plugin can provide.
Let’s see how to add your Google Calendar to your WordPress website using the free WordPress plugin, Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin.
Step 1: Installation and Activation of Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin
The first step is to navigate to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard. From there, search for Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin and select Install Now.
Next, click on Activate. Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin is now ready for use.
Step 2: Configure Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin
In order to configure Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin, you must first connect your Google Calendar to it. Start by clicking on Google Developers Console.
Click on Create Project from the Project drop down menu. Notice that a pop-up appears, where you can name your project, configure notifications, and agree to the Terms of Service.
Click on Create once finished.
Next navigate to Calendar API, located underneath Google Apps API, to collect the needed information to connect your calendar to your website.
Select Enable. Before you can receive your API information, create your credentials by clicking on Create Credentials.
Click the API Key link.
You will then name your API Key. Select Create. Copy the API Key that pops up and paste it into your website’s plugin settings. Save your changes.
Step 3: Make Google Calendar Public
If you want to share your Google Calendar with your site visitors, you need to make your calendar public. To do this, go to your Google Calendar in your Google account.
Click on My Calendars, choose the calendar you want to share, and select Share this Calendar. This takes you to the calendar sharing settings. Click on the box labeled Make this calendar public and save your changes.
The next step is to get your unique calendar ID. This ID is needed to display your calendar on your WordPress website. Click on the tab labeled Calendar Details and scroll down to the Calendar Address section. There you will find your calendar ID.
Step 4: Add Calendar into WordPress
To add your Google Calendar to your WordPress website, navigate to Calendars > Add New. First, title your calendar. Continue by scrolling down below the text editor and clicking on the Google Calendar tab. Now, copy and paste your calendar’s unique ID into the appropriate box. In addition, make note of the calendar shortcode created for your calendar.
Finally, click Publish to save your calendar.
Step 5: Make Google Calendar Visible on Your WordPress Website
The Google Calendar you just saved is still not visible on your WordPress website. To make it visible, simply add it to a WordPress post or page.
Navigate to Add New Post or Page and select the “Text” tab in the WordPress editor. Next, copy and paste your calendar’s shortcode. Preview the post or page and see that your calendar is displaying correctly.
Final Thoughts
Altogether, embedding your Google Calendar in WordPress is helpful for managing all things – your life, deadlines, and even special events. With Google Calendar you can keep things private and never share your calendar with anyone. On the other hand, you can make your calendar public and share everything with your site visitors.
In the end, it’s the versatility, functionality, and ease of use Google Calendar has that propels it to be the number one choice for many website owners looking for an online calendaring solution.
Have you ever embedded Google Calendar into your WordPress website? Which method did you use to do so? I would love to hear all about it in the comments below.
Epicurean Theme