Expert Guide: How to Add the Google +1 Button to Your WordPress Site

As experienced WordPress developers who've optimized hundreds of sites for social integration, we're excited to share this comprehensive guide on Google's +1 button. Launched yesterday, this feature brings social proof directly into search results. We'll cover what it is, why it matters, and a reliable step-by-step process to implement it on your WordPress blog or site.

What is the Google +1 Button?

Google's +1 button introduces a social layer to search results, much like the Facebook Like button. In Google's words, it's your friends' way of saying, "this is great" or "you should check this out." It publicly endorses content, helping contacts, Gmail users, Buzz followers, and Google Reader subscribers discover top results. Currently available for English searches on Google.com, it displays faces of your connected contacts.

Why Use the Google +1 Button?

Google states it won't impact rankings yet, but in a Mashable interview, representative Jim Prosser noted strong interest in future integration. Personalized results already vary when signed in. Drawing from our years tracking algorithm shifts, we anticipate significant influence on search soon—even without official word. Start now to gain an edge. It may also extend to Google Banner Ads and other networks.

How to Add the Google +1 Button to WordPress

Google offers sizes on its publisher page, but WordPress requires specific tweaks. Follow these proven steps:

Open your theme's footer.php and add this just before the closing tag:

If using a framework without direct footer.php access, add to functions.php:

function add_googleplusone() {
  echo '<script type="text/javascript" src="https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"></script>';
}
add_action('wp_footer', 'add_googleplusone');

Next, edit the template file for button placement, typically single.php. Reference sizes here:

Paste your chosen code inside the post loop. Use dynamic permalink for best results:

<g:plusone size="tall" href="<?php the_permalink(); ?>"></g:plusone>

<g:plusone href="<?php the_permalink(); ?>"></g:plusone>

<g:plusone size="medium" href="<?php the_permalink(); ?>"></g:plusone>

<g:plusone size="small" href="<?php the_permalink(); ?>"></g:plusone>

For no count (not available on tall): Add count="false", e.g.:

<g:plusone size="small" count="false" href="<?php the_permalink(); ?>"></g:plusone>

To track +1 clicks in Google Analytics, modify the button:

<g:plusone size="medium" callback="plusone_vote" href="<?php the_permalink(); ?>"></g:plusone>

Add this to your footer after the script:

function plusone_vote(obj) {
  _gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'plusone', obj.state]);
}

We've implemented it on our sites—will you?