Developer Guide: Plugin Implementation and Setup

This guide provides practical implementation steps and examples to help you successfully integrate Buying Buddy into client websites.

Domain Configuration and Authorization

Understanding Domain Authorization

Each Buying Buddy account is authorized to work on specific domains. This security measure ensures that your client's IDX data is only displayed on approved websites.

When creating a draft account, you'll specify a single domain name. This can be either:

• The client's actual production domain
• A temporary staging/development domain

Example scenario:

Client: ABC Realty
Draft domain: dev.abc-realty-site.com (staging environment)

Domain Management During Upgrade

When upgrading a draft account to pending status:

1. You can change the primary domain to the production URL
2. You can retain the staging domain as an additional authorized domain
3. Both domains will function simultaneously during development

Example upgrade scenario:

Original draft domain: dev.abc-realty-site.com
At upgrade:
- Production domain: www.abc-realty.com (primary)
- Staging domain: dev.abc-realty-site.com (additional authorized)

Post-Launch Domain Changes

If domain changes are needed after account creation:

1. Submit a help ticket to the Buying Buddy support team
2. Include both the current domain and requested new domain
3. Specify whether the old domain should be removed or retained

Plugin Installation Methods

1. WordPress Plugin Installation

The Buying Buddy plugin is available directly from the WordPress plugin directory:

1. In the WordPress admin, navigate to Plugins > Add New
2. Search for "Buying Buddy"
3. Click "Install Now" and then "Activate"
4. Navigate to Buying Buddy settings in WordPress admin
5. Enter the account activation key shown in your developer dashboard's account summary
6. Save settings to complete the connection

Example activation process:

Plugin Settings:
- Account Activation Key: ABD-1234-GHK-5678

2. JavaScript Plugin Implementation

For non-WordPress websites, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the client's Buying Buddy account
2. Navigate to Widgets > Installation and Setup
3. Follow the step-by-step instructions in each tab:
   • Get a Google Map Key
   • Add plugin
   • Setup Foundation pages
   • Social Share Settings
4. Copy the provided code snippets to the appropriate locations in your site

The installation guide provides specific code examples tailored to your client's account, ensuring proper configuration.
See installation instructions for all website types.

3. Wix Integration

For Wix websites, use the Buying Buddy App:

1. In the Wix Editor, add the Buying Buddy App from the Wix App Market
2. Follow the installation prompts to configure the app
3. Once installed, notify Buying Buddy support
4. Support will connect the client account to your developer account

Important Note: All Wix implementations must use the official Buying Buddy App from the Wix App Market for proper functionality.

Google Maps API Integration

Buying Buddy widgets will function without a Google Maps API key, but maps will display with warning messages or watermarks. For the best client experience:

1. Help your client obtain their own Google Maps API key using:
   • Their Google account
   • Their own credit card details

Important: Developers should never use their own Google API keys for client production sites. Each client should have their own key associated with their Google account.

For comprehensive instructions on obtaining a Google Maps API key, refer to our support article: How to Get a Google Map API Key

If you encounter issues with maps display, consult our troubleshooting guide: Troubleshooting Google Maps