Install and connect RankLadder for WordPress

Install RankLadder for WordPress once, then connect it to the business you manage in RankLadder. You do not need to paste code into your theme.

Before you start

You need:

• An active RankLadder trial, Starter, Pro, or Scale subscription.
• A WordPress administrator account that can install plugins.
• WordPress 5.8 or newer and PHP 7.4 or newer.
• A WordPress server that can make outbound HTTPS requests to app.rankladder.app.

Download and install the plugin

1. Sign in to RankLadder and open Settings → Workspace → Connections.
2. Find WordPress and select Download WordPress plugin (v2.0.0).
3. In WordPress, go to Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin.
4. Choose the rankladder-chat-2.0.0.zip file. Do not unzip it first.
5. Select Install Now, then Activate Plugin.
6. Open Settings → RankLadder.

WordPress adds RankLadder blocks through the installed plugin. The plugin keeps the older rankladder-chat folder and settings names so existing RankLadder Chat installations can upgrade without creating a second plugin.

Create the secure connection

1. Return to Settings → Workspace → Connections → WordPress in RankLadder.
2. Select Generate connection key.
3. Copy the complete rl_wp_ key immediately. RankLadder shows it only once.
4. In WordPress, open Settings → RankLadder.
5. Paste the key into WordPress connection key.
6. Select Connect RankLadder.

A successful connection shows the RankLadder business name, plan, saved-key ending, and an Available tools list. It also records when WordPress last refreshed its configuration and when website knowledge was last synchronized.

Keep the key private

Treat the rl_wp_ value like a password:

• Save it only in Settings → RankLadder.
• Do not paste it into a page, shortcode, theme file, analytics tool, or browser script.
• RankLadder stores only its SHA-256 hash and cannot reveal the same full key again.
• WordPress masks the saved value instead of printing it back into the settings form.

If you lose the key before connecting, generate a replacement. If you think a connected key was exposed, rotate it in RankLadder and paste the new value into WordPress. Rotation invalidates the old key immediately.

Update an existing installation

Download the newest ZIP from Settings → Workspace → Connections → WordPress, then upload it through Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin. When WordPress says the plugin is already installed, choose the option to replace the current version. Your saved RankLadder settings remain in place.

An older installation with a wk_ widget key can continue loading eligible legacy chat and structured data. Connect with the new rl_wp_ key to unlock booking, reviews, click-to-call, and knowledge sync.

Disconnect or remove the plugin

To stop the server connection:

1. In RankLadder, open Settings → Workspace → Connections → WordPress and select Disconnect.
2. In WordPress, open Settings → RankLadder and select Disconnect this site.

Disconnecting in RankLadder revokes the key. Removing it in WordPress clears the local connection and scheduled sync work. If you delete the plugin from WordPress, its RankLadder options, cached configuration, and scheduled sync event are removed from that site.

Next steps

• Add booking, review, and call blocks.
• Sync knowledge and add structured data.
• Set up AI chat or fix a connection problem.