Editorial status: This is a retired historical WPArena article. Google +1 and Google+ traffic widgets are no longer current social-growth tools. Do not install old traffic-pop code on a modern WordPress site.
Why this no longer works
Google+ web integrations, including +1 buttons and related social plugins, stopped functioning in 2019. Google also shut down legacy Google+ APIs, so old plugins built around +1 actions, Google+ sharing, or Google+ profile data should be removed rather than refreshed.
Old traffic-pop plugins are especially risky because they interrupt readers, rely on retired networks, and can add scripts that do nothing useful. They can also damage trust when a reader sees a popup asking for an action that no longer exists.
What to use instead
- Use normal social-share links for active networks your audience actually uses.
- Make Open Graph and Twitter/X card metadata accurate so shared links look trustworthy.
- Prioritize newsletter signup, related guides, and clear calls to action over forced popups.
- Measure search and engagement with current analytics tools rather than social-button counters.
For current WordPress social promotion, use Social Sharing Automation for WordPress Without Spamming Readers. For Google measurement inside WordPress, use a current analytics setup such as Site Kit by Google.
For source context, Google documented both the Google+ integrations shutdown and the legacy Google+ API shutdown.
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