=== Squirrel Links ===
Contributors: getsquirrel
Tags: affiliate links, affiliate marketing, link management, monetization, automatic affiliate
Requires at least: 5.8
Tested up to: 6.9
Requires PHP: 7.4
Stable tag: 1.0.3
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Automatically convert product links into affiliate links across 3,000+ retailers. Monetize your WordPress blog without editing a single post.

== Description ==

**Squirrel Links** connects your WordPress site to [Squirrel](https://getsquirrel.co) — the affiliate link infrastructure built for publishers.

Once connected, Squirrel's client script is automatically injected into every page of your site. The script intelligently converts your existing product links into affiliate links across 3,000+ retailers — including networks like AWIN, CJ, and Rakuten — so you earn commission without changing a single line of content.

= Who is this for? =

Squirrel Links is built for **bloggers, content creators, review sites, deal sites, and comparison publishers** who already link to products and want to monetize those links automatically. If you write about products, recommend gear, or publish buying guides, Squirrel turns your existing content into an affiliate revenue stream with zero extra work.

== External Services ==

This plugin connects to the Squirrel API (https://api.getsquirrel.co) to:
- Register a new publisher account
- Retrieve your personalised client script URL

Data sent includes your name, email, and site URL. No data is sent until
you explicitly submit the registration form.

Squirrel Privacy Policy: https://getsquirrel.co/privacy
Squirrel Terms of Service: https://getsquirrel.co/terms

= How it works =

1. Install and activate the plugin
2. Create your free Squirrel account directly from the WordPress admin (no separate sign-up needed)
3. The SquirrelLinks client script is automatically added to your site
4. Your links start converting — immediately

= Features =

* **One-click account creation** — register for Squirrel without leaving WordPress
* **Automatic script injection** — the client script is placed in the footer of every page
* **3,000+ retailers** — Squirrel has agreements with retailers across major affiliate networks
* **Zero configuration** — no shortcodes, no manual link editing required
* **Lightweight** — the script loads asynchronously so it never blocks page rendering
* **Disconnect anytime** — remove the integration instantly from the settings page

= About Squirrel =

Squirrel is an affiliate link management and monetization platform for publishers. Bloggers, review sites, and content creators use Squirrel's widgets, APIs, and automatic link tools to earn affiliate commissions at scale. Learn more at [getsquirrel.co](https://getsquirrel.co).

== Installation ==

1. Upload the `squirrel-links` folder to `/wp-content/plugins/`
2. Activate the plugin through the **Plugins** screen in WordPress
3. Go to **Settings → Squirrel Links**
4. Fill in your details and click **Create Account & Connect**

That's it — your site is connected.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Is Squirrel free? =

Creating a Squirrel account and using the WordPress plugin is free. Visit [getsquirrel.co](https://getsquirrel.co) for details on plans and commission structures.

= Do I need to edit my content? =

No. The SquirrelLinks client script automatically detects and converts eligible links on your pages. You don't need to change any existing content.

= Which retailers does Squirrel work with? =

Squirrel has agreements with 3,000+ retailers across major affiliate networks including AWIN, CJ, Rakuten, and more.

= Can I disconnect the plugin? =

Yes. Go to **Settings → Squirrel Links** and click **Disconnect**. The script will stop being injected immediately.

= Where does the script load? =

The script is added to `wp_footer` with the `async` attribute so it never blocks page rendering.

= How do I monetize my WordPress blog with affiliate links? =

Install Squirrel Links, create your free account, and you're done. Squirrel automatically detects product links across all your existing posts and pages and converts them into affiliate links — no shortcodes, no manual editing, no affiliate network sign-ups to manage individually.

= I already have a Squirrel account — can I use this plugin? =

This version creates a new account via the plugin. If you already have an account, please [contact Squirrel support](https://getsquirrel.co/contact) to obtain your client script URL, then reach out for integration help.

== Screenshots ==

1. The registration form — create a Squirrel account without leaving WordPress
2. The connected view — showing account details and script status
3. Lightweight footer injection — the client script loads asynchronously

== Changelog ==

= 1.0.3 =
* Improved plugin directory page — better description, tags, and FAQ

= 1.0.2 =
* Stability improvements

= 1.0.1 =
* Minor fixes

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial release

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.0.3 =
Improved plugin directory page with better description and FAQ.
