Hello all. Thought I'd pose the question to many here whose opinion I respect: What are my choices for a Hangout Now button on my website (Wordpress). It does not need to be recorded, just open a Hangout directly to my profile , etc., one on one.
The initial code Terry provided is the integration code to your wordpress page. You still need the right link behind to get them into YOUR hangout.
Solution 1. Basic Google> You can use a static hangout session (they are now permanent), just by starting a Hangout and copying the link. But the problem will be that previous people who joined this hangout will see the list of all participants, even though not at the same time. Not very elegant, but works.
Solution 2. Advanced Google> Use the Hangout Button, if you know a little bit of coding. That's the formal Google solution for what you need. All detailed here: https://developers.google.com/+/hangouts/button This is still a HVC solution, but no 3rd party involved and it does create a new session for each new client. The only downside is that it does require coding and maybe too complicated. Despite Google announced this almost a year ago, I have not see it on many sites. It is supposed to trigger a HVC call to you.
Solution 3. Business Hangouts> Use a Permalink. With the new release it's instantaneous, easy and free. You see who they are since they first join as a viewer, and you can either just chat with them or bring them into the filmstrip to talk. You can even record the conversation privately (with their consent) since now the free plan allows private recording. There is also a downside to BHO's solution which is the rather long process of getting into the Hangout (the G+ Event UI, then HOA, then BHOA, it's not just a one click jump into the Hangout). To solve this you can stay in your room on a side browser tab all day. You can even setup a bell email to be notified by email that someone entered your Permalink.
Terry Leigh Britton the "put a date in the far future" solution with the event was before Google created the Hangout button, and before they allowed HVC links being permanent. That solution is pointless now IMO.
Very interesting question, Mark Barrus . In an actual hangout, the protocol is structured for the initiating party to "start a hangout." However the "invitees" are added after initiation. Hence, I see no way of doing exactly what you request.
You can use a plugin such as "SZ GOOGLE FOR WORDPRESS," a Wordpress plugin which has many cool features, enabling analytics, drive, maps, reCaptcha, and several other useful features. But all the Hangouts button does is the same thing a Hangout button does from anyone's own profile - however does not specify anyone to invite. But you could instruct to "Invite me as..." and leave your Google ID near the Button. That way people could be aware of the ability to vidcall you, or chat message (PM) you.
I've been giving it some thought, though, and see how some kind of designed connectivity might be useful. Having regular call hours posted, or turning on an "Available Now!" light might be an option, and be ready to take incoming, or generate callbacks live.
If you'd like to see SZ Google plugin working, let me know.
Now a "Best Practice" experience sharing for Mark Barrus : Be ready for "kids ringing the bell and running down the street" :) Read: the unqualified solicitations. Or those who want to see if it works :) The BHO solution tracks them in your analytics, and allows you to see their profile before deciding to spend time with those "tourist visitors".
Mark Barrus - ...unless I misunderstood your question. I you want a button so YOU can start a Hangout and invite one person, the plugin above can handle that. I thought you wanted a button that allowed "anyone" to initiate a hangout with YOU... whis I doubt is a good idea... LOL!
Of the 500 visitors I get per week, many don't call the phone number listed etc. I also have a button to text me a message, a button to email me a message, and a web form they could fill out they choose to leave the information. Many visitors have a Gmail account so it's safe to assume that Hangouts is another good option. I'm used to the unwanted solicitations ;)
Code for wrapping an image in a URL to serve as a link:
ReplyDeletewww.hangoutville.com">
Thank you Terry Leigh Britton I appreciate it
ReplyDeleteTerry Leigh Britton I wanted to tell you I appreciate the Red Skelton and Great Guilerdersleeve reference
ReplyDeleteThe initial code Terry provided is the integration code to your wordpress page. You still need the right link behind to get them into YOUR hangout.
ReplyDeleteSolution 1. Basic Google> You can use a static hangout session (they are now permanent), just by starting a Hangout and copying the link. But the problem will be that previous people who joined this hangout will see the list of all participants, even though not at the same time. Not very elegant, but works.
Solution 2. Advanced Google> Use the Hangout Button, if you know a little bit of coding. That's the formal Google solution for what you need. All detailed here: https://developers.google.com/+/hangouts/button This is still a HVC solution, but no 3rd party involved and it does create a new session for each new client. The only downside is that it does require coding and maybe too complicated. Despite Google announced this almost a year ago, I have not see it on many sites. It is supposed to trigger a HVC call to you.
Solution 3. Business Hangouts> Use a Permalink. With the new release it's instantaneous, easy and free. You see who they are since they first join as a viewer, and you can either just chat with them or bring them into the filmstrip to talk. You can even record the conversation privately (with their consent) since now the free plan allows private recording. There is also a downside to BHO's solution which is the rather long process of getting into the Hangout (the G+ Event UI, then HOA, then BHOA, it's not just a one click jump into the Hangout). To solve this you can stay in your room on a side browser tab all day. You can even setup a bell email to be notified by email that someone entered your Permalink.
Terry Leigh Britton the "put a date in the far future" solution with the event was before Google created the Hangout button, and before they allowed HVC links being permanent. That solution is pointless now IMO.
ReplyDeleteThank you Darius Lahoutifard very much
ReplyDeleteVery interesting question, Mark Barrus . In an actual hangout, the protocol is structured for the initiating party to "start a hangout." However the "invitees" are added after initiation. Hence, I see no way of doing exactly what you request.
ReplyDeleteYou can use a plugin such as "SZ GOOGLE FOR WORDPRESS," a Wordpress plugin which has many cool features, enabling analytics, drive, maps, reCaptcha, and several other useful features. But all the Hangouts button does is the same thing a Hangout button does from anyone's own profile - however does not specify anyone to invite. But you could instruct to "Invite me as..." and leave your Google ID near the Button. That way people could be aware of the ability to vidcall you, or chat message (PM) you.
I've been giving it some thought, though, and see how some kind of designed connectivity might be useful. Having regular call hours posted, or turning on an "Available Now!" light might be an option, and be ready to take incoming, or generate callbacks live.
If you'd like to see SZ Google plugin working, let me know.
Now a "Best Practice" experience sharing for Mark Barrus : Be ready for "kids ringing the bell and running down the street" :)
ReplyDeleteRead: the unqualified solicitations. Or those who want to see if it works :)
The BHO solution tracks them in your analytics, and allows you to see their profile before deciding to spend time with those "tourist visitors".
Mark Barrus - ...unless I misunderstood your question. I you want a button so YOU can start a Hangout and invite one person, the plugin above can handle that. I thought you wanted a button that allowed "anyone" to initiate a hangout with YOU... whis I doubt is a good idea... LOL!
ReplyDeleteRoland Takaoka I want the latter. An easy way for a web visitor to contact me directly, and I want to try using Google hangouts.
ReplyDeleteOf the 500 visitors I get per week, many don't call the phone number listed etc. I also have a button to text me a message, a button to email me a message, and a web form they could fill out they choose to leave the information. Many visitors have a Gmail account so it's safe to assume that Hangouts is another good option. I'm used to the unwanted solicitations ;)
ReplyDeletePerfect!
ReplyDelete