=== 247ChatMate ===
Contributors: 247chatmate
Tags: whatsapp, live chat, lead generation, contact, conversion
Requires at least: 6.4
Tested up to: 7.0
Requires PHP: 7.4
Stable tag: 1.1.64
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Intent-first WhatsApp chat widget with guided prompts for faster lead capture.

== Description ==

247ChatMate helps website visitors start a useful WhatsApp conversation quickly by guiding them through a short, structured enquiry flow before handoff.

The Free version provides a permanent, usable WhatsApp enquiry widget. It does not start a time-limited trial. Businesses that later purchase a compatible 247ChatMate licence can activate the supported paid features from the plugin's Plan & Licence area.

= Free features =

* Guided visitor enquiry flow
* Four fixed Free visitor buttons in a 2 x 2 layout
* Optional visitor notes
* Contact detail collection
* WhatsApp handoff with enquiry context
* Sitewide widget placement controls available to the Free plan
* Business-type catalogue preview
* WordPress-native settings and update delivery

247ChatMate is designed for small businesses that want more context before a visitor reaches WhatsApp, without rebuilding their website.

== Installation ==

1. Install 247ChatMate from the WordPress Plugin Directory, or upload the plugin ZIP from Plugins > Add Plugin > Upload Plugin.
2. Activate 247ChatMate.
3. Open 247ChatMate in the WordPress admin menu.
4. Add your business name and WhatsApp number.
5. Choose the available Free setup options and save your settings.
6. Check the widget on the front end of your website.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Does the WordPress.org Free version expire? =

No. The WordPress.org Free version has no trial countdown and can be used as the Free plan indefinitely.

= Can I upgrade later? =

Yes. A compatible paid licence can be entered in the Plan & Licence area. The Free installation itself does not automatically start a Pro trial.

= Does 247ChatMate replace WhatsApp? =

No. It prepares the enquiry and then hands the visitor over to WhatsApp using the configured business number.

= Does the plugin require a website rebuild? =

No. It is designed to add the enquiry experience to an existing WordPress website.

= Where are plugin updates delivered from? =

The WordPress.org Free build receives plugin updates through the standard WordPress.org update system.

== Screenshots ==

1. 247ChatMate widget launcher.
2. Intro screen before the guided enquiry begins.
3. Visitor intent selection.
4. Optional visitor message step.
5. Contact details step.
6. Continue-to-WhatsApp step.
7. Free settings panel in WordPress admin.
8. Business-specific setup preview.

== Changelog ==

= 1.1.64 =
* Split the WordPress.org Free distribution from the direct 28-day Pro trial distribution.
* WordPress.org installations remain Free unless a compatible paid licence is activated.
* Removed the custom remote updater from the WordPress.org package so updates are handled by WordPress.org.
* Removed internal development and QA-only files from the public WordPress.org package.
* Updated WordPress.org compatibility metadata for WordPress 7.0.
* WordPress.org compliance and packaging cleanup; widget presentation remains unchanged.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.1.64 =
WordPress.org Free distribution update. Existing settings are retained; no trial is started by this build.