How to Use This Guide

1. Start with the basics. Understand the difference between the ChatGPT app and the OpenAI API.
2. Pick your path. If you don’t want to code, use a plugin. If you care about control and security, use a custom setup. For routine work, consider no-code automation.
3. Test on a temporary page first. When it works well, move it to production.

Basics in 3 Minutes

• ChatGPT (app) is for direct conversation in a web/app UI. OpenAI API is how your site talks to the model from the server.
• Generative AI creates new text or images from patterns it learned. Most models use the Transformer architecture.
• Key settings: model (quality/cost), temperature (creativity), max_tokens (length limit).
• Shortcode is WordPress’ bracket tag you place in posts/pages to add features.
• REST endpoint is the safe route: browser → WordPress → OpenAI.

Pre-Flight Check (Required)

• Have an OpenAI API key with billing and usage limits set.
• Make sure you have WordPress admin access.
• Create a temporary test page.

🔑 OpenAI API Key Setup (True Beginner Guide)

4.1 Method 1: Create an API key in the OpenAI console

1. Log in to the OpenAI Platform. Choose or create a Project.
2. Go to Settings → API keys, click Create new secret key, and store it safely.

curl https://api.openai.com/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_SECRET_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model":"gpt-4o-mini",
    "messages":[{"role":"user","content":"test"}],
    "max_tokens":30
  }'

4.2 Method 2: Store and rotate the key safely

• Store the key only in wp-config.php or environment variables.
• Use least-privilege keys per project; disable unused keys.
• Rotate keys regularly and review usage logs.
• Restrict access to server logs.

4.3 Method 3: Save the key inside WordPress (plugin or custom)

• For plugins, paste the key in the plugin’s “API Keys” screen.
• For custom setups, define it in wp-config.php and read it on the server only.

/* Add below the DB settings */
define('OPENAI_API_KEY','YOUR_REAL_API_KEY');

Choose Your Path: Plugin vs Custom vs Automation

Start with Plugins

6.1 Recommended plugins & how to choose

• AI Engine — chatbot, AI forms, content tools, internal API, shortcodes.
• AI Power — “all-in-one” content, images, voice, automation; multiple models.
• WPBot — support/FAQ-focused features; Messenger/WhatsApp add-ons.
• AiBud WP — template-based content & images; simple chatbot.
• WPForms + OpenAI — connect forms to OpenAI via Uncanny Automator or Zapier.

6.2 Quick pick table

6.3 Detailed plugin how-tos

6.3.1 AI Engine (Meow Apps)

• Install and activate the plugin.
• Meow Apps → AI Engine → Settings → API Keys: save your OpenAI key.
• Create a bot in Chatbots, then copy the shortcode into a page.

[mwai_chatbot theme="bubble" window="embedded" max_messages="6" bot_name="Helper"]

6.3.2 AI Power (GPT AI Power)

• After install, go to AI Power → Dashboard and paste your API key.
• Enable only the modules you need (Chat, Content Writer, Image, Agents, …).
• Embed via block, shortcode, or widget.

6.3.3 WPBot / ChatBot for WordPress (Social Intents)

• For WPBot: set language, UI, and greeting in WPBot → Settings. Use add-ons for OpenAI/Messenger/WhatsApp.
• For Social Intents: build the bot in their dashboard, connect the WP plugin, and show a site-wide chat bubble/popup.

6.3.4 AiBud WP

• AiBud WP → Settings → API Keys: save the key.
• Use Content Builder, Playground, or ChatBot as needed.

6.3.5 WPForms + OpenAI

• Create a form in WPForms; connect the trigger in Uncanny Automator or Zapier.
• Use the AI output in confirmations, emails, or your CRM.

Custom: Build “Your API Gateway” for Security & Flexibility

The browser calls your WordPress REST endpoint. WordPress calls OpenAI from the server. This keeps the API key out of the browser.

7.1 Store the key in wp-config.php

define('OPENAI_API_KEY','YOUR_REAL_API_KEY');

7.2 Create a REST endpoint

add_action('rest_api_init', function(){
  register_rest_route('ai/v1','/chat',[
    'methods'=>'POST',
    'callback'=>'my_ai_chat_handler',
    'permission_callback'=>'__return_true' // tighten in production
  ]);
});

function my_ai_chat_handler( WP_REST_Request $req ){
  $msg = wp_strip_all_tags( $req->get_param('message') );
  if(!$msg) return new WP_Error('bad_request','message is required',['status'=>400]);

  $payload = [
    "model"=>"gpt-4o-mini",
    "messages"=>[
      ["role"=>"system","content"=>"You are a helpful WordPress assistant who answers in English."],
      ["role"=>"user","content"=>$msg]
    ],
    "max_tokens"=>500,"temperature"=>0.6
  ];

  $res = wp_remote_post('https://api.openai.com/v1/chat/completions',[
    'headers'=>[
      'Authorization'=>'Bearer '.OPENAI_API_KEY,
      'Content-Type'=>'application/json; charset=utf-8'
    ],
    'timeout'=>45,
    'body'=>wp_json_encode($payload)
  ]);
  if(is_wp_error($res)) return new WP_Error('api_error',$res->get_error_message(),['status'=>500]);

  $code = wp_remote_retrieve_response_code($res);
  $body = json_decode( wp_remote_retrieve_body($res), true );
  if($code<200||$code>=300) return new WP_Error('api_error','OpenAI error',['status'=>$code,'detail'=>$body]);

  return ['reply'=>$body['choices'][0]['message']['content'] ?? '(no response)'];
}

7.3 Shortcode & front-end UI

add_shortcode('my_chatgpt', function(){
  ob_start(); ?>

  
💬 ChatGPT Assistant
  

  

    
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