If you’re trying to add Calendly to your WordPress site, you have three main options: manually embedding Calendly, using a basic embed plugin, or using a full-featured WordPress integration plugin.
In this guide, we compare each method so you can decide which is best for your site — especially if you’re using Elementor or want more control inside WordPress.
Table of Contents
- Your 3 Options for Adding Calendly to WordPress
- Feature Comparison Table
- Option 1: Manual Calendly Embed
- Option 2: Basic Embed Plugins
- Option 3: EMC Scheduling Manager (Full Integration)
- Which Option Is Best?
- FAQ
Your 3 Options for Adding Calendly to WordPress
Here are the three most common ways to embed Calendly in WordPress:
- Manual embed code from your Calendly dashboard
- Lightweight embed plugins that wrap Calendly code
- Full WordPress integration plugins like EMC Scheduling Manager
Each approach works — but they offer very different levels of flexibility, control, and automation.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Manual Embed | Basic Embed Plugin | EMC Scheduling Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | Copy & paste code | Insert shortcode | One-click connect |
| Elementor Support | HTML widget workaround | Limited | Native drag & drop widget |
| Manage Meetings in WP | No | No | Yes |
| Booking Analytics | External tools required | No | Built-in dashboard |
| Event Type Import | No | No | Yes |
| Automation & Reminders | Limited to Calendly | No | WordPress-based automation |
Option 1: Manual Calendly Embed
This method involves copying embed code directly from your Calendly account and pasting it into a WordPress HTML block.
Pros
- Free
- No plugin required
- Quick setup
Cons
- No analytics inside WordPress
- No event management in dashboard
- Can break with theme conflicts
- Limited Elementor flexibility
This option works for simple use cases but lacks deeper integration.
Option 2: Basic Calendly Embed Plugins
Some plugins simply wrap Calendly embed code inside a shortcode. These are easy to use but don’t extend functionality beyond what Calendly already provides.
Pros
- Easier than manual embed
- Works with most themes
Cons
- No booking analytics
- No meeting management in WordPress
- No event import
These plugins act as shortcuts — not full integrations.
Option 3: EMC Scheduling Manager (Full Integration)
EMC Scheduling Manager goes beyond embedding Calendly. It integrates scheduling directly into your WordPress dashboard.
Key Features
- Import all Calendly event types
- Generate shortcodes instantly
- Native Elementor widget
- View and manage meetings in WordPress
- Built-in booking analytics
- Automation & reminders
Unlike manual embedding, this method keeps everything centralized in WordPress.
View Full Plugin Details or Learn How to Embed Calendly in WordPress
Which Option Is Best?
If you just need a simple booking widget, manual embed works.
If you want better flexibility, Elementor compatibility, analytics, and dashboard control, a full integration plugin like EMC Scheduling Manager provides the most long-term value.
For businesses, agencies, and service providers who rely on bookings, having scheduling managed directly inside WordPress improves workflow and tracking significantly.
FAQ
Do I need a plugin to embed Calendly in WordPress?
No, you can manually embed Calendly using the HTML block in WordPress. However, a plugin becomes helpful if you want better design control, Elementor integration, analytics, or easier event management inside your dashboard.
Is manually embedding Calendly enough for most websites?
For simple websites that only need a basic booking widget, manual embedding works fine. If you run a service-based business and need multiple event types, tracking, or workflow control, a plugin offers more flexibility.
What’s the difference between an embed plugin and a full integration plugin?
Basic embed plugins simply wrap Calendly’s iframe into a shortcode. A full integration plugin connects Calendly more deeply with WordPress, allowing features like event imports, dashboard visibility, analytics, and enhanced display options.
Does EMC support all Calendly event types?
Yes. You can import all event types and generate shortcodes instantly.
Does using a Calendly plugin affect page speed?
It depends on how the plugin loads scripts. A well-optimized plugin can defer or conditionally load Calendly scripts, which may improve performance compared to a raw embed placed globally across multiple pages.
Which method works best with Elementor?
You can use manual embed code inside an Elementor HTML widget. However, plugins that provide a native Elementor widget typically offer cleaner styling, easier placement, and better layout control.
Can I switch from manual embed to a plugin later?
Yes. You can remove the manual embed code and replace it with a shortcode or widget provided by a plugin at any time without affecting your Calendly account.
Is there any SEO advantage to using a plugin instead of manual embed?
The booking iframe itself does not impact SEO directly. However, plugins may provide performance improvements, structured layouts, or better user experience, which can indirectly benefit engagement metrics.
When should I choose a full integration over a simple embed?
If booking management, multiple services, Elementor customization, or workflow control inside WordPress are important to your business, a full integration plugin is the better long-term option.