How to Install WordPress Plugin

Almost all WordPress users agree that WordPress is a great platform. One of the things that makes it so great is the plugins. If you’re a WordPress user, you’re probably aware of plugins and you most likely use at least a few of them. But if you’re just starting out, you’re probably a little confused about what they are and how to get them. You can mix them up with widgets, although they are definitely not the same thing.

Before we get into the practicalities of actually setting up these handy little companions, let’s try to shed some light on add-ons, what they are and why they’re important.

What is a Plugin in WordPress?

Plugins are pieces of software that can be installed in WordPress to provide additional functionality. They can be considered plugins as they are “added” to the core CMS, but in the WordPress ecosystem they are always referred to as “plugins”.

WordPress is a pretty lean platform out of the box. Initial setup includes basic, required functions and features. Anything beyond that must be added either as code or as a plugin. It goes without saying that the second option is much more common.

Plugins can be installed and uninstalled by site administrator, as needed. The average WordPress website has at least a few plugins installed, and some have dozens of them. Premium WordPress themes usually come with a nice selection of plugins that the average WordPress user might need.

Most of the addons are freebut some come with a professional upgrade or, in rare cases, definitely paid.

Some of the most used plugins are page builders, plugins for site optimization (speed, caching…), SEO plugins, content plugins, contact forms, sitemaps, sliders, post and marketing automation plugins, and social plugins.

Where to Buy Plugins

Before we show you how to install WordPress plugins, let’s see how and where to get them. The best way to get plugins for your WordPress website, The official WordPress.org plugin directoryit currently has almost 55,000 plugins.

You can do download plugins as zip files and then install search from your computer or by name, directly from your WordPress admin. The directory contains a brief description of what the plugin does and how it works, so read it carefully to make sure it’s the right plugin for your needs. Also, don’t forget to check ratings, reviews and when the plugin was last updated.

Another great place to look for plugins Code Canyon. The add-ons offered there are only paid, but they come as cheap as $2 per add-on.

Many plugin developers do not work with Code Canyon and do not list their plugins in the WordPress repository. Their plugins are usually paid or free, and you can get them directly from the developers’ websites.

How to Install Plugins

As we mentioned earlier, you can search, download and install a plugin directly from your WordPress admin, or you can download it from Directory, CodeCanyon or elsewhere and then install them from your computer.

Installing Plugins from WordPress Admin

This is probably the simplest and fastest way to add a plugin to your WordPress website.

In your WordPress admin go to: Additions and click add new.

You will see a search bar where you can type the name of the add-on you want to install or a keyword found in the add-on’s name.

Once you find the plugin you are looking for, simply click on it. Install now in the upper right corner.

After a few seconds the plugin installation will be completed and you will now see a button. Activate.

Click the button and the newly installed plugin will now appear in the list of plugins installed on your website. This will activate the plugin and it should be good to go.

Once enabled, the plugin can always be disabled by clicking on it. Deactivate below the plugin name in the list. Disabling a plugin will turn it off without actually removing it from your site. And if you want to remove it permanently, just click on it. Erase.

Installing the Plug-in From Your Computer

As we mentioned earlier, you can also install a plugin you have previously downloaded from WordPress.org or any other web location.

go to WordPress Plugin Directory and search for the plugin you want to add. Once you find it, click on it and download button.

After the download is complete, login to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to: Plugins > Add New.

click Install Plugin.

Click now choose file plugin to find and install the .zip file.

Then click on Install now.

After the installation process is complete, click on it. Activate Plugin.

And that’s it. The plugin you just installed will be listed alongside the other plugins you use on your WordPress site.

final thoughts

Installing WordPress plugins is absolutely child’s play and we have already discussed how useful they can be. So, if you’re new to WordPress, you’re probably going to say “I’m going to install a bunch of stuff now!” you think. but actually there is A few things to keep in mind before continuing:

We hope this article managed to explain everything you need to know to install WordPress plugins. If you have any questions or thoughts you would like to share, contact us in the comments section.