{"id":2678,"date":"2019-11-25T15:00:51","date_gmt":"2019-11-25T13:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/?p=2678"},"modified":"2021-06-29T12:46:39","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T10:46:39","slug":"how-to-install-a-wordpress-plugin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/how-to-install-a-wordpress-plugin\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Install a WordPress Plugin"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]WordPress users pretty much all agree that WordPress is an amazing platform. One of the things that make it so amazing are the plugins. If you are a WordPress user, you are probably aware of plugins and most likely use at least a couple of them. But if you are only just starting, you\u2019re probably a bit puzzled as to what they are and how to get them. You might even confuse them with widgets<\/a>, although they are definitely not the same thing. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Before we get to the practicalities of actually installing these useful little fellows, let\u2019s try to shed some light on plugins, what they are and why they matter. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”68px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

What is a Plugin in WordPress?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Plugins are pieces of software that can be installed to WordPress with the purpose of providing additional functionalities.<\/strong> Because they are \u201cadded\u201d to the basic CMS, they can be considered add-ons, but in the WordPress ecosystem they are always referred to just as \u201cplugins.\u201d [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]WordPress is a platform that is pretty lean out of the box. The initial installation contains the basic, necessary functionalities and features. Everything beyond that has to be added either as code, or as a plugin. Needless to say, the second option is far more common. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Plugins can be installed and de-installed<\/strong> by the site admin<\/a>, as needed. An average WordPress website has at least a couple of plugins installed, and some have them in dozens. Premium WordPress themes<\/a> usually come with a nice selection of plugins that an average WordPress user might need. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Most of the plugins are free<\/strong>, but some of them come with a pro upgrade or are, although rarely, strictly per pay. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Some of the most used plugins are page builders, plugins for site optimization (speed, caching\u2026), SEO plugins, content plugins, contact forms, sitemaps, sliders, mail and marketing automation plugins and social plugins<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”68px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Where to Get Plugins<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Before we show you how to install WordPress plugins, let\u2019s see how and where to get them in the first place. The best way to get plugins for your WordPress website is to use the official WordPress.org plugin directory<\/a>, which currently has almost 55,000 plugins.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]

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\n \"WordPress <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]You can download the plugins as zip files and then install them<\/strong> from your computer or search for them, based on the name, directly from your WordPress admin<\/strong>. The directory features a short description of what the plugin does and how it works, so read it carefully to make sure it\u2019s the right plugin for your needs. Also, don\u2019t forget to check the ratings, reviews, and when the plugin was last updated. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Another great place to look for plugins is Code Canyon<\/a>. The plugins featured over there are paid only, but they come as cheap as $2 per plugin.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
\n
\n \"Code <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Many plugin developers don\u2019t work with Code Canyon and don\u2019t have their plugins listed at the WordPress repository. Their plugins are usually either paid or freemium, and you can get them directly from the developers\u2019 websites. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”68px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

How to Install Plugins<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Like we mentioned earlier, you can either search, download and install a plugin directly from your WordPress admin, or download it from the Directory, CodeCanyon or some other place and then install them from your computer. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”72px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Installing a Plugin from WordPress Admin<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This is probably the simplest and quickest way to add a plugin to your WordPress website.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]In your WordPress admin, navigate to Plugins<\/em><\/strong> and Click on Add New<\/em><\/strong>. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]

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\n \"Add <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]You will see a search bar where you can type in the name of the plugin you want to install, or a keyword that is contained in the name of the plugin. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
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\n \"Search <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]When you find the plugin you were looking for, simply click on Install Now<\/em><\/strong> in the upper right corner.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
\n
\n \"Install <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]After a few seconds, the plugin installation will be completed and you will now see a button saying Activate.<\/strong><\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
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\n \"Activate <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Click on the button and the freshly installed plugin will now appear in the list of the plugins installed on your website. This will activate the plugin and it will be good to go. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
\n
\n \"The <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Once activated, the plugin can always be deactivated by clicking on Deactivate<\/em><\/strong> below the plugin name in the list. Deactivating a plugin will switch it off without actually uninstalling it from your site. And if you want to remove it permanently, just click on Delete<\/em><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”80px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#f0f0f0″][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”top-picks-banner”][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#f0f0f0″][vc_empty_space height=”84px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Uploading the Plugin from Your Computer<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As we mentioned earlier, you can also install a plugin that you have previously downloaded from WordPress.org or another web location. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]Go to the WordPress Plugin Directory<\/a> and look for the plugin you want to add. Once you find it, click on it and hit the Download<\/em><\/strong> button.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]

\n
\n \"Download <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Once the download is complete, log into your WordPress dashboard and go to Plugins > Add New<\/em><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
\n
\n \"Add <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Click on Upload Plugin<\/em><\/strong>. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
\n
\n \"Upload <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Now click on Choose file<\/em><\/strong> to locate the plugin .zip file and upload it. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
\n
\n \"Choose <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Next, click on Install Now<\/em><\/strong>. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
\n
\n \"Install <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]Once the installation process is complete, click on Activate Plugin<\/em><\/strong>. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
\n
\n \"Activate <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”38px”][vc_column_text]And that\u2019s it. Your newly installed plugin will be listed alongside other plugins you are using on your WordPress site. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”68px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Installing WordPress plugins is definitely a piece of cake and we have already discussed how useful they can be. So, if you\u2019re just starting in WordPress, you\u2019re probably thinking \u201cI\u2019m gonna go ahead and install a whole bunch of \u2018em now!\u201d but there are actually a few things to keep in mind before proceeding<\/strong>: [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”23px”]

    \n
  • \n\t
    \n Don\u2019t forget to delete the plugins you\u2019re not using and likely won\u2019t ever use. <\/span> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>
      \n
    • \n\t
      \n Ask yourself if you really need this plugin.<\/span> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>
        \n
      • \n\t
        \n Read the reviews and check the ratings.<\/span> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>
          \n
        • \n\t
          \n Check for support.<\/span> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>
            \n
          • \n\t
            \n Look for the last update. Plugins sometimes get abandoned, and outdated versions can be harmful for your website.<\/span> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>
              \n
            • \n\t
              \n Only use plugins from trustworthy sources. With plugins, you are basically inserting foreign code into your website, so you have to make sure it\u2019s legit and not malicious.<\/span> <\/div>\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>[vc_column_text]We hope that this article managed to explain all you need to know to install WordPress plugins. If you have any questions or thoughts to share, hit us up in the comments section. [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              WordPress plugins are the perfect way to easily improve the functionality of your website. Find out how to install a WordPress plugin in just a few steps. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2888,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[14,15,13],"class_list":["post-2678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tutorials","tag-core","tag-plugins","tag-wordpress"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2678","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2678"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2678\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2888"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2678"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2678"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qodeinteractive.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2678"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}