If you’ve landed on this page, it’s probably because you’re thinking that having a WordPress site is great, but knowing how to add extra functionality through plugins would be so much cooler!
In this great tutorial, we’ll find out everything you need to know about installing WordPress plugins to optimize and customize your website.
In a previous, and surely much less beginner-oriented article, we talked about the WordPress Core, presenting it as the central element of this strange organism that is your website.
This time, let’s turn our attention to the functionalities that bring your project to life, namely WordPress plugins.
What is a WordPress plugin?
A WordPress plugin is an extension that lets you add functionality to your website, usually without coding.
There are thousands of them, free or paid, or often somewhere in between, with a freemium model. They meet (almost) all your needs: improving SEO, setting up an online store, improving security, sending emails, AI automation, chatbots, etc. WordPress can do many things with plugins…
Installing a plugin is usually the result of a few clicks, but if you’re not sure what you’re doing (which seems normal if you’re just starting out), I suggest you make a backup of your site beforehand. Really, do it! You won’t regret it if, in the end, you want to return your site to its previous state.
Preparing to install your plugin
Before embarking on the installation of a WordPress plugin, be sure to follow these recommendations:
- Check compatibility: make sure the plugin you want to install is compatible with the version of WordPress you’re using. This information is available on every entry in the WordPress Plugin Directory. You should also think about compatibility with other plugins already installed on your site (try to find out about the new plugin you want, via reviews or documentation).
- Choose reliable plugins: give preference to plugins developed by recognized authors, with numerous downloads and positive reviews. Avoid security loopholes.
- Make regular backups: before installing a plugin, remember to make a backup of your WordPress site so you can go back if necessary. We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s for a good cause 😉
How do I install a WordPress plugin from the administration interface?
The easiest way to install a WordPress plugin is via your site’s administration interface. Here’s how to do it:
Log in to your WordPress site: Go to your admin area by adding “/wp-admin” to your site’s URL (e.g. www.monsite.com/wp-admin). You can consult this tutorial if necessary.
Go tothe “Extensions” tab in the left-hand menu bar, hover over the “Extensions” link, then click “Add”.
Search for the plugin you want: use the “Search for extensions” search bar to find the plugin you want to install.
You can also browse the available categories. In its current version, plugin search is not WordPress’ strong point. You’ll need to be precise about the name of the plugin, and perhaps also about case.
Install the plugin: once you’ve found the right plugin, click on “Install”. Wait a few moments for the installation to complete.
Activate the plugin: Click on “Activate” to make the plugin operational on your site.
Configure the plugin: some plugins require specific configuration. Go to the plugin’s settings to configure it to your needs.
Settings are often found in the “Tools” or “Settings” tab on the left-hand sidebar.
How do I install a WordPress plugin by downloading a ZIP file?
If you can’t install a plugin directly from the administration interface of your WordPress site, you can always do so by downloading a ZIP file. Here’s how to do it:
- Download the plugin ZIP file: retrieve the ZIP file containing the plugin files from the author’s site or a download platform.
- Connect to your WordPress site: as before, go to your administration space.
- Go to the “Extensions” tab in the left-hand menu: hover over the “Extensions” link, then click on “Add”.
- Load the ZIP file: click on “Upload an extension”, then select the previously downloaded ZIP file.
- Install and activate the plugin: click on “Install now” and wait for installation to complete. Finally, click on “Activate” to make the plugin operational on your site.
- Configure the plugin: if necessary, go to the plugin settings to configure it as you wish.
How do I install a WordPress plugin using FTP software?
In some cases, it may be necessary to use FTP software to install a WordPress plugin. Here’s how to do it:
- Download the plugin ZIP file: as with the previous method, retrieve the ZIP file containing the plugin files.
- Extract the plugin files: unzip the ZIP file to access the plugin files.
- Connect to your FTP server: use FTP software (such as FileZilla) to connect to your server and access your WordPress site folder.
- Upload the plugin files: move the unzipped plugin files to the “/wp-content/plugins/” folder on your WordPress site.
- Activate and configure the plugin: log into your site’s administration interface, go to the “Extensions” tab and activate the plugin. Configure it if necessary.
Tips for using WordPress plugins
To get the most out of WordPress plugins, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overload your site: limit yourself to installing only the plugins you really need. Remember that a plugin is just a tool, it won’t do anything for you, so avoid magic features.
- Update your plugins regularly: updates guarantee the security and improved performance of your plugins. You can even set automatic parameters, but you’ll have to keep an eye on the results…
- Uninstall unused plugins: remove plugins you no longer use to save resources and avoid security breaches.
Now you’re ready to efficiently install and manage WordPress plugins on your site. Don’t hesitate to explore the different categories of plugins available to find the ones that will perfectly meet your needs and those of your audience.
And don’t hesitate to consult resources (documentation, reviews, articles, comments, etc.). And don’t forget that every plugin has its own story…
In the case of free extensions, a good practice is to thank, give a positive review to, or even encourage the developers who make these extensions available free of charge… if you have the time! Logically, don’t expect developers to provide you with a product of the same reliability, and to be as available as for a purchased product.
