How to Install a WordPress Theme? A Stepwise Guide
WordPress theme shapes the look of your site. It specifies everything from layout and colors to typography and experience users...
WordPress provides many functionality that makes the website development process simple. But, those features are not enough to build a customized WordPress website. So, what can we use to extend the functionality? WordPress plugins. Plugins enable you to use various features they offer just by installing them.
In this blog, we’ll learn how to install WordPress plugins from the it’s official repository. We’ll also see a stepwise guide on how professional WordPress services providers install third party plugins. Also, we’ll tell you some best practices for using WordPress plugins. So, let’s begin with understanding what exactly a WordPress plugin is.
Table of Contents
Understanding a WordPress Plugin
WordPress plugin is like an extension that allows adding functionality to the WordPress website. It enables the user to customize the site while using the core WordPress code. Functions include SEO optimization, improving security or creating an eCommerce platform, and various other functions such as contact forms.
The plugins have been written in PHP along with JavaScript, CSS, and all other web technologies. They integrate with the WordPress plugin API (Application Programming Interface). It allows them to interact with the core system without changing the base code.
There are three types of plugin: Free Plugins (Available in the WordPress Plugin Directory), Premium Plugins (Usually third-party plugins), Custom Plugins (Developed specifically for a website). Based on your requirements you can install and manage them via various ways.
How to Install WordPress Plugins?
Installing WordPress plugins is a straightforward process. It enables you to extend the functionality of your website. Here’s a stepwise guide on how to do it:
1. Installing Plugins from the WordPress Plugin Directory
It is the easiest and most common method for adding free plugins directly from the WordPress repository.
Step 1: Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
Step 2: Navigate to Plugins > Add New from the left-hand menu.
Step 3: Use the search bar to find the plugin you want to install (e.g., “Yoast SEO”).
Step 4: Click the Install Now button next to the plugin you want to install.
Step 5: Once installed, click the Activate button to enable the plugin on your site.
Ideal For: Beginners and users who prefer a simple, user-friendly installation process.
2. Uploading Plugins via the WordPress Admin Dashboard
This method is also useful for installing premium or custom plugins that are not found in the WordPress Plugin Directory. Before you upload a file, download it from a trusted source.
Step 1: Download the plugin’s ZIP file from the provider.
Step 2: Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
Step 3: Go to Plugins > Add New and click the Upload Plugin button.
Step 4: Click Choose File, select the downloaded .zip file, and click Install Now.
Step 5: Once installed, click Activate Plugin to enable it on your website.
Ideal For: Users installing premium or custom plugins not available in the WordPress Plugin Directory.
3. Installing the Plugins via FTP
This method is for advanced users and who prefer to upload plugins directly to the server with an FTP client. This proves useful whenever problems arise that do not permit installation of plugins via the WordPress dashboard.
Step 1: Download the plugin .zip file from the WordPress Plugin Directory or the provider’s website.
Step 2: Extract the .zip file to reveal the plugin folder.
Step 3: Connect to your website’s server using an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla).
Step 4: Navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory on your server.
Step 5: Upload the extracted plugin folder to the plugins directory.
Step 6: Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard and go to Plugins.
Step 7: Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins, and click Activate.
Ideal For: Advanced users who need an alternative way to install plugins, especially when the WordPress admin panel is not accessible.
4. WordPress Installation Plugins via WP-CLI
WP-CLI (WordPress Command Line Interface) is a tool for managing WordPress from the command line. Here is how you can use WP-CLI to install plugins:
Step 1: Connect to your server via SSH using a terminal or command-line interface.
Step 2: Navigate to your WordPress installation directory using:
cd /path/to/wordpress
Step 3: Use the WP-CLI command to install the plugin:
wp plugin install plugin-name
Step 4: Activate the plugin with using the below command:
wp plugin activate plugin-name
Ideal For: Developers and advanced users who mainly use the command line for managing WordPress sites.
These methods cover the common ways to install WordPress plugins serving different user preferences and technical skill levels. If you are struggling to build a customized website with extensive functionality, get in touch with our WordPress development company.
Best Practices for WordPress Plugins
The WordPress plugins in the proper way helps in maintaining a secure, fast, and functional website. Some best practices for WordPress plugins are:
- Use Reputable Plugins Only: Get the plugins from the WordPress Plugin Directory, good developers, or marketplaces like CodeCanyon.
- Keep Plugins Updated: The latest updates fix the errors in the application, fix security vulnerabilities, and address compatibility issues. Always enable your plugins to be updated to their latest version.
- Check Plugin Compatibility: Make sure that the plugin is compatible with your WordPress version and with the other plugins you installed. This is just to prevent any possible conflicts.
- Limit the Number of Plugins: Having too many plugins can actually reduce the speed of your website and also expose it to security vulnerabilities. It is best to install only the most necessary plugins.
- Remove Unused Plugins: Uninstall plugins you no longer use to free up space and reduce security vulnerabilities.
- Monitor Plugin Performance: Find out if it’s a plugin that’s causing your website to slow down – with a tool such as Query Monitor or New Relic.
- Test Plugins on a Staging Site First: Make sure you always test a plugin on a stage site before deploying it to a live site to head off the issues.
- Check Reviews and Ratings: Remember reading reviews, ratings, and support forums for the activity and maintenance level of the plugin before actually installing it.
By following these best practices, you can develop and use WordPress plugins securely, efficiently.
FAQs About Installing WordPress Plugins
Can I install plugins without access to the WordPress dashboard?
With WP-CLI or via FTP, you have the ability to install plugins manually. All you need to do is copy the plugin folder into the wp-content/plugins directory and activate it from the WordPress dashboard.
Are WordPress plugins free?
The majority of plugins in WordPress Plugin Directory are free but there are premium plugins that may be bought for more advanced features. Always download plugins from trusted sources to avoid security risks.
Can I create my own WordPress plugin?
Absolutely. If you have coding knowledge and skills, you can make your own plugin. WordPress provides excellent documentation for developers on this. Alternatively, you can hire a developer to create a completely simple plugin exactly as per your needs.
Wrapping Up
It is a simple yet important step to install WordPress plugins enhancing the functionality of your website. Be it a new feature or securing the existing features, correct installation methods would help deliver a smooth experience.
The most straightforward method for installing plugins would be using WordPress Plugin Directory, which is normally best for free use and popular plugins. You would download the most appropriate version from the supplier website and upload it through the admin dashboard as the most convenient way to install premium or custom plugins.
Manual installation through FTP gives the maximum control for large or complex plugins. WP-CLI can be used by developers and advanced users to install faster via the command line. If you are looking to build a well-designed and robust WordPress website, contact us today!
