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How to Install a WordPress Plugin: Step by Step Guide

Installing plugins on your WordPress website is no rocket science. There are 3 ways you can install plugins. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of installing a WordPress plugin. We will ensure that you have the knowledge and tools to enhance the functionality and features of your website.

Let’s dive right in!

Why Install WordPress Plugins?

WordPress plugins are powerful tools that allow you to extend the functionality of your WordPress website without requiring any coding skills.

Whether you want to add a contact form, optimize your website for search engines, improve security, or enhance the design, there is a plugin available for almost every need.

Installing the right plugins can save you time and effort while providing you with valuable features to elevate your website.

Finding the Perfect Plugin

Before installing a WordPress plugin, it is essential to identify the specific functionality you require. You can search for plugins in various ways:

• WordPress Plugin Repository: The official WordPress Plugin Repository is a trusted source of free plugins. It offers a wide range of options, with detailed descriptions, user reviews, and ratings.
• Third-Party Websites: Many reputable websites offer premium WordPress plugins. Ensure you choose reliable sources with positive reviews and good support.
• Recommendations: Seek recommendations from experts, bloggers, or fellow WordPress users who have successfully used plugins for similar purposes.

By carefully selecting plugins that align with your needs and have positive user feedback, you can ensure a smooth installation and a better user experience.

Installing a WordPress Plugin

Once you have found the desired plugin, there are multiple ways to install it on your WordPress website. We will cover the two most common methods:

WordPress Plugin Repository

The WordPress Plugin Repository makes it incredibly easy to install free plugins directly from your website’s dashboard. Follow these steps:

1. Login to your WordPress Admin Area: Enter your credentials to access the admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to “Plugins” > “Add New”: On the left sidebar, click on “Plugins” and select “Add New.”
3. Search for the Plugin: In the search box on the right, type the plugin name or relevant keywords.
4. Choose the Plugin: Once you find the desired plugin, click on the “Install Now” button next to it.
5. Activate the Plugin: After installation, click on the “Activate” button to enable the plugin on your website.

Uploading and Installing a Plugin Manually

In some cases, you may need to install a plugin that you downloaded from a third-party website. To manually install a WordPress plugin, follow these steps:

1. Download the Plugin: Obtain the plugin file (usually in a .zip format) from a trusted source.
2. Login to your WordPress Admin Area: Access your WordPress dashboard using your login credentials.
3. Navigate to “Plugins” > “Add New”: On the left sidebar, click on “Plugins” and select “Add New.”
4. Click on “Upload Plugin”: At the top of the page, click on the “Upload Plugin” button.
5. Choose the Plugin File: Click on the “Choose File” button and select the plugin file you downloaded.

6. Install and Activate: After selecting the file, click on the “Install Now” button. Once the installation is complete, activate the plugin.

Installing a Plugin via FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

In some cases, you may encounter situations where you need to manually upload the plugin files to your WordPress website using FTP. This method lets you transfer files directly from your computer to the server. Follow these steps to install a WordPress plugin using FTP:

1. Download and Extract the Plugin: Begin by downloading the plugin from a trusted source and extracting the plugin files to your computer. This will create a folder containing the plugin files.

2. Connect to your Website via FTP:  You will need to login FTP client area and enter your FTP credentials (FTP hostname, username, password, and port) to connect to your website.

3. Navigate to the WordPress Plugins Directory: After connecting via FTP, you will see two main panels. The left panel represents your computer’s file directory, while the right panel displays your website’s server directory. In the server directory, navigate to the following path:

/wp-content/plugins/

4. Upload the Plugin Files: Locate the folder containing the extracted plugin files on your computer (from step 1) in the left panel of your FTP client. In the right panel, navigate to directory on the server:

/wp-content/plugins/ 

Select all the files and folders from the extracted plugin folder and drag them to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory in the right panel. This will initiate the file transfer process.

5. Activate the Plugin: Log in to your WordPress admin area once the file transfer is complete. Navigate to :

“Plugins” > “Installed Plugins.”

You should see the newly uploaded plugin listed among the installed plugins. Locate the plugin and click on the “Activate” link below it to activate the plugin on your website.

Additional Information

Can you install plugins from both WordPress.com and WordPress.org? Let’s find out!

WordPress.com and WordPress.org are two different platforms that offer varying degrees of control and flexibility. When it comes to installing plugins, there are some differences between the two:

WordPress.com: If you have a website hosted on WordPress.com, you have limited plugin options. The platform provides a curated list of pre-approved plugins that you can choose from. However, you cannot install third-party or custom plugins on WordPress.com unless you upgrade to a Business plan or higher.

WordPress.org: On the other hand, if you have a self-hosted WordPress.org website, you have complete freedom to install any plugin of your choice. With WordPress.org, you can explore and use a vast collection of free and premium plugins from the official WordPress Plugin Repository or other trusted sources.

Want to learn more about the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org? Discover which platform suits your needs best by reading our in-depth comparison: WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org

Conclusion

Installing WordPress plugins is a straightforward process that empowers you to enhance the functionality and features of your website. Whether you choose to install plugins from the WordPress Plugin Repository, upload them manually via FTP, or explore the plugin options available on different WordPress platforms, you have the ability to customize your website according to your unique needs. Remember to select plugins carefully, ensuring they come from reputable sources and align with your website’s goals. Regularly updating your plugins and removing unnecessary ones will help maintain the security and performance of your website.

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