How to Install WordPress Plugins

Adding Plugins to Extend WordPress

Plugins add new features and functionality to your WordPress site. From contact forms to SEO tools, there is a plugin for nearly everything. Here is how to install and manage them.

Installing from the Plugin Directory

1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New Plugin.
3. Search for the plugin by name or keyword using the search bar.
4. When you find the plugin you want, click Install Now.
5. After installation, click Activate to enable the plugin.

Uploading a Plugin Manually

1. Download the plugin .zip file from the developer's website or a marketplace.
2. In your WordPress admin, go to Plugins > Add New Plugin.
3. Click Upload Plugin at the top, then click Choose File.
4. Select the .zip file and click Install Now.
5. Click Activate once installation is complete.

Essential Plugins We Recommend

• Wordfence Security: Comprehensive firewall and malware scanner.
• UpdraftPlus: Automated backups to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Yoast SEO or Rank Math: On-page SEO optimisation tools.
• WP Super Cache or LiteSpeed Cache: Page caching for faster load times.
• Contact Form 7 or WPForms: Easy-to-build contact forms.
• Smush or ShortPixel: Image optimisation to reduce file sizes.

Plugin Management Tips

• Only install plugins you need. Every plugin adds code that can slow your site or create security vulnerabilities.
• Keep plugins updated to their latest versions for security and compatibility.
• Deactivate and delete plugins you no longer use rather than simply deactivating them.
• Before installing a new plugin, check its ratings, last update date, and compatibility with your WordPress version.
• If a plugin causes issues, you can deactivate it via cPanel by renaming its folder in public_html/wp-content/plugins/ using File Manager.