How to Install WordPress Plugins

A plugin is a small application that is installed in WordPress, and that adds extra functionality, such as improving the positioning of each page or increasing the security of your site. There are plugins of all kinds and all prices, which will help you to cover all your needs.

Before installing a plugin, you should consider some security, and performance aspects. Install only the necessary plugins, and remove the ones that you don't use. Make sure that the plugin you want to install is trustworthy. Check the comments that people have about that plugin, to avoid surprises.

If you have any doubts, consult a WordPress expert who can advise you.

Install a Plugin from the WordPress Directory

The WordPress community offers us a large number of plugins, which you can easily install on your site.

Go to the dashboard of your WordPress site or blog, and click on the menu option "Plugins" in the sidebar.

You will see the list of plugins that you’ve already installed on your blog or website, from this screen, you can activate/deactivate plugins, or even delete them.

In the plugins menu, click on “add new” to add a new plugin.

Now, they show you a series of prominent plugins, that may still interest you, or find directly the plugin that you need in the search bar at the top right.

Once you find the desired plugins, click the "install now" button, and WordPress will start the installation process.

At the end of the installation, it will ask you to activate the plugin.

Once activated, you will be able to enjoy the extra functionalities that this plugin offers you.

Install a Plugin by Uploading a Zip File

When you download a plugin outside the WordPress repository, whether it's paid or free, the most common is to get the plugin in a zip file.

To install a saved plugin on your computer, go to your WordPress dashboard, go to the "Plugins" menu, then add new.

You will see the "Upload plugin" button in the top left. When you click on, a screen will appear to select your file.

When selecting the file, look for your zip file, and install it.

Once installed, you must activate it to be able to use it.

Install a Plugin via FTP

This way of installing is the most "technical" since you don't need to use the WordPress administration, but an FTP client program, such as Filezilla, SmartFTP, or Cyberduck.

Open your FTP program and connect to our site, once inside y must access the wp-content/plugins folder, depending on your server it may be inside the www folder.

Inside the plugins folder, you will drag your unzipped plugin, and once finished uploading the files, you would have the plugin installed.

You must go to your list of plugins within your WordPress dashboard and activate it.

So, that's it!! By following any of these three methods you can add extra functionality to your WordPress through plugins.

See you next post!