Ever feel difficulty while managing the WordPress dashboard? Well, I also went through this phase in my early days but thanks to WordPress Plugins which have the ability to make complex tasks simpler. Therefore, you should utilize their potential by installing them. However, if you are unaware of how to install a plugin, this guide will be the ultimate solution for you.
I have mentioned all the ways that you can follow to install the Plugins on your WordPress website. In this way, you can navigate through unwanted situations and improve different aspects of your site like enhanced security measures, e-commerce capabilities, and better SEO.
How to Install a WordPress Plugin on Your Website?
In the under section, I have explained the ways through which you can learn how to install a WordPress Plugin on your website. Now, it is up to you to understand these details better and implement them properly for better outcomes.
1. Install a Plugin from the WordPress Plugin Repository
The simplest way to install a plugin is through the official WordPress Plugin Repository. This method is user friendly and does not require downloading any files manually.
Steps
- Open the dashboard of your site by entering the credentials.
- In the left side bar, click on Plugins.
- Then, select the Add New option.
- Use the search bar to find a plugin by typing its name or relevant keywords.
- Click the Install Now button next to your chosen plugin.
- Once the installation is complete, click Activate to start using the plugin.
Advantages
- Easy and quick installation.
- No need to download plugin files manually.
- Directly installed from the WordPress dashboard.
2. Install a Plugin via Upload Method
Sometimes, premium or custom plugins are not available in the WordPress Plugin Repository. In such cases, you need to upload and install the plugin manually.
Steps
- Obtain the plugin file (usually a .zip file) from a third party source or developer.
- Login to your WordPress dashboard and go to your admin panel.
- Navigate to Plugins and then Add New section.
- Click on the Upload Plugin button at the top.
- Click Choose File, select the downloaded .zip file, and then click Install Now.
- Once uploaded, click Activate to enable the plugin.
Advantages
- Allows installation of premium or custom plugins.
- Provides more control over the installation process.
3. Install a Plugin via FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
For advanced users, installing a plugin via FTP can be helpful, especially when the WordPress dashboard method does not work due to restrictions or errors.
Steps
- Download the plugin (.zip) file and extract its contents.
- Use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to your website.
- Go to wp-content/plugins/ on your WordPress site.
- Drag and drop the extracted plugin folder into the plugins directory.
- Now, login to your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins, find the newly uploaded plugin, and click Activate.
Advantages
- Useful when you face issues with the WordPress dashboard.
- Allows bulk plugin uploads and manual debugging.
4. Install a Plugin via cPanel
If you do not have access to FTP, you can use cPanel to upload and install a WordPress plugin manually.
Steps
- Access your web hosting control panel.
- Open the File Manager and navigate to wp-content/plugins/.
- Click Upload, select the plugin .zip file, and upload it.
- Once uploaded, right click the .zip file and select Extract.
- Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins, and activate the newly installed plugin.
Advantages
- Useful when you cannot access WordPress normally.
- Allows easy file management directly from the hosting panel.
5. Use WP-CLI to Install a Plugin
WP CLI (WordPress Command Line Interface) is a powerful tool for managing WordPress installations via command line. You can also use this tactic to install a WordPress Plugin to your website.
Steps
- Use an SSH client like PuTTY to connect to your server.
- Use the cd command to move into your website’s root directory.
- Run the command (wp plugin install plugin-name)
- Then, activate the plugin.
The only thing to take care of here if that you have to replace plugin name in the above example with the actual plugin slug. Hence, you will be able to install the plugin with this method.
Advantages
- Extremely fast for bulk plugin management.
- Ideal for developers and advanced users.
Best Practices for Installing Plugins
While installing plugins is easy, there are some best practices you should follow. These best practices let you avoid unwanted issues and smoothen the installation procedure while saving time and enhancing performance.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure the plugin is compatible with your WordPress version.
- Read Reviews and Ratings: Before installing, read user reviews and ratings.
- Backup Your Website: Always backup your site before installing new plugins to avoid issues.
- Update Regularly: Keep your plugins updated to ensure security and optimal performance.
- Limit Plugin Usage: Avoid installing too many plugins as they can slow down your website.
Final Thoughts
These are the details about how to install a WordPress plugin. In simple words, installing a plugin is a straightforward process. However, you have to choose the right method based on your needs and requirements. Whether you use the built in repository, upload manually, use FTP, cPanel, or WP CLI, each method provides flexibility for different scenarios.
Additionally, you can ensure a smooth experience while enhancing your WordPress website with plugins by following the best practices I have mentioned in this guide. Just determine the plugins you want to install and head on to following the methods precisely for seamless journey.
