For beginners, it can be overwhelming to find the right tool in the vast WordPress directory. In addition, not every plugin is equally reliable or useful. That’s why in this article we’ll show you not only how to install WordPress plugins, but also how to choose the right tools, avoid risks, and keep your site safe and fast.
What are WordPress plugins and why are they important?
Three ways to install a plugin
How to find the right plugin
Risks and what you should watch out for
Best practices for using plugins
Using plugins wisely
What are WordPress plugins and why are they important?
When you work with WordPress, you quickly realize that the basic installation offers many possibilities, but not everything you might want for a modern website. This is where plugins come into play. They are small add-ons that you can install in just a few steps to equip your site with additional functions – all without programming knowledge.
The possible uses are diverse:
- With an SEO plugin, you can optimize your site for Google
- With a security plugin, you protect yourself from hackers
- With a contact form plugin, you make it easier for visitors to get in touch
- With a multilingual plugin, you can reach all regions in Switzerland, for example
This way, you can expand your website step by step and tailor it precisely to your needs. To get the most out of WordPress, it is essential to know how to install WordPress plugins and use them effectively.
Three ways to install a plugin
Installation via the WordPress dashboard
The easiest way to install WordPress plugins is directly through the dashboard. There you have access to the official directory with thousands of free plugins. All you need is a keyword or the name of the desired plugin.
Step by step:
- Log in to the WordPress admin area
- In the menu, go to Plugins → Add New
- Enter the name or a keyword in the search field at the top right
- Select a plugin from the list and click Install Now
- Once the installation is complete, click Activate
The plugin is now active and appears in your plugin list. Often, you will also see a new menu item or additional settings. This is the simplest method to learn how to install WordPress plugins.
Did you know...?
You can also browse directly in the official plugin directory without logging into the dashboard. There you will find all officially reviewed plugins and can get an initial overview.
Installation via upload
Not every plugin can be found in the official WordPress directory. Some are provided directly by the developer or purchased as a premium version. In such cases, you receive a ZIP file that you can upload manually.
Step by step:
- Download the plugin ZIP file from a trusted source and save it on your computer
- Log in to the WordPress admin area
- Go to Plugins → Add New and click Upload Plugin at the top
- Select the ZIP file and click "Install Now"
- Once the installation is complete, click Activate
You can then adjust the plugin’s settings in the dashboard, provided it offers configuration options. This way, you’re also prepared for premium plugins or add-ons that aren’t available in the official directory.
Installation via FTP
In addition to installing through the dashboard or via upload, you can also manually transfer a plugin to the server using FTP. This method is a bit more technical but works well if you prefer direct access to the files or want to manage your installation yourself.
Step by step:
- Download the plugin ZIP file and extract it on your computer
- Open your FTP program and connect to your web server
- Navigate to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory
- Upload the extracted plugin folder into this directory
- Then log in to the WordPress admin area
- Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins and click Activate on the uploaded plugin
How do I copy my data to my server using FTP / FTPES?
This way, you have manually added your plugin, and it is available for you to use as usual.
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How to find the right plugin
The official WordPress directory offers thousands of plugins. This variety is a big advantage but can also quickly become overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to know how to select the right plugin for your needs.
Define your needs clearly
First, think carefully about what you want to achieve with your website. Do you need a contact form, want to make your site multilingual, or optimize it for search engines? A clear idea saves time and prevents you from installing and testing too many WordPress plugins unnecessarily.
Search in the official directory
The easiest place to start is the WordPress plugin directory, which you can access directly from your dashboard. Here, you can search with keywords such as “SEO,” “security,” or “gallery.” Each plugin is displayed with a short description, the developer, the number of active installations, and ratings. This gives you a quick first impression.
Free or premium plugins
Many plugins are free and cover the most important functions. For additional features, support, or regular updates, a premium version is often worthwhile. These are generally more stable, more secure, and professionally maintained by the developer team.
Compare multiple options
Often, there are several plugins that seem to do the same thing – for example, for multilingual websites or SEO. In such cases, it’s worth taking a closer look:
- Does the plugin have all the features you really need
- How easy is it to use
- Are there regular updates and active support
- Does the plugin have a large user base
Especially if you are covering a central element of your website, it pays to compare carefully.
Avoid plugin bloat
Less is more. Every plugin comes with its own code and processes running in the background. If you install too many small plugins, they add up and slow down your site.
Un exemple :
- One plugin loads language files
- Another manages your contact form
- A third scans comments for spam
- A fourth integrates social media buttons
All these additional processes consume loading time. That’s why it’s often better to choose a more comprehensive premium plugin that combines several functions in one package. This way, you save resources and also reduce the risk of conflicts.
Risks and what you should watch out for
Plugins make WordPress extremely flexible and give you many possibilities. At the same time, they also carry certain risks. If you install them carelessly or don’t maintain your plugins, this can quickly lead to problems. With the following points, you’ll stay on the safe side.
Security vulnerabilities
One of the biggest risks is outdated plugins. At some point, developers stop maintaining them or only release updates irregularly. Hackers exploit such security vulnerabilities to target websites. That’s why you should always keep your plugins up to date and regularly check if new versions are available.
The hosting environment also plays a role here. With reliable web hosting, you ensure that your site runs on a stable foundation – with up-to-date PHP versions, SSL, and automatic backups as an essential basis for secure plugins.
Compatibility issues
Not every plugin works smoothly with all others. Sometimes functions overlap, and sometimes there are conflicts with your theme or a new WordPress version. The result can be error messages or even a complete crash of your site. Therefore, test new plugins carefully and avoid using multiple plugins with the same purpose in parallel.
Performance issues
As mentioned in the previous chapter, too many plugins can also affect the speed of your website. Therefore, make sure to only use the extensions you really need.
Quality characteristics of good plugins
Before you install a plugin, it’s worth looking at a few key indicators:
- Last update: has the plugin been maintained in the last few months
- Active installations: the more, the better – this shows trust
- Reviews: it’s worth checking both positive and negative feedback
- Compatibility: has it been tested with your WordPress version
- Support: is there quick help available if you have questions
With these criteria, you can quickly recognize whether a plugin is reliable.
Avoid unnecessary plugins
Over time, many websites accumulate plugins that are no longer used. You should delete such remnants, because even inactive plugins can pose a security risk. Regular cleanups keep your installation lean and secure.
Best practices for using plugins
To keep your website stable, secure, and fast in the long run, it’s not enough to just install the right plugins. What also matters is how you use them in your day-to-day work. With these best practices, you’ll stay safe in the long term.
Keep your plugins up to date
Updates not only bring new features but also important security improvements. Regularly check whether updates are available and install them promptly.
Use automatic updates
Especially for security-related plugins, it makes sense to enable automatic updates. This way, you ensure that no critical vulnerabilities remain open.
With our WordPress hosting, this becomes especially easy: thanks to the integrated WP Toolkit, you can install WordPress plugins, manage them, and keep them automatically up to date.
Quality over quantity
Avoid installing a plugin for every small task. Instead, consider whether a more comprehensive premium plugin can cover several of your requirements. This saves resources and reduces possible conflicts.
Use documentation and support
Many developers provide detailed manuals or community forums. Take the time to use these resources. This way, you can get more out of your plugins and quickly find solutions when problems arise.
Review regularly
From time to time, question whether all your active plugins are still really needed. You may have installed a plugin in the beginning that you haven’t actually used since your site went live.
Using plugins wisely
Plugins are the heart of WordPress and make your website flexible and powerful. Whether it’s SEO, security, or a simple contact form, with the right extensions you can optimize your site step by step.
However, it’s important not to install them carelessly. Think carefully about which features you really need, focus on quality, and always keep your plugins up to date. Less is often more: a well-chosen premium plugin can replace several smaller ones and ensure greater stability and better performance.
With the tips from this article, you now know exactly how to install WordPress plugins and use them safely and efficiently at the same time. This way, you’ll get the very best out of your website.
