This step-by-step guide is here to help you understand the process of installing WordPress plugins.
The current article is "5.15. Installing WP Plugins" of our Complete SEO Guide Box.
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Contents
Installing a Plugin from the WordPress Directory
Begin by accessing and logging in to your WordPress Dashboard.
On the left menu, hover with the mouse cursor over [Plugins]. Click the [Add New] button in the dropdown menu. Or you can click the [Plugins] to navigate over your [Installed Plugins] and click the [Add New] button on top of the page. Either method is suitable. You will land in the plugin’s marketplace.
Search for the plugin that you need.
Once you locate it, click [Install Now].
WordPress does the rest, downloading and installing the plugin.
After completion, click [Activate Plugin], which activates your plugin, finalizing the process of installing WordPress plugins via the directory.
Note: another option to search for plugins is the WordPress plugins site.
You can search for plugins and download them to your disk, then upload them to your site and install them.
Uploading a WordPress Plugin
Sometimes, you might need a plugin unavailable in the WordPress directory. In this case, you’ll download the plugin as a .zip file from the source. With this file in hand, return to your WordPress admin page. Follow the same steps as before: navigate to the ‘Plugins’ page, then click the ‘Add New’ button.
Next, you’ll see an [Upload Plugin] button at the top of the page.
Clicking this reveals a form. Click [Choose File], then upload the plugin.
After uploading, [Install Now] should be your next click.
WordPress will upload and install the plugin. Upon successful installation, a success message should appear.
Click on [Activate Plugin], and your plugin is ready.
Manually Installing a WordPress Plugin using FTP
There are instances where your WordPress hosting provider turns off the installation of a plugin from the admin area. In such cases, installing WordPress plugins manually using FTP is the best approach.
First, download and extract the plugin’s .zip file. After extraction, you should have a folder to upload to the web server using FTP.
Use the FTP manager to connect to your host. Contact your WordPress hosting provider if you don’t have the FTP credentials. Once connected, access the path
/wp-content/plugins/
Upload your extracted plugin folder to this location on your server. Following the successful upload, return to your WordPress admin area and select ‘Plugins’ in the admin menu. Your uploaded plugin should be visible. To activate it, click on the ‘Activate’ link.
Plugins that Create Automatic Content
It is advised not to install plugins that create automatic content. Helpful auto-generated content is acceptable, but spammy auto-generated content is considered a Black Hat SEO Technique.
Read More
You can read more about Installing WordPress Plugins in WordPress Docs.
Conclusion
The process of installing WordPress plugins is now at your fingertips, equipping you with a valuable tool for managing your website’s functionality and enhancing its features. Updating your WordPress plugins is crucial for site speed, performance, and security. Also, try not to use too many plugins simultaneously to prevent slowing down your site and potential conflicts.
The current article is "5.15. Installing WP Plugins" of our Complete SEO Guide Box.
Previous Article: 5.14. Removing WP Plugins. Next Article: 5.16. WordPress Shortcodes
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