WordPress is the most used website builder all over the world. The main reason for its popularity is because of the limitless customization options it provides to its users. One such customization option is WordPress plugins.
Plugins are software components that help a WordPress website to enhance its functionality or add new features. These plugins are created by developers and made available for download on the official WordPress plugin repository or third-party websites.
Currently, WordPress has more than 100K+ free plugins, but you can use 58,000 for free. If you need more advanced features on your website, then you need to go with WordPress premium plugins.
A WordPress website allows you to easily install all kinds of plugins. These plugins could be anything from SEO tools, social media integration, e-commerce solutions, security features, and much more.
In today’s article, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about WordPress plugins – from what they are, how to install them, and which ones are the most essential for your website.
A plugin is a software component that contains a group of functions and features that can be added to a WordPress website.
WordPress plugins are designed to extend the functionality of WordPress sites, making it easier for users to customize and improve their websites without having to write any code.
Plugins are written in the PHP programming language and can be created by anyone with knowledge of coding or web development.
They are also licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which means they can be freely used, modified, and distributed by anyone.
Some of the plugins are in the Premium category, which means they have a cost attached to them and usually offer more advanced features compared to the free ones.
How Do Plugins Work?
WordPress plugins work by adding code or scripts that extend the functionality of a WordPress website. They can be easily installed from the WordPress dashboard using the built-in plugin installer. Once activated, these plugins will add new features or modify existing ones on your website.
Plugins usually come with a settings page where you can customize their functionality as per your preference. Some plugins also have widgets, shortcodes, or custom post types that you can use to display specific content on your website.
All of the plugins have their unique features. For example, if you want to improve your website’s SEO, then you’ll need an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO, AIOSEO or RankMath. Similarly, for incorporating social media on your website, there are plugins like Social Warfare or Shared Counts.
How to Install WordPress Plugin
Install a plugin on a WordPress website, is very very simple for all and can be done within a minute.
To install a plugin on your WordPress website, firstly you need to hover on Plugin, then click on Add New. Then you need to search for the plugin which you want to install. After finding the plugin click on the Install Now button.
After completing the installation process, click on the Activate button.
Some plugin offers their setting page that can be found in the WordPress dashboard menu. Others add their features automatically to your website after activation.
How to Deactivate WordPress Plugin
Deactivating a plugin from the WordPress website is another easy task, that you can complete with a single mouse click.
To Deactivate a plugin, firstly you need to hover on Plugins, then click on the Install Plugins, then you’ll able to see all the Installed plugins on your WordPress website.
After coming to this page, you’ll able to see the Deactivate text under your plugin name (as in the image). You just need to click on the Deactivate Text. Then your plugin will be Deactivated successfully.
How to Delete WordPress Plugin
Every single task in a WordPress website is very easy, and anyone can do it within a minute. To Delete a WordPress plugin from your WordPress.
Firstly you need to follow all the instructions from the Previoud part (How to Deactivate WordPress Plugin), after deactivating the plugin from your WordPress website. Then you’ll see the Delete text under your plugin name.
You need to follow the image as an example, After finding the Delete text, click on it. Then your selected plugin will be deleted from your WordPress website.
How to update WordPress Plugin
One of the biggest reason for WordPress’s popularity is, that WordPress and all of the theme & plugins always comes with new update. If you update your plugins, then you’ll able to see lots of new features and bug-fixed issues on your website.
To Update a plugin from the WordPress dashboard, first, you need to come to the Dashboard. Then hover on the Plugins button then click on the Installed Plugins option. After coming here, You’ll able to see all of your installed plugin lists.
If there is any Update available for your installed plugins, then you’ll able to see the update option under your plugin or on the Plugin name. If there is any update option available for a specific plugin, just click on it and then wait a few seconds to complete the updating process.
After Completing the Updating Process, you can check if there are any new features added.
Why do I need a WordPress Plugin?
WordPress plugins are the heart of a WordPress website, No one can’t think of WordPress without a plugin.
Plugins help you to customize your website’s features and appearance according to your preference. Plugins also help to save time and effort as they offer pre-built solutions that can be easily added to a website without having to code everything from scratch.
If you want to Customise your WordPress website, then you need to Install page builder plugins like Elementor, Gutenberg, or Divi Builder.
On the other hand, if you want to add SEO features, then you can use plugins like Yoast SEO, All in One SEO Pack or Rank Math.
Furthermore, if you want to add contact forms, galleries or social media feeds to your website, there are plenty of plugins available for that too.
FAQ About WordPress Plugin
Plugins are used to extend the functionality of a WordPress website. They can be used for various purposes such as customization, adding new features, improving SEO, incorporating social media, and more.
The main difference between a WordPress theme and a plugin is that themes control the appearance of a website, while plugins add new features or modify existing ones.
WordPress itself is a free and open-source content management system (CMS). However, some plugins are available for a cost. These premium plugins typically offer more advanced features compared to the free ones.
According to WordPress, Akismet anti-spam is the most installed plugin, followed by Yoast SEO, Jetpack and Contact Form 7. However, the most popular plugins can vary depending on individual needs and preferences.
Creating a WordPress plugin requires coding knowledge and skills in PHP, HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You can also use plugin development tools or hire a developer to help you create your custom plugin.
Conclusion
At the End of the day, Plugins are essential for a WordPress website. They offer a wide range of solutions and customizations to enhance your website’s functionality and appearance.
WordPress has more than 100K plugins and most of them are free to use, so you can easily find the ones that best suit your needs and preferences. Remember to regularly update your plugins to ensure smooth functioning and to take advantage of new features and bug fixes.
Here are some of the best plugins that you need to operate your website smoothly.
- Elementor
- Yoast SEO/ AIOSEO/ Rank Math
- WP Rocket/ Lightspeed Cache
- Imagify
- Jetpack/Site Kit by Google
- Pretty Links/ Thirsty Affiliates
- WP Forms/ Contact Form 7
