WordPress Plugins

Plugins extend WordPress with new features — contact forms, SEO tools, ecommerce, security, and more.

Installing a Plugin

From the WordPress directory:

1. Go to Plugins → Add New
2. Search by name or keyword
3. Click Install Now → Activate

Uploading a premium plugin:

1. Download the plugin .zip from where you purchased it
2. Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
3. Upload the .zip file → Install Now → Activate

Managing Plugins

• Activate/Deactivate: Toggle without deleting (useful for troubleshooting)
• Delete: Removes the plugin files — do this for any plugin you don't use
• Update: Keep plugins updated — outdated plugins are the top cause of hacked sites

Essential Plugins for Most Sites

• Wordfence Security — firewall and malware scanner
• UpdraftPlus — automated backups
• Yoast SEO or Rank Math — SEO optimization
• WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache — performance caching
• Contact Form 7 or WPForms — contact forms

Troubleshooting Plugin Conflicts

If your site breaks after installing a plugin:

1. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins
2. Deactivate the new plugin
3. If the site recovers, that plugin is the problem — try an alternative

Tips

• Never install plugins from untrusted sources — only wordpress.org or reputable vendors
• Review plugin permissions carefully before installing
• Limit total plugins to what you actually need — each one adds overhead