After installing the theme, the next step is to install a WordPress Plugin. Now the question comes, “what is a WordPress plugin?” In this article, you will learn about the WordPress plugin.

If you don’t know much about WordPress, look at this article: What is WordPress?What is it used for?

WordPress plugins provide added functionality and features to your WordPress website. They can extend the existing functionality of your site or add entirely new functionality. WordPress plugins are created by third-party developers, and there is a vast library of plugins to choose from. Different plugins have different purposes, so to find your required plugin, you have to choose wisely. Free plugins can be found in the WordPress plugin directory, while paid plugins can be found outside on the sites like Envato elements, GPL plugins, etc.

Also, read “How to install a WordPress theme?“

Installing the WordPress Plugin

These are the following ways to install a plugin:

1. Search the WordPress Plugin

It is the easiest way to install a plugin. You have to search in the WordPress directory.

Navigate to the Plugins tab from the left sidebar of the WordPress dashboard. Secondly, click on the Add New button. Thirdly, search for the desired plugin from the search bar by typing the functionality or feature name you want to include in your site. Then a list of relevant plugins shows up. You can choose the best among them by clicking on the “more details” link and reading people’s reviews.

search plugin

After choosing your desired plugin, click on the Install now button to install that plugin.

what is plugin

In the next step, click on the Activate button (shown in blue) to complete the installation process. After plugin activation, you are ready to use the plugin.

activate

After successfully installing the desired plugin, it is essential to configure the plugin settings according to your needs. Each plugin has different settings, so we will not be covering that in this article/blog.

2. Using the Upload Method Plugin Option

Not all WordPress plugins are listed in the Plugin Directory. Paid plugins, for example, cannot be installed using the first method. That’s why WordPress includes the “Upload Plugin” option to install such plugins.

Firstly, you will need to download the plugin from its source. It will be in the form of a zip file. Secondly, you will need to go to the WordPress admin area and visit the Plugins >> Add New tab. After that, click on the “Upload Plugin” button at the top of the page.

how to install a plugin in wordpress

Click on the “Choose File” button and select the plugin file you downloaded earlier.

choose file

After uploading the plugin file, click on the Install Now button to proceed. WordPress will install your plugin within a couple of minutes. After the plugin installation is complete, you will see a success message.

activate plugin

To use the plugin, click on the Activate Plugin button. Then, configure the plugin settings to fit your needs. These settings can vary from plugin to plugin.

CONCLUSION

In this article, we have guided you about “what is a plugin and how to install it.” There are different ways to install the free and paid plugin. Here are some useful WordPress plugins that you can install on your website.

If you have any questions, then comment below in the comment section box.

Have a look at our website speed optimization guide to improve the loading speed of your WordPress website.

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