How to Install a WordPress Plugin- A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners 

When you are just leaping into WordPress, one of the first questions that will bog you down is how to install a WordPress plugin. And, now we will reply to this question with beginner-friendly words.

It’s no doubt that plugins are one of the key components that have made WordPress even more lucrative. And, you have no space to ignore the importance of plugins. 

However, before you reap the benefits that some amazing plugins bring, you need to have the whole thing installed in place. Let’s follow the simple steps on how to install a plugin in WordPress. 

Before Installing Plugins Let Me Tell You About Plugins In Case You Didn’t Know  

A WordPress plugin is a piece of software that adds new functionality or extends existing functionality on a WordPress website. There are plugins for SEO, social sharing, and security, just to name a few. 

Many WordPress plugins, including any plugin downloaded from the WordPress Plugin Directory, are free to use. There are also premium WordPress plugins available from third-party vendors. Free plugins often have the option to upgrade to a premium version that offers improved functionality. 

Since anyone can create and distribute a WordPress plugin, plugins will vary in quality. For this reason, it is important to research your options each time you want to install a new plugin and check recommendation lists and plugin reviews to check for quality.    

How to Install Plugin in WordPress: A Step-By-Step Guide

Here is how you can start with –

Step-1. Go to “Plugins” in your WordPress dashboard

Just start by going to your admin panel- http://your-domain.com/wp-admin/ and click on “Plugins” in the sidebar menu:

Step-2. Click on “Add New”

Next to the “Add New” button. You will find this button near the top of the page.

Step-3. Find your plugin via search

What you will see next is a page that shows you a short list of featured/recommended plugins,  and a handy search field on the right is the one we are going to use. Input the name of the plugin that you want to install in that search field. In this case, we will install Akismet. 

Step-4. Install your plugin

Once you see the plugin you were looking for on the list, all you need to do now is click on the “Install Now” button. When you do that, WordPress is going to fetch the plugin and have it installed on your site. It works much like installing a new app on your phone. 

Step-5. Activate the plugin

There’s one final step. When the installation is complete, click on the “Activate Plugin” link that has just appeared:

It is done. The plugin has already been activated. Now, you can enjoy the plugin on your website. 

End Notes

Finally, it’s evident that installing a WordPress plugin is a task like a sitting duck even with a little bit of research and preparation. So, you shouldn’t worry about how you install a plugin in WordPress. We believe everything is set now. Just try the procedure at your home and make things happen.

If you liked this post, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog so that we can notify you once any post is published. Finally, you can also follow wpWax on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for more exciting news, offers, and product updates.