When it comes to websites, there are a lot of different elements that need to be put together for them to function properly. From graphics and content to using plugins, WordPress is no exception. To help you find the best plugins for your website, we’ve put together this guide. In it, you’ll learn what a WordPress plugin is, how to choose one, and more. So whether you’re just getting started with WordPress or you’ve been using it for years, this guide is for you.
What is a WordPress Plugin?
WordPress plugins are extensions to the WordPress platform that provide additional features and functionality. As of October 2016, there were over 83,000 active plugins on WordPress.org.
To choose the best plugin for your needs, it’s important to understand what a plugin does and how it works. A plugin is a piece of code that sits in the WordPress Themes directory and adds new capabilities or functions to the platform. Plugins can be simple additions like adding a new menu item to your site, or they can be more complex, extending core functionality in unique ways.
When you install a plugin, it automatically registers itself with WordPress. This means that whenever you make changes to your theme or site using the admin area of WordPress, the plugin will be aware of those changes and will apply them automatically to any sites that use it. That includes both personal blogs and website projects you might work on with collaborators.
There are several things to consider when choosing a plugin: what do you need it for? What features does it offer? Is it compatible with your theme or site? How complex is the installation process? And finally, how frequently will you need to update or upgrade it?
How to Choose the Best Plugin for Your Needs
WordPress plugins are a great way to add extra functionality to your site. They can let you create custom pages, manage posts and comments, create custom menus, and more.
To choose the best plugin for your needs, consider what you want to add or change to your site. Do you need a plugin that lets you create custom menus? Or one that makes it easier to manage posts and comments? Once you know what you need, look for plugins that offer those features.
If you don’t know what type of plugin you need, WordPress.org has a variety of plugins to choose from. Try searching for specific terms like “custom menus” or “comment management” to find the right plugin for your needs.
Once you find the plugin that fits your needs, install it and activate it. Then test it out by trying out some of the features it offers. If everything works as expected, congratulations—you’ve selected a great plugin!
Free Plugins
If you’re just getting started in WordPress or you’re on a limited budget, free plugins can be a great place to start. They contain easy-to-understand features that are powerful and helpful but not too complicated.
Growing beyond its limits can lead to problems that can sometimes be remedied by switching out free plugins for preferred ones.
Premium Plugins
WordPress plugins offer a wide variety of functionality and ease of use for your business. Premium plugins are the paid versions that come with additional features, priority support, and updates, as well as documentation. They’re an important consideration as your business grows.
We have a guide to help you decide when it’s worth switching to premium WordPress plugins. We offer advice about choosing the right tool for the job and go over tons of options.
Top 5 WordPress Plugins for SEO
1. Yoast SEO
2. All In One SEO Pack
3. Google Analytics for WordPress
4. Jetpack SEO
5. Sucuri Security
What Are the Best WordPress Plugins?
WordPress plugins are tiny pieces of code that you can add to your blog or website to make it easier to do things. There are a ton of them out there, so it can be hard to decide which ones to use. Here’s a quick overview of the different types of WordPress plugins and some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.
Widget plugins let you add custom widgets to your sidebar or footer. These can include things like weather forecasts, Google Maps locations, or just plain old text content.
Custom post-type plugins let you create custom post types, which is great if you have lots of content that needs its own category (like recipes or product reviews).
Theme and plugin versions compatibility checkers help make sure that your theme and any plugins that you install are compatible with each other. This is important if you want to keep using a specific theme without having to update every plugin that you add.
Shortcode plugins let you create custom shortcodes, which are handy for doing things like embedding videos or displaying list items in a column.
Security and optimization plugins help ensure that your site is as secure as possible and that your pages load quickly. Some common ones include security scanners and performance boosters.
Are WordPress Plugins Safe?
A WordPress plugin is a piece of software that you can install and use on your WordPress website. This plugin allows you to do things like add new features to your website, change the way your website looks, or even make changes to your WordPress database.
WordPress plugins are generally considered to be safe, but there is always a chance that a plugin might contain malicious code. If you are not sure whether or not a plugin is safe to use, it is always best to avoid using plugins that you have not personally tested.
If you do decide to use a plugin, be sure to read the documentation accompanying that plugin before installing it. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for updates for that plugin and make sure that you are always updated on any new security patches or modifications made to the plugin.
