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How to Install a WordPress Plugin

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Blogging Basics: Installing a WordPress Plugin

If you are a beginner blogger you’ve likely heard the word “Plugin” floating around. In this post, I’ll go over what the term means and step by step instructions on how to install a WordPress plugin.

Let’s get started!

How to Install A WordPress Plugin
This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. Read my full disclosure here.

 

What IS a WordPress Plugin?

A plugin is a piece of software you can install on WordPress to add new functions to your website. They allow you to easily add new features without complicated coding.

Think of it like adding a new app to your smartphone. You download it, install it, and it adds new, valuable features to your phone. And like apps for your phone, some plugins are free and more advanced ones you’ll have to pay for.

Now that you have a better understanding of what a plugin IS, let’s go into the steps you need to take to install one.

 

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WordPress Plugin Installation

Step 1:
Once on your WordPress Dashboard. Scroll down to the Plugins section on the left-hand menu and select Add New.

Wordpress Plugins menu image

 

Step 2:
Enter the name of the plugin you’re looking for into the search bar on the top right of the screen. OR if it’s a plugin you’ve purchased and downloaded (such a Tasty Pins) you’ll click the Upload button to upload the zip file.

However, it’s more likely when you’re just starting out that you’ll be using the search menu.

Adding a new wordpress plugin menu

 

Step 3:
Find the plugin you are wanting. Click on the “Install Now” button.

Plugin install button

 

Step 4:
After you install the plugin, the button will then say “Activate”. Click on the Activate button.

Activate Plugin button

 

Step 5:
That’s it! You’re done. After activating you’ll be taken to your page of various installed plugins and your newly installed plugin will now be part of that list. It will look like this:

Plugins menu on wordpress dashboard

 

* NOTE:
SOME plugins are ready to go and automatically start doing their thing as soon as they are installed and activated. Others have a “Settings” option. This will appear if there is any customization to be done for your particular site.

The Shareaholic Plugin offers social sharing/social following buttons for your site, for instance. You’ll need to go into the settings to customize where you want the buttons located, which social profiles you want to include, what color you want the buttons to appear, etc.

After installing a new plugin, check to see if there is a “settings” option under the title. If so, simply click through to customize things for your particular site.

Plugins menu on WordPress dashboard

 

There you have it! 5 simple steps to install a WordPress Plugin. This is a basic but necessary skill you’ll need throughout your blogging career.

It should be noted that just because you know how to install a plugin doesn’t mean you should go adding every plugin you hear about. Too many plugins can actually do more harm than good.

Learn more here: Super Simple Ways to Speed Up a WordPress Website

 

P.S. If you’re a brand new blogger and are eager to learn blogging basics, you may be interested in my Build a Successful Blog Bundle.

 

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It’s essentially 6 eBooks in 1 (+Bonus Section) that will teach you the basics on 6 key aspects to blogging. Starting a blog, SEO, Email Marketing, Affiliate Marketing, Blogging Legally, and Pinterest Marketing! All for a price even beginners can afford to invest in their future.
Learn more HERE.

 

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What is a Plugin and How to Install One


Blogging Resources I love and recommend:

SiteGround – I use SiteGround as my web hosting platform and I love it. They are trusted by the owners of over 1,900,000 domains! It’s secure, fast, reliable, and the customer service is AMAZING! I’ve had to contact them for help for a few reasons and the support I received was outstanding. Learn more about SiteGround HERE.

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Grammarly – I saw a huge improvement in my writing after installing Grammarly. It’s the World’s leading checker of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and plagiarism. The better your writing, the more credible you will seem to you readers. Did I mention they have a FREE version? Check it out HERE.

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