Installing a WordPress Plugin to your website is a simple yet effective approach to improving its functionality. Plugins can add numerous features, such as improving security measures, performance improvements, social network integration, and SEO optimisation.

Installing Plugins can greatly increase your website functionality, regardless of your level of experience as a developer or if you’re a newbie trying to add features. To take advantage of everything WordPress offers, we compiled this detailed guide that shows you how to install a WordPress Plugin.

This article assumes that you are logged in to your WordPress Dashboard and is in support of our You Tube Video: Power Up Your Site: How to Install a WordPress Plugin.

How to Install a WordPress Plugin

Step 1: Access the WordPress Dashboard

1. Log in to Your WordPress Admin Area: Navigate to yourwebsite.com/wp-admin and enter your Username and Password.
2. Navigate to the Plugins Section: In the left-hand menu, hover over “Plugins” and click “Add New”.

Step 2: Search for a Plugin

1. Use the Search Bar: On the “Add Plugins” page, you will see a search bar on the right-hand side. Enter the name or keyword of the Plugin you wish to install.
2. Browse Plugins: You can also browse the Featured, Popular, Recommended, and Favourite Plugins to find one that suits your needs.

Step 3: Install the Plugin

1. Find the Plugin: Once you find the Plugin you wish to install, click “Install Now” next to it.
2. Wait for Installation: WordPress will download and install the Plugin. This may take a few moments.

Step 4: Activate the Plugin

1. Activate the Plugin: After the Plugin is installed, click “Activate” to enable the Plugin on your site.
2. Configure the Plugin: You may need to configure some Plugins’ settings. Go to the Plugin’s settings page, usually found under “Settings” or the Plugin’s menu on the Dashboard.

Step 5: Upload a Plugin (Optional)

1. Upload a Plugin: If your Plugin file is in .zip format, click “Upload Plugin” on the “Add Plugins” page.
2. Choose File and Install: Click “Choose File,” select the Plugin’s .zip file from your computer, then click “Install Now”.
3. Activate the Uploaded Plugin: Once the Plugin has uploaded, click “Activate” to enable it.

You Tube Video: Power Up Your Site: How to Install a WordPress Plugin

Additional Information:

Plugin Maintenance & Best Practices

Make a Backup of Your Website

It’s good practice to back up your website before installing any new Plugins. This guarantees you can fix your website if there is an issue.

Verify Compatibility

Ensure the Plugin works with the other Plugins you have installed as well as your version of WordPress.

Read Ratings & Reviews

To evaluate the Plugin’s support and quality, check User ratings and reviews.

Update Your Plugins Often

To take advantage of the newest features and security updates, update your plugins regularly.

Deactivate & Delete Unused Plugins

To keep your website tidy and lower security concerns, deactivate and remove any Plugins you are not using.

Test After Installation

After installing and activating a Plugin, carefully test your website to ensure everything functions properly and there are no conflicts with other Plugins or themes.

Track Performance

Some Plugins can impact your website speed. Monitor your site’s speed and function to ensure they aren’t causing problems.

Different Login Steps:

Login to Domains.co.za Account

1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.

2. Enter your Email and Password.

3. Then click the “Sign In” button.

Access WordPress from your Domains.co.za Dashboard

4. On the right of the Dashboard under the “Manage Account” menu, click “Manage Services” on the drop-down menu and select your Hosting plan, our example uses Web Hosting.

5. Scroll down to the “Quick Manage” section (below “Product Information”) and click on the WordPress icon. If you haven’t yet installed WordPress, it will ask you to first do so.

Access WordPress via cPanel from your Domains.co.za Account

6. On the right of the Dashboard under the “Manage Account” menu, click “Manage Services” on the drop-down menu and select your Hosting plan, our example uses Web Hosting. (refer image above).

7. Click “Manage” next to the website domain you wish to access in cPanel.

8. The Product Information section will display – click the “Login” button next to Control Panel.

9. On the cPanel Dashboard, in the menu on the right, select “WP Toolkit”, or if you haven’t yet installed WordPress “WordPress Management”.

10. There is also a WordPress icon under the “Popular Applications” section on the cPanel Dashboard.

WordPress can be Accessed Online via cPanel

1. Go to your cPanel URL or cPanel Login page.

2. Enter your “Email” and “Account Password” and click “Log In”

3. On the cPanel Dashboard, in the menu on the right, select “WP Toolkit”, or if you haven’t yet installed WordPress “WordPress Management”. There is also a WordPress icon under the “Popular Applications” section on the cPanel Dashboard.