Everyone that has set up a site on WordPress knows how simple the entire CMS is to use, and that’s why it’s one of the most popular in the world. There are currently 835 million sites created on WordPress, which is a staggering number.
But besides being simple to use, WordPress offers features in droves due to its ability to integrate with other software add-ons, also known as plugins. These plugins enable you to enhance your operations and streamline various tasks.
For instance, providing support for your customers will never be a hassle with the right plugins, as you can help yourself manage all submitted tickets and respond instantaneously. Furthermore, you will also be more efficient in managing your online store, inventory, and so much more.
However, to enjoy the benefits of these plugins, you will first have to find, download and install them. Below we will help you with exactly that, so don’t hesitate to read on.
Quick Navigation
Finding the Right Plugin
Numerous plugins can easily integrate with your WordPress site, each one carrying a different feature. For example, some will help you manage certain aspects of the user experience you provide on your site by allowing you to craft captivating promotions with the help of interstitial ads and other conversion rate optimization tools.
Others, however, will allow you to establish yourself as a brand that cares not just about transactions but for the entire customer journey. There’s no going around the fact that sometimes problems with your services and products can occur, but if you act quickly, those problems can never result in something negative. The best way to stay on top of your customer support-related tasks is to install a WordPress helpdesk plugin to help you respond to customer queries quickly and effectively.
The best helpdesk plugins have the following features :
- Easy ticket management
- Compatibility with WordPress
- Performance tracking
How to Install Plugins
Open your dashboard and look for the Plugins section. After you find that, click on the Add New button, which will you to the WordPress plugin repository.
Here, you can search for specific plugins by browsing through popular categories such as eCommerce, social media, SEO, etc. Once you find a plugin that piques your interest, click the Install Now button and wait as WordPress downloads and installs the plugin automatically.
After the installation, click the Activate button, and you are ready to go; your plugin is now fully functional. However, some plugins may require additional configuration settings. And if that’s the case, you need to go to their respective settings pages and make the right changes.
Best Practices for Managing Your WordPress Plugins
It’s crucial to remember that not all plugins are made with the same care as others. Some will have dedicated teams seeking to provide you with the best experience, while others won’t even have frequent updates. Therefore, it’s crucial to research and read online reviews before adding any new plugins.
It’s also essential to keep your plugins updated regularly. Outdated plugins can pose security risks and cause compatibility issues with other parts of your website. To update a plugin, navigate back to the Plugins section in your WordPress dashboard and look for any updates available under each installed plugin’s name.
Installing Premium Plugins
Installing premium WordPress plugins differs from installing free ones. Once you download your new and premium plugin, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the Plugins section just as you would for the installation process of a regular plugin. Next, click on the Add New button, followed by the Upload Plugin button at the top of the page.
Select the downloaded plugin file from your computer and click Install Now to install the premium plugin automatically. After installation, click on Activate Plugin to enable its functionality. Some premium plugins require additional steps, such as entering a license key or registering an account with the developer’s website. Follow the instructions provided by the plugin developer.
If you want to use paid/premium plugins, purchase them from the official WordPress marketplace and only from there.
Bottom Line
Now you have a complete guide on installing free and paid WordPress plugins easily. Follow the steps we outlined for you above but don’t forget to make sure that the plugins you chose are published by a reputable team and bring value to your customer and your business.