Plugins are what make WordPress such an awesome platform to work with. They can transform basic blogs into powerful content management systems with endless possibilities.
But plugins must be used properly or they can cause problems. Here are some basic guidelines when installing and using plugins.
1. Add functionality to your site with plugins, not your theme
Some WordPress developers try to make their themes more appealing by programming functionality right into the theme. This may seem convenient, but it's actually a bad idea - if you ever switch themes you'll have to re-add that functionality with a plugin. That's extra work, and chances are you'll lose something in the process.
Best practice is to choose themes based ONLY on the layout and design, then add functionality with plugins.
2. Always choose plugins from reputable developers
For any functionality you want to add to your site, there are dozens of plugins to choose from (sometimes hundreds). So which do you choose?
The simplest answer - choose the most reputable plugin.
Some developers create great plugins, but never update their code. That's no good. It can lead to errors, site crashes, and huge security risks.
Great developers constantly update their plugins with the latest integrations, security patches, and even added features.
Do your due diligence to find the best. And if the best plugin costs money, consider it a wise investment.
3. Use as few plugins as needed to accomplish your goal
Since plugins are created by different developers, sometimes code can clash with other plugins, or sometimes with the theme you're using. To help prevent issues, use as few plugins as possible to accomplish your goals.
For example, Jetpack add lots of features to your site. Use Jetpack features whenever you can instead of installing another plugin that adds similar functionality.
Another good practice is to find plugins made by developments teams you trust. Take WPMUDEV for example - they offer a wide selection of plugins, all of which were built to work well with one another.
4. Keep your plugins up to date
The easiest way for hackers to break into your site is by exploiting outdated versions of WordPress, themes, and plugins. To keep your site secure, always keep all three up to date.
Of course, if you use child themes or custom plugins, you may need to update carefully, to ensure the update doesn't interfere with your customizations.
Keep it simple
Extending your site with plugins doesn't have to be complicated or risky if you follow these simple rules.