Step by Step Installation of WordPress Plugins
Posted by Joe Hauckes
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Installation of any WordPress Plugin is quite similar to any other in the steps that need to be followed in order to function properly. For the most part the only differences will be What you have to Upload to your Host Server.
Every WordPress Plugin I have ever installed always starts with downloading a .zip file. This should include ALL the information, folders, files and particular steps you will need to take in order to complete the installation.
Step by Step
- Download the .zip file…
- to Your Computer in it’s entirety. Save it to any Folder you feel comfortable using ie. “downloads” or “zip files”. Confirm you received all the files. You can use your default expansion program if you are using an Operating System that has that function or something like Winzip for the next step.
- Unzip the .zip file…
- to a folder on Your Computer where you can access everything in all the Folders and Files that have been expanded. [Keep the Expanded Folder separate from the Zip Folder, this will help avoid some confusion.] Normally these will default to the “Plugin Name Folder” and include the necessary files and folders you need to use the plugin, and a “readme” file which should have all the Special Instructions to ensure proper functionality of the Plugin (be sure to read it!).
- Log in…
- to your Host Server and access your WordPress files for the Blog to which you are Uploading the Plugin for installation. This is ALWAYS in the public_html file. Make sure you keep track of where your expanded folders and files are stored on your computer for the next step.
- Navigate to wp_content/plugins…
- If you need a Folder for the Plugin, Create the Folder with the Suggested Name in the “read me” text. Upload all the Files and Folders necessary (being sure to Create any Sub-folders ie. “image” or “features” and Upload any required files within those folders).
- If No Separate Folder is needed, just Upload the File(s) making sure to create any Required Folders such as “cache” for storage of temporary information. (Folders like “cache” require the ability for the plugin to write to the folder for storage, be sure to open the folder so writing information is enabled).
- Save everything (as necessary) and Log Out of your Host Server
- Go to the WP-Admin of your Blog and sign in as Administrator
- Navigate to the Administration-Dashboard-Plugins Page of the Blog and ACTIVATE the Plugin
- If needed, ADD any code to the .php files as appropriate (you did read the “read me” right?) and SAVE any Changes
Your WordPress Plugin should function as promised as long as you followed ALL the necessary steps.
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