How to Install Plugins in WordPress
Installing Plugins in WordPress is not as hard as you think. WordPress offers you three different ways to install your plugins. They are Search & Install, Uploading and Manual Installation. It is very important for any blogger who wants to start using WordPress to know at least some technical but basic things about WordPress and one of such is how to install plugins. In this article, I’m going to walk you through these processes on how to install plugins easily in WordPress.
Search & Install
This method is the easiest way of installing plugins. For the sake of knowledge, I am going to be installing a contact form from the dashboard so that my customers will be able to reach me from my website. But you’ll have to be logged in as an admin to access the dashboard. Ok?
On the dashboard, locate and click Plugin from the menu at right hand side of the dashboard, use the search bar to search for any plugins of your choice. For example, to install the contact form, Type and search for the keyword “Contact Form” on the search box. Choose from the Varieties of contact forms displayed by clicking on the details link close to the plugins. Before you proceed with the installation, read and be satisfied with the description and installation guide of the plugin. And this applies to any plugin you will be installing; and only install when you are satisfied with the features. After Installation, a window like the one below will display.
Click Activate and set it up using the instructions gotten from the plugin documentation.
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Uploading the Plugin
This method of installing plugin is also very useful especially if it is a premium type or cannot be found on the WordPress plugin page. If you are using this method, be sure to zip them before uploading. While on the admin dashboard, Locate and click on Plugin –> Add new –> Upload plugin and you will see a screen like this: 
Click the Browse button then locate and select the plugin you want to install and click Upload. You’ll have to wait for few seconds while it loads. Also remember to activate it in the next screen.
Installing Plugins Manually
Knowing how to install WordPress plugins manually is very helpful especially when you are unable to install them using the methods listed above. When installing any plugin manually, you will need FTP software that will help you transfer the plugin folder to your server easily and fast. Also note that the plugin can also be uploaded without any software. I’m going to explain that later.
Download and install FileZilla from here. After you might have installed it successfully, open the application and fill out your hosting account information, Host (your website address), username and password and click Quick connect. When it’s connected, locate the plugin folder from your local computer (Make sure the plugin is unzipped), drag the plugin folder to this directory on your remote server: wp-content/themes/plugin. When it’s done, go to your dashboard and activate the plugin. Good luck.
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