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118 – A Practical Guide to Picking Out Plugins

 
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118 – A Practical Guide to Picking Out Plugins

Techniques for picking the right plugin.

  1. Google what you are looking for ( function + WordPress plugin )
  2. Most links will open up in the WordPress repository
  3. Does the plugin meet the following criteria:
    • Does the plugin have a large banner graphic. This is a relatively new feature within the plugin directory. It helps me know whether the plugin developers took the time to design something creative
    • Next I look at the LAST UPDATED field. I has to have had a revision in the last 6 months for me to consider it
    • Then I look at the number of downloads. If it has a lot, 10,000 or more, it’s probably legit
    • Lastly, I always look to see if it contains screenshots. Lots of plugins don’t so it’s hard to know which ones are good by seeing what the plugin looks like installed.
  4. Then I will highlight the plugin name and go back into WordPress and search within WordPress. This makes it much easier to install (you don’t have to download, etc.)
  5. Test it out
  6. If it works, configure
  7. If it doesn’t work, delete the plugin then rinse and repeat

Backup

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Related Posts

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Comments

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  • Disqus
  • I also like the standard commenting system built in by WordPress. It makes it easy to style this area like the rest of your website

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Related posts:

  1. 100 – Your Can’t Live Without WordPress Plugins
  2. 016 – WordPress and Contact Forms
  3. 010 – Security Update and Great New Plugins
Published on: 06 Mar | Podcast | 8 responses| Tags:

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8 comments
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garybembridge
garybembridge like.author.displayName 1 Like

Dustin. Just thought would drop another comment to say how much I enjoy and how useful your podcast is. I have been using wordpress since you kindly did the episode in response to my question about moving from Blogger. It is so much better. Though I did get a BIG hit in traffic from search when I moved. But working to build that back up, and will be better in the long run. About to now use some of the plug-ins you recommended that I am not using!

dhartzler10
dhartzler10 moderator

 @garybembridge the traffic hit will be temporary, but WordPress will give you so much flexibility in the future! Glad you are enjoying the new platform!

JoeyF
JoeyF like.author.displayName 1 Like

Thanks Dustin for clarifying "nofollow" tag! I've just finished watching all the past webinars. Very resourceful. Thanks a lot for sharing all those. :)

Suzie Farthing
Suzie Farthing like.author.displayName 1 Like

Dustin, I just checked out your podcast for the first time by listening to this episode. You provided so much useful content regarding choosing Wordpress plugins.  Thank you. I will definitely be tuning in again!  

mrarlen
mrarlen like.author.displayName 1 Like

Hey Dustin, thanks for another great episode. Just a warning it can be dangerous to google plugins and themes because you don't know what you're going to get. It's safer to go straight to the Wordpress repository and search there. Your other suggestions on picking plugins are wonderful. Thanks for the great info!

dhartzler10
dhartzler10 moderator

 @mrarlen True story that you don't know what you are going to get when you google things, but normally the first few results are always WordPress repository plugins. Plus, I'm a little lazy and it's easier to get to google in my browser :)