You have created an admirable site with WordPress. Next, you check out its official plugin directory and install a host of them, as you feel, on your site. It sure seems to be an obvious thing to do.
Wait a moment; is it really a good idea to install every plugin you think fit? Before you install a number of WordPress plugins, make sure you are aware of its drawback. Yes, there is a downside to it too! It isn’t the number of plugins you install; it’s rather the type of plugins you opt for.
Slow site speed is a chief cause of concern and keeping your WordPress site secure is another serious concern. When a plugin requests unnecessary HTTP files, it may slow down the site’s responsiveness. Another possible reason may be the redundant requests that it makes to JavaScript libraries.
Long-term hazards may be due to slow or no updates to the plugin, or replacement of it by a core functionality developed by WordPress. Vulnerable elements may also lead to security breaches on your site.
Before you install any WordPress plugin, ask yourself the right questions.
Is It Really Necessary For Your Site?
Don’t install a plugin just because it seems to be all the rage on popular sites. Consider what you want to achieve with it. If you have a clear idea about its objective, you may decide to install it.
But if you just have a vague idea about its purpose, keep the task on hold for now.
Is It Possible To Get The Functionality Without It?
If you have a clear idea about why you want a specific WordPress plugin, check whether you can accomplish the task without it. You have to depend on plugins if you have no clue about coding.
But that’s no trouble for developers; you can write your own code in functions.php file.
Is It The Best One Available For The Task?
Not all plugins are the same. And you can achieve the same functionality from a number of the available options. How do you know which ones the perfect pick?
Put together a list of the options available; and start your research. Pay attention to the three As – Authority, Adoption and Advancement.
Author Credibility Matters
When you conduct research about a WordPress plugin, start with the author. Try to find the reason for its development. In most cases, it is to solve a problem a developer faces. But if it’s just a hobby, it will soon become redundant.
Also, consider the level of expertise of the author and the support available from them. An experienced developer, who answers questions and resolves issues, may be more dependable than someone new in the block.
Adoption Of The PlugIn In The WordPress Network Counts Too
Check the popularity of the option. Is it a favorite of the designers and developers? Is it a common feature on the big sites? Is it recommended by many?
When you check these points, keep in mind that popularity alone cannot be the basis of sound judgment. Also, focus on the positive and the negative feedback. And when you read a review, make sure it is recent to ensure that it is relevant too.
Advancement On A Regular Basis Is Important As Well
The frequency and worth of each update matters when it comes to a plugin. To check these two details, go to the plugin directory and check the Development Log and Changelog respectively.
A plugin with a series of updates may seem advanced; but it also shows that something was seriously problematic at the beginning. It may not be a good idea to opt for plugins that seem to have no activity after a serious bout of updates.
Before you click on the ‘install’ button, you need to think things through first.
