How to create a blog on wordpress Part 6

 Click here to read - How to create a blog on wordpress - Part 5

Step 5: Here’s how to add functionality to your blog

While themes are mostly about appearances, plugins are more focused on helping you add functionality to your blog.

When you first create a WordPress blog, you pretty much only have the ability to write blog posts and create pages.

Plugins are what allow you to add more advanced functionality like:

• Contact forms
• Social network buttons
• Backups
• Improved SEO
• And lots, lots more

If you can think of a feature, there’s probably a plugin for it. That’s because the WordPress community offers over 50,000 free plugins, plus there are thousands of premium plugins.

Where to find WordPress plugins for your blog

Like themes, you can find both free and premium plugins.

Keeping the similarities rolling, the best place to look for free plugins is at the official WordPress.org plugin directory.

For premium plugins, the best method is usually to search Google for something like “best X plugin” and buy from a well-known developer.

Many free plugins listed at WordPress.org also offer premium versions with more features.

Must-have WordPress plugins for all sites

While there are plenty of niche plugins that are only good for specific uses, there are some must-have WordPress plugins that all sites, including blogs, can benefit from. Here are some of our suggestions:

• ⭐ UpdraftPlus WordPress Backup Plugin
• ⭐ Google Analytics for WordPress by MonsterInsights
• ⭐ WP Super Cache
• ⭐ Yoast SEO
• ⭐ Wordfence Security
• ⭐ Jetpack by WordPress.com
• ⭐ Social Media Share Buttons & Analytics
• ⭐ WPForms
• ⭐ Optimole

How to install WordPress plugins

We already wrote a detailed guide on how to install WordPress plugins. But here’s the quick version:

• Go to Plugins → Add New
• If you chose a free plugin at WordPress.org, search for the plugin by name and click Install Now.
• If you purchased a premium plugin, click the Upload Plugin button and upload the ZIP file you should have received when you purchased the plugin.

Make sure to Activate the plugin after installing it.

You can always manage your existing plugins by going to the Plugins tab: