When you install a WordPress plugin, you add code to your website. That code could do exactly what you want, or it could crash your site, make it more vulnerable to hackers, or slow it down. Because plugins can affect the security and stability of your site, it's important to carefully evaluate WordPress plugins before installing them. Here are criteria to use when choosing a WordPress plugin from the WordPress Plugin Directory.
Has the plugin been updated in the last 6 months? If not, is there a good reason why? The changelog may tell (it's on the Development tab).
Is the plugin active on at least 10,000 sites? More is better. If not, is there a good reason why? Plugins for niche purposes may be less popular.
Is the plugin compatible with recent versions of WordPress?
Is the plugin compatible with recent versions of WordPress?
Does the plugin have at least a 4.5 star rating? 4 stars could be acceptable, but be very careful with anything lower.
Has a high percentage of support questions been answered?
Read the description. Will the plugin do what you need it to? Does the free plugin have limited features, and pitch you on the premium (paid) version to get the features you want?
Look at the screenshots. Will the plugin do what you need it to?
Read the FAQ (if applicable). Does it contain any info you haven't thought of, which can help you decide whether to choose this plugin?
See who developed and/or contributed to the plugin. Do you know and trust any of them? Click the usernames to see their profiles. Do they have achievement badges? Do they develop other plugins? If so, do they have high numbers of downloads and good ratings?
Click the Reviews tab and scroll through. Do you see any complaints that would prevent you from using the plugin?
Click the Development tab and check the Changelog. Are there frequent emergency updates to fix problems?
Click the Support tab and scroll through. Do you see any issues that would prevent you from using the plugin? You can also use the search box at the top of the page to look for particular keywords.
If choosing, installing, and updating WordPress plugins makes your head spin, contact us about our WordPress Maintenance Service.
