Question: How Do I Add A Plug-In To An Existing WordPress Blog?

Difficulty Level: Moderately Easy

Well. . .  Before I answer that, let me ask you a question first:

Are you running the blog on wordpress.com or are you self-hosting the blog through wordpress.org?

First, the bad news: If it’s on wordpress.com, you can’t add plug-ins. Plug-ins can only be added to self-hosted blogs that are run off of the WordPress software downloaded from the .org address.

If you are running it off the .org version of the software, here’s what you do.

Step 1:

Log into your dashboard.

Step 2:

Along the lefthand side, find the tab titled “Plug-ins.”

Step 3:

Click on it to expand the menu.

Step 4:

Click on “Add New.”

Step 5:

Either search or browse for the plug-in you want to add.

Step 6:

You can also upload a zipped plug-in (across the top, under “Install Plug-ins” you’ll see the text “Upload”).

Step 7:

When you find the plug-in you want to add, to the far right of the Plug-in’s name, click on “Install.”

Step 8:

A lightbox will appear; click on the “Install” button.

Step 9:

WP should automatically install it, showing you a dialog of the installation process.

Step 10:

From here, you may have some options for the settings of your new plug-in, but it can often be tricky locating where you’re supposed to set them. Some obvious places are under the left-hand side tabs “Settings,” “Tools,” or “Appearance.” You’ll have to poke around there to figure out what your settings need to be.

Step 11:

For more information, check the plug-in’s website. You’ll usually find it listed underneath the name of the plug-in in the plug-ins list.

If you are running wordpress.com, you can still have some fun!

There are add-ons, widgets, etc that you can use for Twitter, and more – all from within wordpress.com.

Need help? Send me a tweet if you get stuck on a plug-in and I’ll see what I can do to help!