WordPress
plugins add extra functionality that is otherwise missing from the WordPress
core software. If you want to add sliders, ecommerce solutions and other interactive
content, chances are you'll need to use plugins to make the site more
user-friendly. Plugins are a great way to tailor the site to your needs. But
like any good thing, it's easy to get carried away. So how many is too many?
There
is no cut and dry answer to this question. So much depends on the specific web
design. What works for one business won't work for another. But if you do want
to use plugins on your site, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Problems With Plugins
For
the most part, we like plugins. They improve the functionality of a site,
improve user experience, and can speed up the time to develop a site. They make
sites more dynamic and can help you build a lead generation
tool. That said, you can have too many. When that happens the site slows
down and we all know that slow sites lead to lost conversions.
The
best web sites will only use these tools to support the design. Your web design
agency shouldn't load up the site with plugins "just in case" they
are ever needed. Social media plugins
are a good example of this. Social media is huge game changer when it comes to
building a website. However, small functionality things like adding simple
social media icons do not require a plugin. A better option would be to have
links to those sites or have them coded into the template. This way, you’ll be able to control the style
of the icons rather than using a default icon set from a plugin.
Items
that improve the functionality of the web site, on the other hand, should have their
own plugin. Those that support things like galleries, forms, ecommerce
functions, and sliders are absolutely okay to have on your site and you should
use them if you need them.
A Web Design Agency Can Help You Choose
Plugins
Like
any software, you will have choices to make as to which plugins to use on your
site. Choose those that enhance your site and have a good reputation for
reliability and function. You can research this in WordPress. You'll find
feedback from developers who have used the plugin and can use this to gauge
its' effectiveness, reliability, and suitability for your site. Definitely look
for ones that are frequently updated to ensure they will be compatible with
your site and that bugs are fixed. You certainly do not want to install an
outdated plugin or one that crashes all the time. To find the right plugin, search
for "WordPress Plugin" and the keywords for the type of function you need.
You'll get a list of suitable options and can pick from there.
If you
are still unsure about how plugins work or which ones to choose, work with a
web design agency. They can evaluate your site for functionality and make
recommendations that will improve both the user experience and ease your
behind-the-scenes workload.
About The Author
Design & Promote is a Chicago Web
Design Agency that offers a variety of Internet marketing services including: SEO, web
design and development, branding, content writing, graphic design and
photography, website maintenance, and social media management.
