Here’s what to pay attention to when choosing a free WordPress plugin

by Vipe Team in WordPress Development; Published on 21.04.2023

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WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, and one of its most significant benefits is the extensive library of plugins available to users. Plugins are little bits of software that extend the functionality of WordPress sites, and many of them are free. But, not all free WordPress plugins are made equal, and some considerations must be considered while selecting a free WordPress plugin. In this post, our Enterprise WordPress Agency for Development expert will review things to look for when selecting a free WordPress plugin.

Reviews and Ratings

When selecting a free plugin for WordPress, one of the first things you should do is check out the reviews and ratings that other users have left. This can provide you with a good notion of the overall quality of the plugin, as well as whether or not it is worthwhile to use. Be sure to read favorable and negative reviews to gain an accurate picture of the plugin’s capabilities. In addition, make sure to keep track of the total number of downloads and active installations. It’s generally safe to assume that a plugin’s popularity and level of dependability are directly proportional to the number of downloads and active installations it has.

Compatibility with WordPress Version

Another essential consideration is whether or not the plugin is suitable for use with the version of WordPress that is currently installed on your website. As WordPress undergoes continuous updates, certain plugins may become incompatible with the most recent release. Before installing the plugin, you should ensure that it is compatible with your system by doing a compatibility check.

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Developer Support

In addition to this, you should pay close attention to the development support that the plugin has. It’s possible that the developers of free plugins won’t always give help, but you should prioritise finding a plugin that comes with at least some level of customer service. Browse the developer’s website or support forum to see if they provide any kind of assistance or if they have a community that can assist you with any problems you might be having.

Security

When it comes to selecting a plugin, security is an essential consideration to make. Be cautious to confirm that the plugin doesn’t have any known security flaws or vulnerabilities before using it. Moreover, check to see if the plugin receives frequent updates to fix any security flaws that may have been discovered. Your website and the people who frequent it might be put at risk if certain plugins on your site are not kept up to date.

Compatibility with Other Plugins

If you have other plugins installed on your WordPress site, you need to make sure that the new plugin is compatible with all of those plugins before installing it. Your website’s functioning may be adversely affected if you employ a plugin that is incompatible with the others currently installed on your site. Before you install the plugin on your site, you should make sure that it has been tested with other plugins.

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Ease of Use

Another essential aspect to take into account is how simple it is to use a plugin. It is possible that the time and effort required to install and configure a plugin that is difficult to use is not worth the investment. Be careful to read the documentation that comes with the plugin, and determine whether or not it is simple to use and setup.

Feature Set

Last but not least, it is essential to take into account the plugin’s total feature set. Be careful to confirm that the plugin has all of the functionality you require in order to achieve your objectives by using it. In addition, look into the plugin to see whether it has any features that might come in handy for you in the near or distant future.

Always hire an expert for your WordPress project

At our Enterprise WordPress Agency for Development, we understand that your WordPress site is important to you and your business. That’s why we offer expert WordPress development services to help you improve your site. Our Enterprise WordPress Agency for Developmentcan help you with everything from custom plugin development to performance optimization. So if you’re looking for a WordPress agency that can help you take your site to the next level, look no further than our Enterprise WordPress Agency for Development.

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Conclusion

Selecting a free plugin for WordPress can be a challenging endeavour; however, by paying attention to a few key aspects that our Enterprise WordPress Agency for Development shared, the process can be simplified. Check that the plugin has good reviews and ratings, is compatible with the version of WordPress you’re using, has developer support, is secure, is compatible with the other plugins you’re using, is easy to use, and has the features you need. By taking into account the aforementioned aspects, you will be able to find a free WordPress plugin that is dependable, safe, and appropriate for your requirements. As per or Enterprise WordPress Agency for Development, It is essential to select a dependable and trustworthy plugin, regardless of whether or not it comes at an additional cost. Keep in mind that “free” does not necessarily indicate “better.”