Plugins are just what they sound like. They are plug and play pieces of software that contain a group of functions that can be added to your site. They can extend functionality or add new features for you to explore. Sounds pretty neat, right?
Josh will take you through the process of installing a few plugins, as well as how to configure and use them. This video will take you through a couple of must-have plugins, such as Really Simple SSL, WP Super Cache, Smush Lazy Load, and Google Fonts.
In this video you will learn:
What are Plugins?
Like we said above, Plugins are pieces of software that contain a group of functions that can be added to your site. They can do anything from adding new and unique functions to your website, give you more in-depth customization options, and more. They are an endless source of add-on content and are one of the biggest appeals of using WordPress.
The Plugins Library
The Plugins Library is where all of your installed plugins are stored. If you need to activate, deactivate, or edit your plugin settings, this is going to be where you need to go.
Installing and Activating Plugins/The Plugins Store
The first step to your plugin dreams is to get your plugins installed and activated. Josh walks you through the necessary steps of getting a plugin from the web to your site.
WP Super Cache
This is one of the best plugins. WP Super Cache is the secret you have been looking for to speed up the performance of your website. It allows your website to be served as raw HTML files, which is a browser’s best friend. Make sure to follow along with Josh to see how to properly configure this plugin, or it could cause more harm than good!
Google Fonts
Google Fonts is a great way to quickly change the font for your WordPress website. Fast, easy, and intuitive. You can’t ask for much more.
Smush Lazy Load
This is another secret to increasing page load times. Smush Lazy Load will automatically optimize the images on your website with the click of a button, which will make your site load even faster.
Activating/Deactivating Plugins
We will show you how to activate a plugin in WordPress, as well as how to deactivate and uninstall any unused plugins that you don’t want cluttering up the place.
00:00 – Intro
00:44 – What are Plugins?
00:50 – The Plugins Library
01:05 – Installing and Activating Plugins/The Plugins Store
02:04 – WP Super Cache
03:53 – Google Fonts/Smush Lazy Load
06:38 – Activating/Deactivating Plugins
The WP Super Cache Plugin:
http://gtr.bz/OJKz30rpMQT
Other Helpful Vids:
Installing WordPress with Softaculous
https://youtu.be/PXTJ34l6V3k
Build a WordPress Website Playlist:
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I've watched several… Thank you, they have been helpful for this 73 Yr old computer guy. I was handed our church website when our admin got frustrated attempting to take over from the original designer, who disappeared. You lessons have been helpful, but when I get to my pages, lessons don't work as well as I would hope. When attempting to update the footer, I found that the designer used a Widget… although I solved my original need, I thought to myself, "Why is this so complicated?"
I look forward to future lessons.
Before diving into SEO, I wanted to learn the fundamentals of WordPress. This really comes handy for me. I enjoy discovering new plugins like Smush! Thanks a lot for this concise and quick tutorial series, Josh!
Josh, it would be helpful if you slowed down a bit
Hi Josh. I have a question about the smush plugin. Will it automatically optimize the size of your photos as you upload new ones or will you have to periodically go back and do that bulk action to optimize photos as you continue to add to you site? Thanks for all the great info! It’s really helpful.