webmasters HOW MANY WORDPRESS PLUGINS ARE TOO MANY?

There are a lot of misconceptions about WordPress plugins, and how they can impact website speed, performance, and security, in this article I will be explaining this topic as succinct and precise as possible.


What should you know about plugins?


WordPress plugins are like apps for your website. They help you add new features and website functionality such as making an online store, filling an online form and more.


Like WordPress itself, plugins are also written in PHP programming language. PHP code runs on your website’s hosting server and utilizes its resources. The purpose of plugins is to extend WordPress to do almost anything you can imagine.


Does too many plugins really make your website slow?

People get worried about performance, security, reliability, etc. This is mainly because designers, developers, and web hosting support technicians get really frustrated when they are troubleshooting a client’s websites.

In their frustration, they make comments like ‘have fewer plugins‘, or ‘it is the plugins that are slowing down your site‘.



What is less? How many WordPress plugins are too many?


The problem is not the quantity of plugins, but rather THE QUALITY.


You can have dozens of good WordPress plugins running on your website without any issues, but an addition of a single poorly coded plugin can slow down your website.


What types of plugins exist on a website?

There are many different types of WordPress plugins, and they each impact your website performance differently.


There are plugins that affect mainly the front-end. For example page builder plugins, contact forms, galleries, sliders, etc.


Then there are plugins that are mainly made to perform tasks within the back-end or admin area. For example, WordPress backup plugins, editorial plugins, various background processes, etc.


There are also plugins that run everywhere including admin area and front-end. For example, SEO plugins, WordPress firewall plugins, and more.


How many plugins should you use?

You should install as many WordPress plugins as necessary to run your website and grow your business.

On average, its quite common for a business website to have at least 20 – 30 plugins.

If you’re using WordPress to it’s full potential and have many advanced features, then this count can easily go into 50+.


How to know the best plugin?

Only download plugins from WordPress.org plugin directory. The official WordPress plugin directory also makes it easier to choose good plugins.


By doing this, you would see a plugin’s rating and reviews provided by other WordPress users. You can also see when the plugin was last updated and how many websites have it installed.


From there, you can make the right judgement and select as appropriate.

I hope you find this article helpful? Do well to drop your comments and questions below. Thank you.

Related post!

Please we need your reply to this topic.
Login or Register