What to check before installing.
WHAT TO LOOK AT
Last updated date Active installation count Compatibility with your WordPress version Recent reviews, especially negative ones Whether support questions are answered
THE UPDATE DATE
Not updated in over a year is a warning.
Over two years is a security problem waiting to happen.
INSTALLATION COUNT
A widely used plugin is more scrutinised and more likely to be maintained.
A plugin with very few installations may be excellent or abandoned.
THE SUPPORT FORUM
Read it. Unanswered questions tell you what to expect when you have one.
THE REVIEWS
Read the one-star reviews specifically.
They tell you what actually goes wrong.
WHERE TO GET PLUGINS
The official WordPress directory, or the developer's own site.
Never from a third-party site offering paid plugins free.
WHAT TO PREFER
Fewer, better-maintained plugins over many small ones.
