You have optimized your WordPress website, but your site still seems laggy?
Just one poorly written plugin is sufficient to increase your page loading time — no matter what level of optimization you applied.
I understand that if you need to extend your WordPress site’s possibilities, WordPress plugins are handy tools.
Yes, WordPress plugins are a blessing for everyone, but choosing low-quality WordPress plugins can lead to slower site loading time.
Websites could break easily and can leave you open to security risks.
There are many plugins for the same purposes; some may be free or freemium and paid.
I don’t say that all free WordPress plugins are not robust or all paid WordPress plugins are excellent.
Okay, how do you know what the best choice for your site is? How do you check a WordPress plugin quality?
You may don’t. You need to research and compare yourself.
I will share a checklist to choose reliable plugins that won’t affect your website performance.
1 – Download From Reliable Sources
When choosing a high-quality plugin, use reliable sources like the official WordPress plugin directory.
Or buy from online market places like Envato Market.
Most of the plugin developers list their plugins on multiple trusted websites.
2 – Check User Reviews and Ratings
User reviews and customer feedback don’t lie. If the plugin you are thinking about has a low star rating, then it’s probably for a good reason.
Also, consider the total number of reviews the plugin got.
By reading reviews, you can learn things like how secure the plugin is and how often any technical issues occur.
And anything else that you might worry about when installing a new plugin.
3 – Plugin Maintenance as a Guide for Quality
From WordPress, you can look at the maintenance record of each plugin.
If the plugin has not been updated in years, you can assume that the developer has abandoned it.
Every plugin needs to be updated to stay compatible with the latest version of the WordPress core software.
Otherwise, it will lead to potential security risks and could lead to conflicts.
Suppose the plugin received an update a few months ago. In that case, that means the developer is actively maintaining the plugin and working to improve it.
So check for the Last Updated date and see if the plugin is actively maintained.
4 – Number of Active Installs
The Number of Active Installs tells you the number of websites where the plugin is currently active.
The more people who have installed and are using the plugin, the famous it will be.
You must realize that there will be some new plugins that are just as stable as older ones.
Since the plugin is pretty new, the active installs may low.
Especially for a specific niche plugin, a lower number doesn’t necessarily indicate poor quality.
Always keep your WordPress software and plugins up to date.
5 – Look for Mobile Responsiveness
Mobile responsiveness is a must-have in today’s online world.
Are you looking to use a plugin that enables you to add a design element to your site? You should check to see if it is mobile responsive before using it.
Read the user reviews, FAQ, and plugin Documentation to check if the plugin is mobile friendly.
If the plugin is not optimized for mobile access, that’s a point you need to look further.
6 – Support Options
Not every plugin has a dedicated support team, as it is not needed. Most high-quality plugins do have some form of support, including community support and premium email support.
Check this out before, so you know how to get support from the plugin developer if any technical issues occur.
You tried all those expensive WordPress caching plugins and subscribed to highly-priced managed WordPress or managed VPS services. Still, you can’t see your WordPress website loading within a few milliseconds? Have you lost all hope?
I have written How to Turbocharge Your WordPress Site in 4 Easy Steps guide to help you cut down your hosting subscription cost and make your WordPress website fly like a rocket.
Take these 4 easy steps and boost your WordPress website performance that it deserves. Then cut down on your hosting costs and see your SEO skyrocket.
7 – Documentation and FAQ
Writing documentation for a plugin requires a lot of effort and time from the developing team. Listing the guidelines makes the author look proficient and honest.
Some plugins have a Frequently Asked Questions section. Some of them note it on their support page.
Look for their added screenshots as well.
8 – Check the Developer of the Plugin
This test is like an extra mile test.
Click on the developer’s profile on WordPress. You can find out about them regarding their experience and how to reach them.
Their engagement in the WordPress community and their activities within WordPress.org also be listed.
You can also get a list of their other plugins.
With this data, you can evaluate their overall track record in creating high-quality and reliable plugins.
9 – Install and Test Yourself
Even you have found a well-designed WordPress plugin, you have to make sure you are getting value from it.
To check this, you can try by installing it on a test domain if you have any, and validate yourself.
Whenever you want a plugin for your WordPress website, remember that it’s not enough to find one quickly, and you are all done.
It would be best if you did extensive research about the plugin. After all, you want a secure, stable plugin that won’t hurt your website.
Do you have any other strategy to validate the quality of a WordPress plugin? Please share that with us in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this tutorial, then you’ll love Rovity and our fast-growing premium shared hosting on the cloud. Check our subscription plans.
