How to Download WordPress Plugins using HostGator's cPanel

When I first began with WP & HostGator one of my first missions was to get plugins onto my blog but I just couldn't seem to find an answer for the questions I wasn't sure if I was even asking right, hence this tutorial.

This WordPress plugin installation guide is designed for those using HostGator's cPanel and was created for whomever needs a step by step, hold my hand 'cause I have no idea what I'm doing tutorial. Please read this post in it's entirety before you proceed.

Downloading and installing plugins begins with knowing what plugins you want and or need to enhance both the front and the back end of your website/blog. Over 10,000 WordPress compatible plugins can be found here at http://www.wordpress.org/ > Extend > Plugins

How to Download & Install Plugins for WordPress via HostGator's cPanel...  

- Open your WordPress wp-admin account in one window

- Open your HostGator cPanel in another window > File Manager

- Have your chosen WP Plugin open in another window (make sure it's compatible with your version of WP) > Click on the big, red 'Download' button

- Save it to your 'Download' folder (pay attention to the file the plugin is being stored in)

- Go to your HG cP window > Files > File Manager

- Click 'Go' (assuming your info is stored in the same root folder as mine, shown below. If it's not, then you will have to wing it on your own from here)

- File Manager > scan down on left sidebar > www > wp-content > plugins > the big window on the right shows your current plugins (if there are any)

- Upload your Plugin to HG cP (top of File Manager, yellow file folder with the big green arrow)  > locate the file you just downloaded from WP to your computer

- Hit F5 (refresh) and your Plugin should be in the right hand window > www > wp-content > plugins >place cursor over plugin (the small yellow file) > right click > extract > agree > close

The plugin you just downloaded. uploaded and extracted ought to be viewable as a blue folder and as a yellow one

- Go to http://...yourwebsite...com/wp-admin panel > plugins > inactive (your plugin ought to be here) > activate & adjust settings (if required)

Congratulations!!

p.s. ...be warned that even though the teacher is in, this tutorial may not be 100% perfect and I don't offer tutoring outside of this explanation so please, use at your own risk ;)

Thanks for visiting and feel free to comment!