If someone on your WordPress team is installing plugins, consider the following caveat.
WordPress plugins can be wonderful. A few plugins that are well tested and actively maintained can add functionality with minimal risk. But too many plugins on the same site tend to be problematic.
- Each plugin introduces an additional vector of attack (another security hole)
- Each plugin introduces the potential for conflict with other plugins, with your theme, and with the core WordPress software.
- Almost every plugin slows page loads by increasing the number of assets the site must load and process.
Attacks
We recently repaired a small-business website that a Jihadi attacked. Running a business is tough enough. You don’t need this headache or the repair bill.
Conflicts
Published updates and security patches are released for core WordPress, your theme, and your plugins. If we’re your webmaster, we will perform updates on your site at least twice in a typical week. Each time an update is performed, a conflict can arise, or a dormant conflict can manifest. A conflict will usually crash a WordPress site, meaning visitors will experience at least one of these problems:
- a broken layout
- broken functionality (something won’t work)
- error messages
- a blank white screen (most common)
Plugins Can Slow Your Site to a Crawl
Whenever you’re tempted to install another plugin, consider these consequences. First, slower page loads will cost you money.
- Slow pages lower your search engine rankings
- Slow pages frustrate your visitors
- Mobile users often won’t wait for a slow site to load
How Many Plugins Are Too Many?
There is no right answer. Most sites we manage require 10 plugins or less. Your site may need more. Just remember that each one you install increases the risk of attack and the risk your site will crash during an update.
Summary
A few WordPress plugins can add functionality without much risk. However, installing too many WordPress plugins can hurt your website. So think carefully before you install another plugin.
