What Is a CMS Plugin or Extension?
In a content management system (CMS), a plugin or extension is an add-on that gives your website new features and abilities. Your CMS provides the basics, and plugins unlock everything else -- forms, security tools, SEO helpers, backups, ecommerce, and more.
Plugins let your website grow without coding.
What Plugins Do in a CMS
- Add new features instantly
- Extend the power of your CMS
- Improve security and performance
- Connect your site to outside services
- Customize how your website behaves
With plugins, you only install the features you need.
Why Plugins Are Important
Most websites would be very limited without plugins. A CMS handles your content, but plugins handle the extra things your site must do. Want an SEO boost? Install an SEO plugin. Want online payments? Add an ecommerce plugin. Need spam protection? There's a plugin for that too.
This is what makes CMS platforms so flexible.
Popular Types of CMS Plugins
- Security plugins -- Protection from hackers
- Backup plugins -- Save your site data
- SEO plugins -- Help search engines find your pages
- Performance plugins -- Speed up your site
- Form plugins -- Create contact and signup forms
- Ecommerce plugins -- Sell products online
Nearly every CMS has thousands of plugins available.
Use Plugins Wisely
Only install what you need. Too many plugins can slow down your site or cause conflicts. Keep everything updated and remove unused plugins to keep your CMS healthy.
More Building Blocks:
- Essential CMS Maintenance Checklist
- What Is a CMS Theme? (And Why It Matters)
- What Is a CMS Plugin or Extension?
- CMS Template vs a CMS Theme
- What Is a CMS Module or Block?
- CMS Performance Basics (How to Speed Up Your Site)
- CMS Security Basics for Beginners
- Simple CMS Workflow: How Content Moves From Draft to Publish
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