This document summarizes a presentation on how to evaluate WordPress plugins. The presentation included goals to learn what to look for when choosing a plugin and provide time for attendees to work on their own sites. The presenters outlined criteria for evaluating plugins on WordPress.org like overview, downloads, ratings, author, updates. They also discussed evaluating a plugin's developer website for free versus paid versions, documentation, and support. Special guests were introduced to help attendees work on their sites after the presentation.

1. MIKE BROGAN
&
MARK ROOT-WILEY
&
SPECIAL GUESTS!
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
2100 BUILDING
DOWNLOAD OR VIEW SLIDES ON 501COMMONS.ORG
How to Pick a
WordPress Plugin

2. Goals for Today
1. Learn what to look for when picking a plugin
(~30 minutes). We’ll actually evaluate a real
plugin you might use!
a. First review free version on WordPress.org
b. Then review paid version on plugin’s site
2. Help you work on your own sites. (~1 hour)
Please hold your questions for the work lab :)

3. Mike & Mark
Mark Root-Wiley
MRW Web Design
MRWweb.com
@MRWweb
Mike Brogan
Mike Brogan Consulting
MikeBroganConsulting.com
@MikeBrogan

4. photo by huasonic
WHAT IS A
PLUGIN &
WHEN DO I

5. photo by huasonic
EVALUATING
A
WORDPRESS

6. Evaluating a Plugin on WordPress.org
● Overview – What does it do, anyway?
● Number of Downloads – Is there a critical mass of users?
● Ratings & Reviews – What do others think?
● Plugin Author – Person or company? Lots of plugins?
● Last Updated & Frequency of Updates – Is it kept up?
● Support Forum – On- or off-site? Lots of threads?
Responsive author? What types of problems?
Example: WordPress.org/plugins/the-events-calendar/

7. Overview

8. Number of Downloads

9. Ratings & Review

10. Plugin Author(s)

11. Last Updated

12. Frequency of Updates

13. Support Overview

14. Number of Downloads

15. Visit Developer’s Website

16. Free vs Paid

17. Documentation from Developer’s Website

18. Developer Support

19. Welcome, Special Guests!
Tim Ganter
StudioTenFour.com
@timganter
Merrill Mayer
KoolKatWebDesigns.com
@KoolKatWeb

20. Upcoming 501 Talks Tech events:
●Advanced Google Adwords: New Tips & Tricks –
back by popular demand; Wednesday, March 4th
from 12 -1:30pm; 2100 Building
●Project Scheduling for Successful Outcomes;
Thursday, March 19th from 12-1:30pm; 2100
Building

21. Pull out your laptops and
websites. We’ll be floating
around the room and available
for short questions when you
get stuck.
Let’s get some work done!

22. SURVEYS
Thanks For Coming!
Find us:
Mike Brogan
mike@mikebroganconsulting.com
mikebroganconsulting.com
Mark Root Wiley
info@MRWweb.com
MRWweb.com