Hi, when I go to https://thenicholsblog.com/wp-content/plugins I do bot see a folder with your plugin. There is an akismet pluging and the dolly plugin, which exist n=by default, but there should be a folder with the files for the plugin you are trying to install. AS SOON as there is a folder there with your files, then the plugin will be in your wordpress online. You just need to “activiate” in fron the wp-admin area.
Yes – you need to upload the plugin files via ftp.