If you’re using WordPress, then you know that there are a ton of plugins to choose from. It can be tough to decide which ones to install on your site. In this blog post, we will discuss the most popular WordPress plugins and why you should consider using them on your website.
What is a WordPress plugin?
A WordPress plugin is a piece of software that you can install on your WordPress website. This plugins extends the functionality of WordPress and allows you to add new features to your site.
You can add WordPress plugins by visiting the WordPress Plugin Directory. The directory is a repository of all the WordPress plugins that are available for download.
Are WordPress plugins free?
Most WordPress plugins are free. However, there are premium plugins that you can purchase if you want additional features.
The Most Popular WordPress Plugins
There are a ton of great WordPress plugins to choose from, but we wanted to highlight some of the most popular ones. Here are our top picks:
Yoast SEO
This plugin is designed to help you optimize your website for the search engines. Yoast SEO can help you improve your website’s title and meta tags, generate XML sitemaps, and more.
The SEO Framework
This plugin is also designed to help you optimize your website for the search engines, but it has a different approach than Yoast SEO. SEO Framework is completely free and open source. It’s also very lightweight, so it won’t slow down your website.
Gravity Forms
Another popular plugin is Gravity Forms. Gravity Forms allows you to create, manage, and publish forms. Gravity Forms is a great tool for creating contact forms, surveys, quizzes, and more.
Contact Form 7
Contact Form is another popular plugin. It allows you to create and manage contact forms, and it’s very easy to use.
Favicon by RealFaviconGenerator
If you want to add a favicon to your website, then Favicon by RealFaviconGenerator is the plugin for you. This plugin allows you to easily create and upload a favicon for your website.
WP Smush
WP Smush is a popular image optimization plugin. It can help you reduce the size of your images, which will improve your website’s performance.
TinyPNG
TinyPNG is another image optimization plugin. It can help you compress your images, which will also improve your website’s performance.
Google Analytics for WordPress
If you want to track your website’s traffic with Google Analytics, then this plugin is a must-have. Google Analytics for WordPress allows you to easily add the necessary code to your website.
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) is a powerful plugin that allows you to add custom fields to your WordPress posts and pages. This plugin is great for adding extra data to your content, such as prices, ratings, etc.
BackupBuddy
If something goes wrong with your website, it’s always good to have a backup plan. BackupBuddy allows you to easily create backups of your website’s files and database. You can then restore your website if something goes wrong.
UpdraftPlus – Backup/Restore
UpdraftPlus is another popular backup plugin. It allows you to easily create backups of your website’s files, database, and more. You can then restore your website if something goes wrong.
Autoptimize
Autoptimize is a popular plugin that helps you optimize your website’s code. This plugin can minify your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. Autoptimize can also help you improve your website’s performance.
Google XML Sitemaps
Google XML Sitemaps is a plugin that helps you create and submit an XML sitemap to Google. This plugin can help you improve your website’s search engine rankings.
Redirection
Redirection is a plugin that allows you to manage your website’s redirects. You can use Redirection to 301 redirect old URLs to new ones, and more.
Duplicate Page
Duplicate Page allows you to easily duplicate your WordPress posts and pages. This plugin is great for creating copies of your content for testing purposes, or for archiving old content.
Elementor
Elementor is a popular WordPress plugin that allows you to easily create custom pages and posts with drag-and-drop. Elementor is a great tool for creating landing pages, sales pages, and more.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a popular eCommerce plugin. It allows you to easily create an online store with WordPress. WooCommerce comes with tons of features and options, so it’s great for businesses of all sizes.
WordFence Security
WordFence Security is a plugin that helps you secure your WordPress website. It can scan your website for malware, block malicious traffic, and more.
Really Simple SSL
Really Simple SSL is a plugin that helps you force SSL on your WordPress website. This plugin is great for websites that need to be secure, such as eCommerce sites.
Sucuri Security
Sucuri Security is a plugin that helps you secure your WordPress website. It can scan your website for malware, block malicious traffic, and more.
Insert Headers and Footers
Insert Headers and Footers is a plugin that allows you to easily add headers and footers to your WordPress website. This plugin is great for adding tracking codes, copyright information, and more.
Bonus Round:
Disable Comments
Disable Comments is a plugin that allows you to easily disable comments on your WordPress posts and pages. This plugin is great for websites that don’t need comments, or for websites that are receiving too many spam comments.
EWWW Image Optimizer
EWWW Image Optimizer is a plugin that helps you compress your images, which will also improve your website’s performance.
GDPR Cookie Consent
GDPR Cookie Consent is a plugin that helps you comply with the EU’s GDPR cookie law. This plugin allows you to easily add a cookie consent notice to your website.
Google Tag Manager
Google Tag Manager is a plugin that allows you to easily add and manage your website’s tags. Tags are pieces of code that allow you to track your website’s traffic, conversions, and more.
Elementor Pro
Elementor Pro is a premium version of the Elementor plugin. It comes with tons of extra features, such as the ability to create custom WooCommerce templates.
Real Media Library
Real Media Library is a plugin that helps you manage your WordPress media library. It allows you to easily organize your images, videos, and other files.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the most popular and useful WordPress plugins. There are thousands of other great plugins out there. If you’re looking for more plugins, be sure to check out the WordPress plugin directory.
Do you need help installing or configuring any of these plugins or adding functionality to your WordPress website? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help. Call Today (360) 450-3711
