Starting a website can be overwhelming. One of the best things about using WordPress is that there is a plugin for just about anything you can think of. This can also make it a little intimidating though. I thought I’d write this article to talk about some of my must have plugins. Let me preface this by saying these plugins will NOT work with every WordPress theme. You always want to double check compatibility with a web professional or with the plugin creator before installing and using a plugin you aren’t sure of.
1.) Elementor
This is my go to page builder plugin. I love the flexibility it gives you. For most people the free version of this plugin will work just fine. The do offer a paid version which gives you some addtional features. When you install the free version it will still show you the modules you only have access to with the paid plan. If you end up wanting to upgrade, you can do it mid build without setting you back at all.
2.) Yoast
I’m sure you’ve heard people talk about S.E.O. (search engine optimization). It’s so important to make sure your website is optimized for search engines so that people can find you. However, if you are new to building websites it can be difficult to know what steps to take to optimize your website. Yoast is a great plugin that helps you with just that. It gives you real-time analysis of your pages and posts, and offers suggestions on how to improve them for better SEO. Yoast also offers a free and a paid version, and the free version is usually sufficient for most website owners.
3.) Wordfence Website security is a major concern for every website owner. Wordfence is a comprehensive security plugin that helps protect your website from hacks and malware. It offers a firewall, malware scanner, login security, and much more. The plugin has a free and a paid version, and even the free version offers great protection for your website.
4.) Updraft Backing up your website is crucial. You never know when something could go wrong and you need to restore your website to a previous version. Updraft is a great plugin that allows you to easily backup and restore your website. It can also automatically backup your website on a regular basis, giving you peace of mind that your website is always protected.
5.) Forminator If you need to create forms on your website, Forminator is a great plugin to use. It offers a drag and drop form builder, and you can create any type of form you need, from simple contact forms to complex surveys. Forminator also integrates with various email marketing services, allowing you to easily collect email addresses and grow your email list.
In conclusion, these are just a few of my must-have plugins for any WordPress website. Remember to always check compatibility with your theme and consult with a professional if you have any doubts about installing a plugin. With these plugins, you can create a beautiful, functional, and secure website that will help you achieve your online goals.