WordPress users can choose from a whole host of plugins. There are so many that it can be challenging to determine which ones you need or even where to start.
Some plugins are industry-specific, and others are more universal. We believe that you should install at least a few plugins on your site regardless of the industry it falls under. These are the tools we’ll talk about today.
We’ll introduce you to 4 essential WordPress plugins in this article which we believe are a good starting point but if you’re ever in doubt, you should always contact a Web Development Agency.
What are plugins, and where do I find them?
WordPress makes building a new site super simple, with a whole host of tools that can support you in creating a website that is both functional and attractive – and that’s just with the basics of WordPress. You can improve it further with the help of a few plugins – all of which are available right there in the dashboard or available to download from assisting sites.
WordPress plugins vary in terms of cost. Whilst some won’t cost you anything, others come with a hefty price tag, which is definitely something to keep in mind when considering your options.
So let’s look at the best plugins for your website.
Yoast SEO
Yoast is the perfect plugin if you’re looking to up your website’s search engine optimization.
Designed to help you ensure that your website is up to scratch when it comes to SEO best practices, Yoast SEO analyses all aspects of your web pages, be that metadata, keyword placement, or anything else in between.
Available in a standard and premium form, even the most basic version of the plugin checks your site for readability, and can support you with page indexing, sitemaps, and breadcrumbs – you name it, Yoast SEO can help with it.
UpdraftPlus
Every day, 30,000 websites, on average, get hacked. That’s why it’s crucial to have a plugin on your site to help protect it against potential hackers or other security issues.
UpdraftPlus allows you to backup and restores your site on an automatic schedule. It’s even marketed as “The World’s Most Trusted WordPress Backup” system – and how can we argue with that?
The plugin allows you to backup your site to Dropbox, Google Drive, and more, with additionals including Microsoft OneDrive included with the paid version. And if you want our advice? Opt for the paid version – it’s totally worth it if you consider all the time and money invested into creating your website in the first place.
Google Analytics Dashboard for WP
Trust Google Analytics! As a WordPress plugin, this gives you access to all the key data in GA specific to your WordPress site, whether that’s the average session length, bounce rate, method of access, or demographic information.
You can then utilize the data the plugin offers and create detailed reports and review performance trends to help you get a better understanding of how your site is resonating and with whom.
Elementor
As one of the most utilized page builders for WordPress sites, Elementor is a must-have plugin. As builders go, the functionality is ideal with a comprehensive drag-and-drop editor that allows you to simply and easily build highly functional pages for your site that also look amazing.
It offers features such as global widgets, which can be designed and implemented across multiple pages with design options such as a carousel, live counters, and more. The plugin is also complete with tons of pre-made designs and templates for those who perhaps lack the eye for design.
Much like our other recommended platforms, Elementor offers a free version with all its basic features as well as a paid version for the more advanced user.
Like we said at the start of this article when it comes to WordPress plugins, there are so many to choose from – it can be a little overwhelming.
Our advice? Consider the most important aspects of your site, whether that’s design or security, and choose your plugins accordingly. Don’t go over the top! Stick to the ones you need, master them and use them to create the site of your dreams. And if you’re stuck on where to begin, these four are a solid starting point.
