WordPress is an open source website content management system. It can almost be regarded as one of the most popular tribal systems on the Internet now.
Its hallmark is providing comprehensive basic functions while allowing users to add the features they need, primarily through pre-made plugins.
Users don’t need to know how to program; they just need to make informed decisions! Yes, even though there are ready-made plugins for various functionalities, choosing wisely is crucial. Installing a subpar plugin can significantly slow down your website, and in severe cases, it might even break your site altogether.
But breaking the website is a super unfortunate result, but affecting the speed of the website is not something we would like to see, right?
In the past few years of running a blog, I have explored many plug-ins for my blog. Among them, 10 Essential WordPress Plugins for Bloggers I think useful for Bloggers.
How to choose WordPress plugins?
Just like when we’re picking out any product, we tend to look at the ratings the seller or the product has received. Generally, I prioritize those with 4 or more stars, and then I check the number of ratings, which you can usually find in parentheses right next to the stars.
What do you think about a product that nearly has perfect ratings but very few reviews? Especially if it’s been around for several years, and has high ratings but hardly any sell.
The same goes for plug-ins. I would rather pick one with 4 to 4.5 stars, but there are tens of thousands of ratings.
If you want to dig deeper, you can click [More Details] to access more review content and confirm the reasons behind the lower reviews.
The more Active Installations there are, the more people have tested it. I typically use it as a benchmark, preferring plugins with more than 200,000 to 300,000 active installations.
Just like with ratings, if the number of downloads is too low, I won’t consider it, even if the ratings are high.
WordPress is updated regularly, and if you’re using professional, paid plugins, they will generally be updated regularly as well.
This is especially important if your WordPress is configured to update automatically. A plugin updated regularly is important because you never know when there might be compatibility issues following a WordPress update.
Regular updates not only indicate that the developer is actively working to improve and fix the plugin, but they can also minimize the chances of the plugin conflicting with the new system.
If I come across two or three plugins within the same function that all meet the criteria but can’t decide which to choose, I’ll look them up on Google to find usage reviews and methods.
Taking a personal example, I tend to choose plugins that are beginner-friendly, straightforward yet all-encompassing.
This is particularly true for aspects related to information security. Even though some plugins offer extensive customization features and flexible content adjustments, my lack of familiarity in this field prompts me to opt for plugins that can provide a wider range of functionalities through simple configurations, catering to users like me who are novices.
10 Essential Plugins for Bloggers
The following recommended plug-ins are popular and used by many people, and I have used or am currently using them on my own blog.
While the likelihood is quite slim, there’s a chance they might conflict with your blog’s theme or another plugin you have installed. Please consider the compatibility with your current theme and plugins before deciding to use them.
1. Analytics - Google Kit
Google Kit integrates various Google functions, including Google Analytics and Google Console. Linking your Google account can streamline the setup process instead of manually configuring the code.
2. Spam Protection - Akismet Anti-Spam
Sometimes you might receive a message with a URL. After clicking on these URLs, it may cause the website to be attacked, or it may just want traffic backlinks, and there will be many low-quality comments. Although you can review them one by one before posting any comments you think are appropriate, they lack the ad hoc nature and efficiency.
Akismet can help you solve this problem. It’s a spam protection plugin designed to block problematic spam messages. You can review the spam comments Akismet has blocked through your dashboard and approve any comments you believe are legitimate.
3. SEO Optimization - Yoast SEO
Yoast SEO is a very popular SEO plug-in.
It offers real-time guidance for the content you write, enabling you to optimize the SEO structure of your articles, making your blog more discoverable online. It assists in selecting appropriate keywords, crafting meta descriptions, and enhancing readability, all of which are essential for attracting more visitors.
4. Security - Wordfence Security
Wordfence Security is a popular security plugin, it offers a range of cybersecurity protections. One of its key features is a website firewall, but that’s not all. It also includes a scanning mechanism to help you identify potential security vulnerabilities.
5. Form Builder - WPForms or Contact Form 7
Typically, websites feature a ‘CONTACT ME’ page that includes a form to make it easy for visitors, manufacturers, and others who wish to get in touch directly.
Simply leaving an EMAIL address requires the other party to open their own email client to send a message. This additional step might discourage them due to the inconvenience.
Contact Form 7 – It’s a free plugin with a very simple interface. However, if you require more customized options, you’ll need a basic understanding of HTML and CSS to tailor it to your specific needs.
WPForms – A straightforward yet potent drag-and-drop form builder that offers various form options. Being a commercial plugin, it enhances the user experience but requires payment to access some of its features.
6. Image Optimization - ShortPixel or Smush
If the image file is too large, it can significantly slow down your website’s loading speed. Thus, it’s crucial to compress the image effectively while ensuring the quality remains acceptable. I believe that if an image is compressed but results in poor quality, it can also negatively the user’s viewing experience.
Smush – The #1 image optimization plugin for WordPress allows you to optimize all your images for free and unlimited quantity, with a file size limit of 5 MB.
ShortPixel – ShortPixel offers 100 free credits per month with no file size limit.
7. Backup and Restoration - UpdraftPlus
UpdraftPlus is highly ranked and widely chosen for scheduled backups and migrations of WordPress sites. It’s very user-friendly, allowing you to back up your entire WordPress site with just a few clicks, and it provides several advanced options if you require them. Furthermore, their support team is always on standby to promptly respond to any inquiries or assist with any problems.
8. Performance Optimization - WP Fastest Cache or WP Rocket
A plugin designed to optimize your website can enhance site speed, leading to a better user experience and potentially higher SEO rankings.
WP Fastest Cache – Considering the capabilities of the free version, it should suffice for a personalized beginner’s blog.
WP Rocket – It requires payment, but it’s a fully functional plugin that can handle almost everything you need. If your budget allows, it’s worth considering.
9. cookie - CookieYes
For WordPress sites, managing cookies and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) is crucial.
Utilizing CookieYes plugins can aid in ensuring compliance with regulations, particularly if your website’s visitors are mostly from the EU, where it becomes even more crucial.
10. Social Media Share - Social Sharing Plugin – Social Warfare
Social Warfare is a popular WordPress plugin known for its lightweight code that doesn’t slow down your website and its highly customizable, aesthetically pleasing share buttons for a wide variety of social networks.
11. Article Use - Easy Table of Contents
Easy Table of Contents can divide a long article into sections and including a table of contents allows readers to initially check the article’s content through the table of contents outline, enhancing the reading experience.
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