So you’re either starting to build your WordPress website for your business. Or you’re looking to optimize your website further and you want to figure out which plugins to add.
But WordPress has what feels like millions of plugins, so which ones do you pick?
In this post, I will be sharing 9 free plugins you can use on your WordPress website.
1. WordFence Security – To keep your website secure
Even if you have a new website that either has little or no traffic, somebody out there will try to hack it anyway.
When I built my first website I felt like nobody would gain anything from hacking my website. But I still found that there were people from different parts of the world trying to hack it anyway.
So when you’re starting out, it’s important that one of your first plugins is a security plugin like WordFence Security.
2. Elementor – Helps you design a beautiful website
Elementor is one of the most popular plugins to use to build your website, without having to know any code.
Even on the free version, you can build a beautiful and professional website that allows you to stand out online.
3. Yoast SEO – Optimizes your SEO
One of the best ways to direct organic traffic to your website is by using SEO (search engine optimization).
Even if you’re not an SEO expert, adding the Yoast SEO plugin will enable you to have website content that is SEO-friendly.
4. UpdraftPlus Backup/Restore – Makes Backups of your website in case the worst happens
There might be moments when you might try to do something on your website, that will leave you with a website page that is either broken or isn’t working properly.
This is why having a plugin like Updraft Plus is helpful. It will create backups of your website in case something goes wrong and you need to restore a previous version of your website.
5. W3 Total Cache and EWWW Image Optimizer – Makes your website faster
The speed of your website affects two things:
- How your website visitor feels about your website
- Your conversion rate
If your website takes too long to load, it can lead to fewer people staying on your website. And lower conversion rates.
Having a plugin that makes your website faster is important. In this case, I’ll be sharing two plugins.
The first one is W3 Total Cache, which makes your website load faster. And EWWW Image Optimizer which optimizes your images, for website speed.
6. Smash Balloon Instagram Feed – Displays your Instagram feed
If your business is on Instagram, then sharing your Instagram feed on your website to direct some of your website visitors to your Instagram profile is a great idea.
The Smash Balloon Instagram Feed plugin is a plugin you can use to do just that.
7. Essential Addons for Elementor -To customize your website further
If you are using the free version of Elementor, then adding the Essential Addons for Elementor plugin will give you more features that you will not find on Elementor’s free version.
Something to be aware of…
Some of these plugins will require you to follow a few steps to set them up. So I recommend going through any tutorials or documents that get shared when you activate the plugin.
I’ve had moments in the past where a plugin caused problems after installing it. Then I would realize it was because when I activated it, I didn’t set it up properly.
So if you have any issues, the problem might not be the plugin, but it might be that it was not set up properly.
Are you passionate about making an impact through your business, and you know you need to build your online presence, but the idea of building your website and brand feels overwhelming? I’ve got you. Click here to learn more about the website and brand services that I offer and how I can help.