WordPress Plugins Every Website Needs

Powering a quarter of the world’s websites, WordPress is a hugely popular site construction tool and content management system. Its customisable templates are complemented with over 50,000 plugins – individual snippets of code performing specific or unique functions.

Here are ten WordPress plugins that every website could benefit from:

1.     Jetpack. One of the best known WordPress plugins, Jetpack was created by WordPress’s own developers. Handling everything from image optimisation to advertising, it incorporates many attributes that can enhance WordPress sites.
2.     WPForms. WPForms offers considerably more than just contact forms. It supports forms for email subscriptions, orders and payments. A free Lite version complements the paid-for Pro edition.
3.     Yoast SEO. Using a simple traffic light system, this ingenious keyword-focused plugin allows SEO rookies to optimise sites for search engines with feedback on readability, keyword usage and XML sitemaps.
4.     SEMRush. Unlike other analytics packages, SEMRush’s WordPress plugins monitor rival websites. Data is available on keyword ranking, organic traffic and paid SEO campaigns, offering vital insights into the activities of rivals.
5.     SumoMe. Closer to home, SumoMe monitors numerous aspects of a site’s activity and performance. These include mouse-click heatmaps, page scroll monitoring and social sharing, as well as signup messages and pop-ups.
6.     W3 Total Cache. Page loading times affect SEO, so caching is highly recommended. W3 slashes loading times, reducing demands on servers and boosting a site’s position in ranking results.
7.     Google Maps WD. One of the most responsive WordPress plugins places Google’s powerful maps at your site’s disposal. Add unique layers and overlays, introduce bespoke markers, or simply provide detailed maps so customers can find you.
8.     BackupBuddy. In this age of ransomware and data theft, BackupBuddy’s simple duplication of site data is invaluable. A few clicks can protect against hacks, crashes, accidental deletions and malware.
9.     Wordfence Security. Taking security one step further, WordFence offers a battery of site protections. These include a firewall application, 2FA login security and malware scans, plus real-time traffic monitoring.
10.  MailChimp. Every good website requires a degree of marketing and promotion. Despite its frivolous sounding name, MailChimp is a highly sophisticated tool for adding subscription forms, distributing emails and monitoring results.