Here are the best WordPress plugins for a new website. I make sure I always install these no matter what project I’m working on. No WordPress site should ever be without these plugins!
If you’re not sure where to start with plugins, you should install the ones listed below. If your site needs to perform specific actions, then you will install more plugins than I have listed here, but you should still start with these as your foundation.
All of these plugins are completely free and are available in the built-in WordPress plugin directory in the Dashboard. You can upgrade to the premium/paid versions of these plugins, but you should be able to start out with the free plugins.
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This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you click on those links and make a purchase. I only recommend products I use myself and have a positive experience with. Contact me if you have any questions.
How to Add New Plugins
Incase you need help installing new plugins, here’s how you do it:
Login to the WordPress Dashboard and go to Plugins -> Add New:
Once you’re on the “Add New” page, you’ll see a search bar where you can search for these plugins by name. From there, either click “Install” next to the plugin you want to install, or click the plugin’s title for more details. After the plugin in installed, navigate to Plugins -> Installed Plugins:
Find the plugin you installed in the list provided, then click “Activate” next to that plugin.
If you have any problems getting plugins installed, leave a comment below. Now for the list of plugins…
Best WordPress Plugins
- Wordfence Security – the BEST in WP Security
- Google Analytics for WordPress by MonsterInsights – requires Google Analytics account
- Yoast SEO – helps you create optimized searchable content
- UpdraftPlus – Backup & Restore for WP done well
Honorable Mentions
Jetpack (developed by Automattic) – I usually disable most of Jetpack’s modules, because this plugin overlaps a lot with Wordfence. I’m generally not interested in most of Jetpack’s functionality. However, I do use the Sharing feature to “Automatically share your posts to social networks.”
Web Hosting
I should also mention that I use and highly recommend SiteGround for web hosting. Here’s a review where I go into detail on why I recommend SiteGround. What’s more, they have a plugin that helps with caching and optimizing performance on their hosting platform: SiteGround Optimizer
Final Thoughts
Be careful installing plugins. You don’t want to install plugins you don’t need, and furthermore, you don’t want massive plugins that could slow down your site. At first, stick to the list provided above. Next, look for plugins that do specific things to cover any functionality you still need on your site. Finally, I’m happy to provide help or advice wherever I can. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact me or leave a comment below. Ask questions, and let me know which plugins you think should be on this list.
Additionally, check out my post on the 3 Tools to Get Your Online Business Off the Ground.
Reader Mentions
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By WebToffee
Leave a comment below and let me know which plugins you think are the best!
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