If you're running a WordPress based website, you will be familiar with the concept of WordPress plugins. A WordPress plugin is a piece of software containing a group of PHP code that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. Here at Social Media Manager Ireland, we use a selection of plugins both on our site and websites that we develop for clients.
It should be noted we are no way associated with any of these products, nor will we receive any payment for the recommendations.
WordPress Plugins We Recommend
1. Yoast SEO
Originating out of Holland, Yoast SEO is the class leader when it comes to SEO plugins to help your website. Yoast operates with a free and premium version (€79+vat). In our opinion, the free version is more than enough for small websites our blogs.
The free version of the Yoast SEO WordPress plugin enables you to optimise for a single keyword or phrase on your page or blog post. The plugin also lets you view how your page will look in the Google search results. A full comparison of the versions is available here.
2. WP Fastest Cache
WP Fastest Cache is a WordPress plugin with many talents, not only does it cache your website it also allows you to make some simple technical changes to help your site load faster. Once again it operates both free and premium versions ($49). When you buy the premium version, you can compress images and perform database management tasks. As before the free version will suffice for most small websites our blogs.
3. Builder Beaver
Beaver Builder, in our opinion, is the best site builder out there. With its simple to use interface and it's a multitude of templates, it is a must if you want the freedom to build a site as you want it. Beaver Builder pricing for their premium version ranges between $99 and $399. Yes, it is worth the money.
4. Wordfence
With website security being of paramount importance to an owner (configuring HTTPS being the first step), Wordfence is a must to prevent hackers. Wordfence includes an endpoint firewall and malware scanner. It's Threat Defense Feed arms Wordfence with the newest firewall rules, malware signatures and malicious IP addresses it needs to keep your website safe. Wordfence is the most comprehensive security option available. While the free version will be adequate for most sites, the premium version starts at $99 per year.
5. FormCraft
Formcraft is one of the lesser-known but comprehensive form building plugins. You can use Formcraft to build everything from simple contact forms to surveys, and it even integrates with Stripe for payment forms. Formcraft comes in a free version with limited functionality to a premium version at a very reasonable $36.
Do you have a preferred set of WordPress plugins? Let us know below in the comments. Check out these other ways to improve your website.
UPDATED 28/07/2020 - Go check out Google's new web stories for WordPress plugin while you're here.
