5 “Must Have” Plugins for your WordPress Website

So, you’ve set up your website and are now wondering: What’s next?

Our answer? Plugins.

If you don’t know what a plugin is, then we’re happy to tell you! A plugin is a software component installed onto WordPress that adds specific features to the site. Plugins are used to enhance the functionality of your site and can improve a visitor’s experience. These little bits of software aren’t limited to certain functions. In fact, the functions of plugins can range from providing an interactive map of the world to a simple contact form. It’s probably obvious as to why web developers recommend using them.

However, since there are a lot of plugins, we want to share which ones we think are worth your time. Pull out that notebook, it’s time to take some notes on what plugins you should definitely install on your WordPress website!

Number 1: Yoast SEO

There are certainly other SEO plugins that you can use, but the team at Digital Link are rather fond of Yoast SEO. With Yoast SEO, you enter a keyphrase or keyword that you’d like your post or page to rank for in search results, and the plugin will inform you whether the keywords have been featured enough (or too much). The plugin also analyzes the readability of your posts. If there are any minor issues, you’ll receive an orange mildly unhappy smiley face. If your smiley is looking red and angry, then there are some major issues you need to address.

Number 2: Akismet

Akismet is the leading defender against spam. Unfortunately, spam is prevalent when it comes to websites. If you happen to have a blog, chances are you’ll end up with some unwanted comments. While spam can be annoying to you, it can actually hurt your site’s credibility. With Akismet, you can protect your site against pesky spam bots. The plugin filters out comment spam for you, so that you don’t have to deal with it yourself!

Number 3: Elementor

Just in case you’re not the most tech-savvy, despite having a website, we’re suggesting you install Elementor. Even those who are capable of navigating WordPress, Elementor can make it a lot easier. Elementor is a WordPress page builder. It allows you to control every aspect of the website’s design and can make setting up your website a lot faster. Not only does the plugin have 24/7 support (if you’re using Elementor Pro), but you have access to video tutorials to help guide you. In our opinion, once you start using Elementor, you’ll never want to go back.

Number 4: Social Warfare

If you’re looking to connect with followers of your website, then maybe it’s time to set up a social sharing plugin. Social Warfare is an easy to use, share plugin that you are able to control. Social media is important when it comes to driving traffic to your website. Sometimes, when social media is used incorrectly, it can actually work against you. With Social Warfare, you are able to control the way people share your website content. You can do so by using custom images, titles, and even descriptions – preventing visitors from taking your content out of context. Another pro to using this plugin? It’s incredibly fast. That means this plugin won’t slow down your site.

Number 5: WooCommerce

If you run a business that is oriented around selling a specific product, then WooCommerce is a plugin that you’ll want to utilize. WooCommerce was created in 2008 by three WordPress enthusiasts (Mark, Mag, and Adii) and is an open-source, customizable eCommerce platform. On it, you are able to sell physical products, content, and digital downloads to subscriptions.  Unlike some other eCommerce plugins, WooCommerce has been kept simple so that users can add the options they specifically want!

That wraps up our five favourite WordPress plugins! Let us know what plugins you have on your website and which one you think is the best.