The Anatomy of 8 Great WordPress Plugins

Eev Hastings
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1.2K Views
Jul 15, 2022

The self-hosted, free content management system WordPress was created with bloggers in mind. The appropriate set of plugins may improve the performance and the user experience of your WordPress website, whether it is just intended for blogging or is simply one part of a larger, more sophisticated site. With a variety of plugins that improve the functionality of blogs, ranging from tiny personal websites to the corporate blogs of major businesses, WordPress continues to help bloggers.

WordPress is a collection of core code that includes all the components needed for a standard website. One of those components is a content editor with possibilities for personalizing the website using a range of swappable themes. Plugins, which are standalone bits of code, may be added to your WordPress site to provide a range of particular features.

What Types of Plugins Do Bloggers Require?

Both plugins that add features intended for blogging and those that improve the performance, security, malware detection, and searchability of your site are required for your self-hosted WordPress blog site.

WordPress users and third-party designers from all around the world have generated over 54,000 plugins. The sheer number of options offered in practically every area might be overwhelming, and some plugins aren't reliable tools. They may fail to work with your WordPress version, damage particular elements of your site, or even introduce malware and jeopardize your WordPress security.

The plugins you choose to install will depend on the specific needs of your website, but they all need to work with the same version of WordPress. The best plugins also have a significant track record of user downloads, five-star ratings, and at least some user support. Some are publicly accessible via the WordPress Plugin Directory, while others are provided in free and premium versions by independent developers with extra features and support.

Here are eight of the greatest plugins for blogs of various types.

1. Really Simple SSL

Sites without an SSL certificate are now marked by Google as "not secure." With only one click, the free plugin Really Simple SSL may change your website from "http" to "https," which is safe. The plugin handles redirection, refreshes URLs automatically, and provides security. For Really Simple SSL to be installed and used, you must have a free SSL certificate, which is often offered by your server.

2. Google Analytics Dashboard

The best tool for monitoring website data is Google Analytics, and this plugin provides the whole feature set of Google Analytics directly on your WordPress dashboard. You can monitor traffic and clicks, obtain information on visitor behavior, and do more without ever leaving your website. Download and install this free plugin from the WordPress Plugin Directory.

3. Yoast SEO

Building brand recognition requires careful consideration of SEO. One plugin, Yoast SEO, takes care of everything. Based on the keywords you enter, Yoast evaluates the searchability of every section of your website. This all-inclusive plugin automatically assigns a "grade" to your material based on its searchability and marks sections that need work. Download Yoast for free from the WordPress Plugin Directory, or upgrade for extra features.

4. WordFence Security

The security of any website must be guarded against threats like hackers. Malware detection is made simpler by WordFence, a complete security plugin for WordPress sites that are self-hosted. The plugin offers firewall protection with a number of security measures, as well as virus and malware prevention. Additionally, WordFence monitors traffic in real-time and notifies users through email when serious security issues arise.

5. Akismet

The most widely used WordPress plugin for spam comment filtering is Akismet. Akismet, which was developed by the same people behind WordPress, monitors all comments and gives users the option to accept or prohibit certain commentators. For personal websites, Akismet is free; commercial and professional bloggers can purchase premium services.

6. Contact Form 7

Building a following and community for a blog requires contact forms. A form builder, Contact Form 7 also offers the optional Google reCAPTCHA and Akismet spam filter. It is freely downloadable from WordPress.org.

7. WP Smush

Large picture files might take up storage space and slow down your site, but WP Smush Images makes blogs more attractive. With the help of the free WordPress plugin WP Smush, users may quickly load photos in a number of different formats by compressing them. The Plugin Directory offers both free and paid versions of it.

8. Jetpack

Originally developed for the hosted WordPress website WordPress.com, Jetpack is a strong plugin. The Jetpack plugin has a multitude of features for SEO, site analytics, social media sharing, and other uses. Options for social sharing can be enabled or disabled by users, who can then customize them to suit their requirements. The WordPress Plugin Directory offers Jetpack without charge.

Conclusion

Bloggers and other content providers were considered while WordPress was being developed. The finest WordPress plugins for blogs and many more from third-party developers can help you add the features you want for your blog's aesthetic and functionality.