Choose the Best WordPress Plugins for a Safe, Reliable Website
Plugins are like apps for your WordPress website. They allow you to add features and functionalities without needing to write custom code. Whether you want to create a contact form, improve your site’s SEO, create a custom WordPress dashboard, or set up an online store, there’s likely a plugin for it.
But, with thousands of options available, not all plugins are created equal. Installing the wrong one can lead to performance issues, security vulnerabilities, or compatibility conflicts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose a safe and reliable plugin for your WordPress site.
Why Plugin Quality Matters
WordPress plugins that aren’t a good fit for your site, or that ignore best practices for safety, leave your website vulnerable to cyber attacks and cause website performance issues. You’ll end up with slow load times, design elements that refuse to load and work correctly, and a site that’s open to hackers.
If you don’t know how to choose high-quality plugins for WordPress sites, you could end up botching the customer experience, creating a slow, unreliable site. That’s a blow to your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts and could turn away website visitors.
But the wrong plugins could cost you more than traffic and search engine rankings – they could ruin your company’s reputation. Data breaches are costly, both in monetary terms and in reputational damage. You’ll spend time and money trying to correct the website damage, and potentially years restoring clients’ faith in your website.
Most Popular WordPress Plugin Types
There’s a plugin for practically everything! My clients usually want plugins for the following tasks:
Whatever your plugin needs, you’ll want to read the 8 tips below to ensure the one you’re installing is a good fit.
WordPress CMS is not a plugin
Just a quick aside to clear up a common misconception – the WordPress CMS is not a plugin. It’s the cleverly-designed “content management system” that lets you edit and arrange your WordPress site in just a few clicks without writing any code.
How to Choose a Safe, Reliable Plugin for Your WordPress Website
Whether you want a WordPress SEO plugin to help customers find you online or a Google analytics tool that helps you analyze site traffic, you want a plugin that’s safe and functional. These tips will help you get it.
1. Define Your Needs
Before searching for a plugin, identify the specific functionality you’re looking for. Whether it’s a contact form, an SEO plugin that writes meta descriptions, or eCommerce integration, having a clear goal will help you narrow your options and avoid unnecessary plugins that can bloat your website. Likely, you’ll need several plugins. Write your wish-list before you start your research into plugin providers, and then keep an eye out for plugins that can solve more than one of your needs.
2. Check the Plugin’s Ratings and Reviews
One of the quickest ways to gauge a plugin’s reliability is by checking its ratings and reviews on the WordPress plugin repository. Look for popular WordPress plugins with a high number of positive ratings and read the reviews to see what other users have to say about their experiences. Pay attention to comments about bugs, support, and compatibility – those reviews will tell you whether the plugin’s truly a good fit for you and your website.
3. Verify Compatibility and Updates
Ensure that the plugin is compatible with your version of WordPress and other installed plugins. Check the plugin’s update history to confirm that it’s actively maintained. A regularly updated plugin is more likely to be secure and compatible with the latest WordPress features.
4. Research the Developer
Reputable developers are more likely to create secure and well-supported plugins. Look into the developer’s history, other plugins they’ve created, and their responsiveness to user feedback. A trusted developer – like Yoast SEO or WP Rocket – will often have a professional website and a history of contributing to the WordPress user community.
5. Test the Plugin in a Staging Environment
Before installing a new plugin on your live site, test it in a staging environment. This allows you to check for any conflicts, performance issues, or unexpected behavior without risking your live site’s functionality.
6. Read the Documentation and Support Forums
Thorough documentation is a good indicator of a reliable plugin. It shows that the developer is committed to helping users understand and utilize their product. Additionally, browse the plugin’s support forums to see if the developer responds to user inquiries and resolves issues in a timely manner.
7. Beware of Plugins from Unverified Sources
Only download plugins from the official WordPress plugin repository or trusted marketplaces. Avoid free plugins offered on unverified websites, as they may contain malicious code or outdated files. If you’re on a very tight budget and “free” is the only plugin price that fits, look for a less expensive or free version of a verified, reputable WordPress plugin. You don’t have to spring for the premium version to get a good plugin experience from a reputable provider.
7. Monitor Plugin Performance
After installing a plugin, monitor its impact on your site’s performance. Tools like Query Monitor or GTmetrix can help you identify if the plugin is causing slowdowns. If a plugin significantly impacts load times, consider alternative solutions.
The Hassle-free Way to Get the Best WordPress SEO Plugins, eCommerce Plugins, and More
A little effort upfront can save you from potential headaches and keep your site running smoothly. Thoroughly research, test, and monitor any new plugin additions to your site.
But if you want to know for sure that your WordPress plugins are safe, reliable, and have been installed correctly, call me! I’ll help you choose essential plugins for WordPress that suit your needs, maintain stellar site speeds, never compromise your security, and play nicely with search engines.
I’m here to help with all of your WordPress questions, from choosing gorgeous WordPress themes to installing plugins that make your life oh-so-much easier. If you’re ready to offload your WordPress worries, let’s talk.