7 Of The Best WordPress Plugins To Boost Your Blog’s Performance
Hey, blogger! If you’re like me, you love finding the best WordPress plugins to add to your toolkit.
Whether it’s a plugin that makes your website faster or one that helps you manage your content better, there’s nothing quite like finding the perfect plugin to get the job done. Am I right, or am I right?
I will share my FAVORITE picks for seven of the best WordPress plugins that are FREE and that I personally use and love. So whether you’re just starting with WordPress or have been using it for years, check out these plugins and see how they can help make your website work better for you.
Let’s dive in!
First, What Is A WordPress Plugin?
Feel free to skip this part if you already know what a WordPress plugin is, but if you don’t, here is the low down…
Think of a WordPress plugin as software that “plugs into” your WordPress site.
Plugins may add or extend your site’s functionality, allowing you to create virtually any website, from e-commerce stores to portfolios to directory sites.
Basically, your blog is your oyster when it comes to plugins. 🙂
Some common features that plugins provide include:
- Adding custom fields, post types, menus, and widgets
- Automating tasks like backups and security scans
- Enhancing the search engine optimization (SEO) of your site
- Integrating with social media networks
To install a plugin, download it from the WordPress Plugin Directory.
To find this directory, scroll down your user “Dashboard” to “Plugins.” Select “Add New” from there to find and add a plugin.
Now that you know what a WordPress plugin is, let’s dive into the “meat and potatoes” of this post.
7 Of The Best WordPress Plugins To Use
The plugins I’m about ready to share make blogging life easier, keep things organized and create a better user experience for my readers.
Without further ado, here are seven of the best WordPress plugins to add to your toolkit.
1. Alt Text AI
What It Is
Imagine having your images speak volumes to search engines and visually impaired users alike. That’s where the Alt Text AI WordPress plugin steps in. It’s like your image’s personal storyteller, automatically generating descriptive and relevant alt text for your visuals.
Whether it’s a stunning photograph or an illustrative infographic, this plugin transforms your images into discoverable content, boosting your SEO while ensuring accessibility for everyone.
With Alt Text AI, you’re not just adding text to images – you’re giving them a voice that resonates across the digital world.
Why I Use It
Alt Text AI has become my secret weapon for creating an inclusive, SEO-friendly online presence. As a content creator, it’s essential to ensure your visuals are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
This plugin takes the guesswork out of writing alt text, saving me time and guaranteeing accuracy. It’s like having a virtual assistant dedicated to crafting descriptions that captivate search engines and cater to those who rely on screen readers.
With Alt Text AI, I’m improving my website’s SEO and ensuring that my content is available to a broader audience, making my online presence more impactful.
2. EmbedPress
What It Is
It’s like a magic wand for embedding media into your WordPress posts. Whether it’s YouTube videos, Twitter tweets, pins from Pinterest, or even Google Maps, EmbedPress has your back.
Say goodbye to complex codes and hello to a world of hassle-free media embedding. It’s like having a personal assistant for your content.
Why I Use It
I used to spend so much time figuring out how to embed stuff smoothly on my blog.
Then came EmbedPress, and it made my life EASIER. No more copying and pasting confusing embed codes that never seemed to work right.
With EmbedPress, it’s as simple as uploading a pdf or pasting a link and watching the magic happen. It’s transformed how I present content, making it engaging and interactive without the headache. If you’re all about saving time and adding that extra oomph to your posts, I’d totally recommend adding EmbedPress to your plugin toolkit.
3. Kiwi Social Sharing Plugin
What It Is
Kiwi is a social media sharing plugin that allows you to share your content on popular social networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. The plugin also includes a built-in library with custom icons for each social media platform.
Why I Use It
I downloaded and deleted several social sharing plugins before finding Kiwi. I gravitated towards this plugin because of its ease of use AND the variety of things you can link to for FREE to share your content.
It has all the popular social media platforms besides Instagram and TikTok, as shown in the screenshot below.
4. Link Whisper
What It Is
Link Whisper is a plugin that helps you add internal links to your articles. It’s powered by AI (artificial intelligence), suggesting links based on your writing content.
This can help keep your site organized and provide readers with more information about related topics.
Why I Use It
I heard about this plugin from blogging expert Miles Beckler, on YouTube. He talked about how Link Whisper is helpful if you have A LOT of content. It takes the “guesswork” out of what internal links to add to your post. More importantly, it’s a time saver (which is why I love it).
Thanks, Miles!
5. LuckyWP Table of Contents
What It Is
Have you read a blog post and scrolled to the “meat and potatoes” to save time? That’s the glorious thing about having a table of contents.
The LuckyWP Table of Contents plugin creates an SEO-friendly experience for your posts, pages, or custom post types. It has a customizable appearance, so you can match your website’s look and feel.
Why I Use It
A table of contents is an added perk for readers to find the information they need easily, creating a better user experience. 🙂
The image below is an example of what one of my blog posts, “Ultimate Guide On How To Add Links To WordPress,” table of contents looks like.
6. Updraft Plus
What It Is
UpdraftPlus is a plugin to help save your website from server crashes, hacks, security flaws, lousy plugin or theme updates, and insecure web hosts. It’s an essential plugin to have installed on your website to ensure it is safe and secure. Plus, you can schedule automatic website backups, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Back everything into the Cloud to your choice of Dropbox, Google Drive, OpenStack Swift, Email, and more. The paid version allows you to back up your data to more platforms like Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Storage, Backblaze B2, SFTP, SCP, and WebDAV.
Why I Use It
If my site crashes or gets hacked, I have peace of mind knowing this plugin is installed!
7. Yoast SEO
What It Is
The Yoast SEO WordPress plugin is like having your own personal SEO guide right in your WordPress dashboard. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants their website to shine in search results!
Yoast takes the complexity out of optimizing your content for search engines. From analyzing your keyword usage to suggesting improvements in readability and structure, it’s your go-to tool for ensuring your content is discoverable and user-friendly.
With Yoast, you’ll never have to stress about the nitty-gritty of SEO – it’s like having an SEO-savvy buddy cheering you on as you create content that stands out.
Why I Use It
As someone deeply passionate about creating valuable content, Yoast SEO has become my trusty sidekick. It’s like having an SEO expert whispering helpful hints in my ear while I write.
The plugin’s real-time analysis and easy-to-understand recommendations ensure I’m ticking all the SEO boxes without losing my authentic voice. Its ability to preview how my content will appear in search results gives me a sneak peek into what my audience will see.
From optimizing meta tags to guiding me on internal linking, Yoast has elevated my content game. It’s not just a plugin but a strategic companion that helps me confidently navigate the ever-changing world of SEO.
FAQ
What is the most used plugin in WordPress?
The most used and widely acclaimed plugin for WordPress is none other than “Yoast SEO.” It’s a game-changer for optimizing your content, improving search engine visibility, and enhancing your site’s overall performance.
What plugins should I have on WordPress?
While it depends on your blog’s specific needs, a few essential plugins every blogger should consider are:
- Yoast SEO for search engine optimization.
- Akismet for protecting your site from spam.
- Jetpack for security, performance, and site management.
- UpdraftPlus for automated backups.
- Social sharing plugins like Social Warfare or Kiwi for boosting your content’s reach.
What is the top 10 plugin in WordPress?
The top 10 plugins can vary based on trends and needs, but as of now, some popular choices include:
- Yoast SEO (boost website performance in search engines)
- WooCommerce (e-commerce)
- Jetpack (page speed)
- Akismet (spam protection)
- UpdraftPlus (backup, restore, and migrate WordPress websites)
- Contact Form 7 (forms)
- Elementor (page building)
- WP Super Cache (caching)
- Wordfence (security)
- Smush (image optimization)
Which plugin is best for WordPress performance?
“WP Super Cache” is a top choice to boost your site’s performance. It helps by creating static versions of your pages, reducing server load, and speeding up your site’s loading time. It’s a must-have for a snappy user experience.
How many plugins are too many for a WordPress site?
Think quality over quantity! While there’s no strict rule, keeping your plugin count between 20 to 30 is generally recommended. Too many plugins can slow down your site and potentially lead to conflicts. Always choose reliable, well-maintained plugins and regularly audit your list to remove unnecessary ones.
To Wrap It Up
So there you have it! My top 7 favorite WordPress plugins, all of which are free and easy to use.
- Alt Text AI
- EmbedPress
- Kiwi Social Sharing
- Link Whisper
- LuckyWP Table of Contents
- UpdraftPlus
- Yoast SEO
Whether you’re just starting with WordPress or have been using it for years, I hope you’ll check out at least one of these plugins to see how it can help make your website work better for you.
Until the next post, wishing you much blogging success!
With Gratitude,
Linds
What are some of the best WordPress plugins you love? I’m always looking for new and helpful plugins! Let me know in the comments below!
Thank You
You made my day being here today; thank you!
Was this post helpful? If so, please give it a share (that would make my day EVEN more).
And if you don’t want to forget it, pin it!📌😊
About The Author
Linds is the proud mom of two little miracles, Mono Mono twin girls, and one AMAZING older brother! She is the founder and content creator of Mono Mono Twins, Intensive Therapy for Kids, and Co-Founder of The LENN Foundation, a 510c3 that helps children with cerebral palsy receive grants for intensive therapies to thrive. ♥
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. I only recommend deals or items I love because you might like them too! With my affiliate relationships, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting Mono Mono Twins!
English