WordPress Plugins That I Use
Installing WordPress plugins is one thing that every self-hosted WordPress blogger should know how to do.
Technically, WordPress offers three ways to install WordPress plugins on your blog:
1 – Search and install
2 – Upload and install
3 – FTP
For now, we are going to focus on the Search and Install because that’s the easiest way. When you are more advanced, you can Google what you need to know.
How to Install A Plugin
If you know the name of the plugin, you can directly search from the dashboard and install it. It’s a little like installing an app on your phone.
Simply log into your blog’s dashboard and click on Plugins > Add New. Then type your search term into the search box on the top right.
You can click on “More Details” to see more information about any plugin. Make sure you check that the plugin is compatible with your current version of WordPress.
Also, be sure to read the documentation before installing any new plugin. And it can be very helpful to read the reviews to see if this plugin is working for other people.
To install, simply click on “Install Now” and then “Activate Plugin” on the next page.
After you’ve activated the plugin, you may be given an opportunity to configure the plugin. Every one is different, but look at the settings and see if there’s anything you need to change.
You can see a list of all your installed plugins by clicking on Plugins in the left column. You can also see which are active, and you can Activate or Deactivate them here.
So let’s look at some of the plugins I suggest for your blog.
There are so many to choose from, so let’s just look at the basics of what I feel I need and what will get you started.
Akismet Anti-Spam
This protects you from receiving Spam from your website. Note, you will need to register, and you can get the program for Free. When it asks you what you’re willing to spend, move the slider over to $0, or whatever you’re willing to pay for the app.
Better Search Replace
A simple plugin to update URLs or other text in a database. Makes it easy to update your entire website quickly when Avon changes something.
Broken Link Checker
This will save you lots of time. As your website grows and changes, sometimes you break a link or something. This will check your site at set intervals and let you know if there’s a problem so you can fix it.
Elementor Page Builder
With an instant, live design and inline editing drag-and-drop Editor, you can create your website while seeing exactly how it would look.
You can do a lot with the free version, or get the Pro Version for even more.
Grow Social Pro by Mediavine
The best social sharing plugin for your WordPress website and the only social sharing plugin you will ever need.
Imagify
Imagify is the best WordPress image optimizer.
Compresses and reduces image size so that your page will load quickly.
MailMunch – Grow Your Email List
MailMunch’s plugin stands out for its simplicity and ease of use. Once it is live on your website, you can start growing your email list by deploying opt-in forms that are built to maximize conversions.
Pretty Links
This is a cool little app that you can use to create shortened URLs. For instance, you can create a website link like YourWebsite.com/join-avon and it will automatically forward to your very long Avon signup link.
In case you need it, that link looks like this: https://www.avon.com/becomearep?rep=lynnhuber (Be sure to change out the lynnhuber with your Avon website name).
Site Kit by Google
Site Kit is the official WordPress plugin from Google for insights about how people find and use your site.
UpdraftPlus – Backup/Restore
UpdraftPlus simplifies backups and restoration. It is the world’s highest-ranking and most popular scheduled backup plugin, with over three million currently-active installs.
Back up your files and database backups into the cloud and restore with a single click!
Wordfence Security
Unfortunately, these days security is critical to your website.
There are malicious people out there who will try to get in and take control.
Wordfence includes an endpoint firewall and malware scanner that was built from the ground up to protect WordPress. Wordfence is the most comprehensive WordPress security solution available.
I am currently using the Free Version and it is meeting my needs. But I may upgrade when necessary.
WPForms – Contact Form by WPForms
This allows you to add a form to your website, such as a Contact Me form, or a Request Brochure form. When someone fills out the form, the results will be emailed to you.
Yoast SEO
There are more – lots more! But this will get you started.
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EXPECT Success!
By Lynn Huber
