7 Wordpress Plugins I install on all websites (2024)

Summary

In this video, web designer Reno shares his top seven essential WordPress plugins for smooth website operation, including admin and site enhancements, the classic editor, independent analytics, manage WP worker, Elementor Pro, and solid security. He also discusses the importance of proper website development and hosting for speed optimization, and mentions bonus plugins like ACF for custom fields and White Label CMS for branding. Reno emphasizes the value of efficient website building and the role of hosting in website speed.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Reno, a web designer and no-code developer, shares his top seven plugins for enhancing website functionality and performance.
• 🔧 'Admin and Site Enhancements' is a new plugin that consolidates many previous plugins, providing features like content duplication and media replacement.
• ✂️ 'Classic Editor' is still a must-install for Reno to avoid the Gutenberg editor, which he finds less user-friendly for page and template creation.
• 📊 'Independent Analytics' offers a GDPR-compliant alternative to Google Analytics, providing a simple dashboard for tracking website traffic.
• 🛡️ 'ManageWP Worker' allows Reno to manage multiple websites from one dashboard, facilitating easy login, backups, and plugin updates.
• 🏗️ 'Elementor' and 'Elementor Pro' remain Reno's preferred page builders, offering extensive customization options for most projects.
• 🔒 'Solid Security' is Reno's choice for website security, providing a lighter alternative to other plugins like Wordfence.
• 🚀 'LiteSpeed Cache' is Reno's go-to caching plugin, especially when used with hosting services that utilize LiteSpeed technology.
• 🖼️ Reno no longer uses image optimizer plugins, opting to optimize images outside of WordPress for better control and performance.
• 🌐 SEO plugins are not included in Reno's list as he now offers SEO as a separate service, focusing on custom solutions for clients who request it.

Q & A

Why does Reno recommend installing the 'Admin and Site Enhancements' plugin?

Reno recommends the 'Admin and Site Enhancements' plugin because it combines the functionalities of many plugins he used before. It offers features like content duplication, media replacement, and the ability to customize the WordPress admin interface by disabling items from the admin bar and dashboard widgets.

What is Reno's stance on the Gutenberg editor and why does he install the 'Classic Editor' plugin?

Reno prefers the 'Classic Editor' plugin over the Gutenberg editor because he finds the Gutenberg editor stressful due to its block-based interface. He prefers the traditional input fields and installs this plugin to maintain a familiar editing experience, especially for clients who only need simple text and images for their blog posts.

Why is 'Independent Analytics' a good alternative to Google Analytics for some of Reno's clients?

Reno suggests 'Independent Analytics' as an alternative to Google Analytics because it is GDPR compliant, which is beneficial for EU members. It provides a simple dashboard overview of visitor statistics without requiring an account setup and integration like Google Analytics.

How does the 'ManageWP Worker' plugin help Reno manage his websites?

The 'ManageWP Worker' plugin allows Reno to easily log into any website, perform backups, and schedule automatic plugin and WordPress updates. It also offers features like sending reports to clients and managing multiple websites from one dashboard.

Why does Reno consider Elementor and Elementor Pro as his page builder of choice?

Reno prefers Elementor and Elementor Pro because they offer robust integration with his workflow, including the use of Crocoblock. Despite competition, Elementor remains his top choice for page building due to its features and the Pro version's additional functionalities that are often required for his projects.

What is Reno's opinion on the importance of hosting in website security and performance?

Reno believes that a good hosting company is crucial for website security and performance. He suggests that most security issues can be prevented by the hosting company itself rather than relying solely on security plugins. He also emphasizes the importance of investing in quality hosting for faster website performance, mentioning the benefits of CDN offered by larger hosting companies.

Why did Reno switch from using a security plugin like Wordfence to 'Solid Security'?

Reno switched to 'Solid Security' because he finds Wordfence too bloated and slow. He prefers a lighter plugin that still provides effective security without slowing down the website. He also mentions that 'Solid Security' was formerly known as 'iThemes' and has improved in appearance and functionality after a rebrand.

What is Reno's advice on website speed optimization and why did he choose 'LiteSpeed Cache' as his caching plugin?

Reno advises that website speed optimization should not rely solely on plugins but should be built into the website's development. He chose 'LiteSpeed Cache' because it is made by the same company that provides the LiteSpeed technology used by his hosting company, Hostinger, ensuring better compatibility and performance.

Why does Reno no longer use an image optimizer plugin and what does he recommend instead?

Reno no longer uses an image optimizer plugin because he optimizes images outside of WordPress using tools like img2go.com or bulkresizephotos.com. He recommends these tools for resizing and compressing images before uploading to WordPress to maintain smaller file sizes and improve website performance.

What is Reno's approach to SEO plugins and why are they not in his default list of plugins to install?

Reno offers SEO as a separate service and only installs SEO plugins like Rank Math SEO or Yoast SEO if a client specifically requests it. He does not include them in his default list because he prefers to focus on teaching efficient website building practices that inherently improve SEO, rather than relying on plugins.