Jalen
21
The ones I install first:
- All-In-One WP Migration
- Akismet
- Contact Form 7
- Kadence Blocks or Stackable (depends on the theme)
- LiteSpeed Cache (pre-installed with my host)
I also have small custom plugins to limit login attempts, filter CF7 spam, and add meta descriptions to posts.
Zhen
22
@Jalen
All-In-One WP Migration has saved me so many times. Absolute must-have!
Sawyer
24
I try to keep plugins to a minimum. Here’s what I always use:
- CPT plugin (ACF, Metabox, etc.)
- Remote backup plugin (Duplicator Pro, Updraft)
- Security plugin (Wordfence, SG Security)
- History logging plugin (Simple History)
- SEO plugin with redirection (Rank Math)
For forms, WS Form is my go-to. Best support I’ve seen.
Hadley
25
Here’s what I use the most:
- WP Rocket
- Modula (for simple galleries)
- WP Forms
- FileBird
- Classic Editor
- Wordfence (free is enough)
- reSmush.it (or any image optimizer)
Marley
26
No such thing as ‘essential plugins.’ What you need depends on the project. That said, here’s my usual setup:
- Compilanz
- The SEO Framework
- Post SMTP
- Forminator
- GenerateBlocks
- Pods
- Duplicator