Must-have plugins for WordPress… what do you always install

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.

@Jalen
All-In-One WP Migration has saved me so many times. Absolute must-have!

  • ASE
  • Wordfence
  • ACF (or JetEngine)
  • Yoast SEO
  • I also create a custom plugin for functions and styles instead of using functions.php.

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.

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)

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