What WordPress plugins are must-haves for blogs?

Review
1

I just launched a WordPress blog as part of an ed-tech platform. I installed Yoast SEO to start, but I’m curious about other plugins that might help the blog succeed. Could you share your recommendations and explain why you think they’re useful? I’d love to hear your insights.

Edit: A lot of you suggested Rank Math, so I’ll give it a shot.

2

For me, the top plugins are:

  1. AIOSEO – Switched to this from Yoast, and it’s been a great move.
  2. UpdraftPlus – Best backup tool I’ve used.
  3. Wordfence – Excellent for site security.

These are the essentials in my setup.

3

@Koa
Thanks so much for sharing these. I’ll definitely check them out.

4

Kieran said:
@Koa
Thanks so much for sharing these. I’ll definitely check them out.

We built Minty (www.getminty.co) to make structured data for SEO easier. Would love for you to try it out!

5

Kieran said:
@Koa
Thanks so much for sharing these. I’ll definitely check them out.

You’re welcome! Let me know how it goes.

6

@Koa
Could you share more plugins you use? I’d like to learn from your experience.

7

@Koa
What’s the best AIOSEO plan for someone managing a single site? Is the free version enough?

8

Lee said:
@Koa
What’s the best AIOSEO plan for someone managing a single site? Is the free version enough?

If you’re running a single site and just need basic SEO, the free version should work fine. The paid plans are good if you need extra tools, but it depends on your goals.

9

@Koa
Thanks, that’s super helpful. I’m just trying to boost visibility for my freelance work.

10

Lee said:
@Koa
Thanks, that’s super helpful. I’m just trying to boost visibility for my freelance work.

Then stick with the free plan for now. Also, check out Alignable—it’s great for connecting with local businesses.

11

I recommend:

  • Rankie
  • Rank Math
  • SSL Pro

Avoid plugins like Jetpack or Yoast unless you’re committed to using them long-term. They can leave unnecessary code in your database.

12

Kade said:
I recommend:

  • Rankie
  • Rank Math
  • SSL Pro

Avoid plugins like Jetpack or Yoast unless you’re committed to using them long-term. They can leave unnecessary code in your database.

Got it, and thanks for the heads-up about Jetpack and Yoast. Could you explain why you like Rank Math?

13

Keep plugins to a minimum. It helps with speed and reduces conflicts.

14

Wei said:
Keep plugins to a minimum. It helps with speed and reduces conflicts.

Couldn’t agree more.

15

Wei said:
Keep plugins to a minimum. It helps with speed and reduces conflicts.

Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. Any must-haves for a blog?

16

Kieran said:

Wei said:
Keep plugins to a minimum. It helps with speed and reduces conflicts.

Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. Any must-haves for a blog?

At least a security plugin and caching tool. If your hosting doesn’t include a CDN, consider adding one too.

17

Here’s my plugin setup:

For building sites:

  • Astra Pro or Neve Pro with Elementor Pro

For backups:

  • WP All-in-One Migration or BlogVault

For security:

  • MalCare or Virusdie

For speed:

  • WP-Optimize or SiteGround Optimizer

For SEO:

  • Squirrly SEO or SEOPress

For forms:

  • WP Fluent Forms

Everything works well together with no compatibility issues.

18

@Dare
You seem to know a lot about plugins. Would you mind reviewing Minty? It’s great for structured data.

19

Jace said:
@Dare
You seem to know a lot about plugins. Would you mind reviewing Minty? It’s great for structured data.

Thanks for the offer, but I’m swamped at the moment. Maybe another time!

20

@Dare
I love ShortPixel for image optimization. Have you tried it?