17 Essential WordPress Plugins for Your Website
WordPress is already a powerful platform for building websites. However, plugins can make it even better. They add extra features like image galleries, SEO tools, and email marketing. With the right plugins, your site can perform better and attract more visitors.
If you’re unsure which plugins to choose, Progressive Robot can help. Our WordPress Hosting customers get a handpicked list of the best plugins. Our hosting packages also include pre-installed themes, easy editing tools, and step-by-step guidance. This means anyone can build a website—no coding experience needed!
So, which plugins should beginners use? Keep reading to learn what plugins are, how to install them, and our top 17 essential plugins for your site.
What Are WordPress Plugins?
A WordPress plugin is a piece of code that adds new features to your site. Some plugins improve existing functions, while others add completely new tools.
Plugins help you customize your website in many ways. They can add contact forms, speed up loading times, or even turn your site into an online store. Whether you need small tweaks or big changes, there’s a plugin for almost everything.
Best of all, most plugins are easy to install and use. You don’t need to be a tech expert to benefit from them.
Are WordPress Plugins Free?
Many WordPress plugins are free. In fact, there are over 58,000 free plugins available. Some free plugins also offer paid upgrades with extra features.
Premium (paid) plugins are sold on third-party websites. These plugins often provide advanced tools for businesses. You can upload them directly to your WordPress dashboard.
How to Install WordPress Plugins
Installing plugins is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Search for the plugin you want.
- Click Install and then Activate.
- Configure the settings to fit your needs.
That’s it! Now, let’s explore the 17 best WordPress plugins for your site.
1. WooCommerce
Want to sell products online? WooCommerce is the best eCommerce plugin for WordPress. It’s free, easy to use, and works perfectly with WordPress.
With WooCommerce, you can create product pages, shopping carts, and secure checkouts. It supports payments like PayPal, Google Pay, and credit cards. You can even manage your store from your phone using the WooCommerce app.
This plugin turns any website into a fully functional online store. Whether you sell physical goods, digital downloads, or memberships, WooCommerce has you covered.
2. Yoast SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your site rank higher on Google. Yoast SEO makes SEO easy—even for beginners.
Yoast checks your content for keywords, readability, and meta descriptions. It also improves site speed and creates XML sitemaps. Whenever Google updates its algorithm, Yoast adjusts to keep your site optimized.
With Yoast, you’ll get real-time suggestions to improve your content. This means more traffic and better search rankings.
3. Elementor
Designing a website should be easy. Elementor is a drag-and-drop builder that lets you create stunning pages without coding.
You can customize layouts, add animations, and insert videos or maps. Elementor works with most WordPress themes, so you can design freely.
Whether you need a landing page, blog, or online store, Elementor helps you build it quickly.
4. Envira Gallery
If you want to showcase images beautifully, Envira Gallery is the best choice. It’s a drag-and-drop plugin for creating photo galleries.
Envira is mobile-friendly, SEO-optimized, and fast-loading. You can even sell photos directly if you use WooCommerce.
Simply upload your images, arrange them, and publish—no coding required.
5. Jetpack
Jetpack is an all-in-one plugin for security, speed, and growth. It includes:
- Backups & malware scans
- Site stats & analytics
- SEO tools & contact forms
- Social sharing buttons
Jetpack also protects your site from hackers and spam. With so many features, it’s a must-have for any WordPress site.
6. WPForms
Need a contact form? WPForms is the easiest form builder for WordPress.
It offers pre-made templates, spam protection, and email notifications. You can create surveys, payment forms, or registration forms in minutes.
WPForms also works with PayPal and Stripe, making it perfect for businesses.
7. Akismet
Spam comments can ruin your site. Akismet automatically blocks spam before it appears.
It filters fake comments and flags suspicious ones for review. With Akismet, your site stays clean and professional.
8. OptinMonster
Turn visitors into customers with OptinMonster. This plugin creates pop-ups, coupon wheels, and email sign-up forms.
You can set triggers (like exit-intent pop-ups) to boost conversions. OptinMonster helps grow your email list and increase sales.
9. WPCode
Need to add code snippets? WPCode lets you insert code without breaking your site.
It supports JavaScript, PHP, HTML, and CSS. You can add tracking codes, custom scripts, or analytics easily.
10. Redirection
Broken links hurt SEO. Redirection fixes 404 errors by redirecting visitors to the right pages.
It also tracks broken links and creates automatic redirects when you change URLs.
11. All in One SEO
Another great SEO plugin is All in One SEO. It optimizes your content, generates sitemaps, and connects to Google Search Console.
It even suggests internal links to improve rankings.
12. Constant Contact
Email marketing is key for business growth. Constant Contact helps you build email lists and send newsletters.
It integrates with WPForms and OptinMonster, making lead generation seamless.
13. SeedProd
Want custom landing pages? SeedProd is a drag-and-drop builder with ready-made templates.
No coding needed—just design and publish!
14. MonsterInsights
Connect your site to Google Analytics with MonsterInsights. It shows traffic reports right in your WordPress dashboard.
Track conversions, user behavior, and sales effortlessly.
15. WP Rocket
Speed up your site with WP Rocket. This caching plugin improves loading times with lazy loading, minification, and GZIP compression.
Faster sites rank higher and keep visitors engaged.
16. Uncanny Automator
Automate tasks with Uncanny Automator. It connects plugins and apps to save time.
For example, automatically email customers when they purchase.
17. Pretty Links Pro
Manage affiliate links easily with Pretty Links Pro. Shorten links, track clicks, and add QR codes.
Perfect for affiliate marketers!
Final Thoughts
These 17 essential plugins will make your WordPress site faster, safer, and more powerful.
With Progressive Robot’s WordPress Hosting, you get one-click plugin setup and 24/7 support. Start building your dream website today!
