Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced web developer, you know that there are thousands (currently over 40,000) of WordPress plugins to choose from for your website(s). It can be overwhelming for anyone. How do you know what plugins are essential for your website? First, you need to understand that plugins are an important factor for your website; they enhance the performance of your website. With plugins you are able to add different features and functionalities to your website.
You can think of plugins as spices that you might include with your homemade Italian dinner. Without some of the essential spices, your meal may taste bland and boring. Spices give your food flavor. It makes eating much more enjoyable too.
Today, we wanted to share our top 10 WordPress plugins that we include in all of our websites. We understand that your list may differ from ours, which is totally fine! Everyone has different approaches. Also, please note that this list does not include every plugin we have ever used, just our most commonly used plugins.
So without further ado…
Our Top 10 WordPress Plugins
1. Yoast SEO
About Yoast SEO: This plugin is used to improve your SEO by providing you a template for your content for all your pages. Features include: content analysis functionality, titles, meta descriptions, breadcrumbs and XML maps. It is used to increase your website visibility on the web.
Download Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-seo/
More information: https://yoast.com/wordpress/plugins/seo/
Price: Free
2. TinyMCE Advanced
About TinyMCE Advanced: This is a plugin that activates the WYSIWYG editor. You are able to do things such as change formatting, add images or links, insert tables, and create lists.
Download Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/tinymce-advanced/
More information: http://www.tinymce.com/wiki.php/Advanced
Price: Free
3. Gravity Forms
About Gravity: This plugin allows you to quickly and easily create web forms. With this plugin, you can create unlimited forms and receive unlimited entries. You can create simple contact forms or make multi-page forms. You also can integrate easily with web applications such as PayPal or Freshbooks.
Download Plugin: http://www.gravityforms.com/
Price: Developer license: $199/year; Business License $99/year; Personal License $39/year
Gravity also allows you to try a free demo version before you make the decision to purchase.
4. Admin Menu Editor Pro
About Admin Menu Editor Pro: This plugin allows you to customize your menu for you and your clients. If you have non-tech savvy clients, you have the option to hide any unneeded or confusing menu tabs. Think of this plugin as a way to protect your site from those that might accidentally delete an important part of your website. You control what your clients can do in WordPress.
Download Plugin: http://adminmenueditor.com/
Price: Personal $19; Freelancer $29; Business $59
5. Redirection
About Redirection: The Redirection plugin helps manage 301 redirects and 404 errors. If you are migrating to a new site, it makes directing those pages from the old site much easier.
Download Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/redirection/
More information: http://urbangiraffe.com/plugins/redirection/
Price: Free
6. W3 Total Cache
About W3 Total Cache: How long do you wait for a website to load before you give up and go elsewhere? Today, you can’t afford to let the speed of your website influence visitors. W3 Total Cache helps improve the speed and performance of your overall website. You can set up pages, browser caching, compress certain pages for a faster download speed, and provide content delivery network integration.
Download Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/w3-total-cache/
More information: https://www.w3-edge.com/products/w3-total-cache/
Price: Free
7. Advanced Custom Fields
About Advanced Custom Fields: This plugin allows more flexibility with your website. You are able to visually generate specific fields for your website. Custom field types could include text, WYSIWYG, checkbox, repeater field, photo gallery or radio buttons.
Download Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/advanced-custom-fields/
More information: http://www.advancedcustomfields.com/
Price: Free
8. WooCommerce
About WooCommerce: The WooCommerce plugin allows you to sell anything online. WooCommerce comes with PayPal but also accepts credit cards, BACS, and cash. You also can ship your products wherever and include your own shipping rates. The best part is you can control how your store looks.
Download Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/woocommerce/
More Information: http://www.woothemes.com/woocommerce/
Price: Free
9. WordPress HTTPS 
About WordPress HTTPS: This plugin manages websites with SSL. Don’t be alarmed that the plugin has not been updated in awhile, it still functions just fine.
Download Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-https/
Price: Free
10. Wordfence
About Wordfence Security: A plugin that protects your website against hackers, cyber attacks, and security threats. Some of the features on Wordfence include: scanning bad URLs, show real-time traffic hackers, IP address tracker, repairs files, and enforces strong passwords.
Download Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordfence/
More information: https://www.wordfence.com/
Price: Free but also has a premium option for $39/year
Did one of your favorite WordPress plugins not make our list? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.
