Plugins are a great way to add functionality to a website. Most WordPressers have a list of preferred plugins they use. Can’t Speak Geek has their own list. I try to take the minimal approach to plugins. If one can have more features that I will use I tend to go with the multi-taskers instead of the uni-taskers.
Can’t Speak Geek’s Top 10 Plugin List for 2015
- iThemes Security: This is the first plugin that goes on every site that I build, maintain, or consult on right after the install is complete. Depending on your needs I personally choose the Pro version but the free version is great to. I enjoy the added features of Pro but have used the free version on many sites. Security is crucial to a website. One can take the measures now or pay to have a site cleaned later. I once wrote a review about iThemes Security. You can find it here.
- Akismet: This little jewel comes with the core files when you install WordPress. If you plan on letting your readers leave comments, Akismet is a great tool to aid against spam comments. Plus it is built by Automattic so there is an added comfort there.
- BackupBuddy: One of the very few plugins I do pay for. BackupBuddy from iThemes makes a backup of my website and my database of every single one of my websites and sends it to my Amazon storage vault every single day. I will always have a backup of my website if the server breaks or my site gets hacked. BackupBuddy is very inexpensive for peace of mind every night.
- Jetpack by WordPress.com: My absolute favorite all in one plugin. Jetpack is the mother of multi-tasked plugins. I use the Monitor, Publicize, Sharing, Contact Forms, and much more of Jetpack’s awesome features. Earlier I wrote a review on how much I love Jetpack. You can find it here.
- WP Optimize: No one likes a messy database. WP Optimize runs once a week to take off all post revisions, spam comments, transient feeds, and other unnecessary garbage off my database. I set the schedule when I downloaded it and now it runs on its own.
- Genesis Simple Edits: When it comes to themes, I am a Genesis girl. I heart them. What I do not heart is a login button at the bottom of my website, but I only code when I have to. Genesis Simple Edits gives me the freedom to make adjustments to the footer and entry meta. Great plugin and easy to use with no coding needed.
- iThemes Sync: Rounding off my iThemes plugins is Sync. This beauty has been a great timesaver for updating plugins and core. It also has an option to unlock users who have been blocked with iThemes Security. Best part is that it is free for up to 10 WordPress websites.
- WordPress SEO: Content is king and SEO is the master. WordPress SEO by Yoast is the best plugin ever for content creation that is SEO friendly.
- All In One Favicon: This is another “I do not want to code so there is a plugin for that” type of plugins. I know how to make a favicon but this is just easier. The plugin has a picture uploader. Once a picture is uploaded, viola it is a favicon.
- Canva: Instead of paying for graphics, I make my own. Canva gives me the opportunity to make simple graphics in the WordPress dashboard. It is a great plugin for when I am writing a post quickly and do not want to hunt or make a very detailed graphic. It is very easy to use. They do have some premium stock pictures you can use that are $1 but it is not necessary to use them.
I know everyone has their own idea of what are their favorite plugins. Talking to others about what they use is how I found about half of these that I use now every day. What plugins do you use? What is your number one plugin?
Disclaimer: All views made in this post are viewpoints of the author. No plugin companies or authors had any influence in the writing of this post. If you still have questions, please contact the webmaster.
Michele is the Head Geek at Can't Speak Geek. During the day she works for Thrive Agency as their WordPress Technical Support Specialist. She is also a beginners and advanced WordPress instructor and travels the globe sharing her love of WordPress. When not on the computer Michele enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. Sometimes she takes the time off to read a great book.
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