Once you’ve installed WordPress, it’s essential to equip your blog with the right plugins to enhance its functionality and optimize its performance.

While there are numerous plugins available, here are seven must-have options that will help you streamline your blog and improve the user experience.

1. Classic Editor

The Classic Editor plugin is a popular choice for those who prefer the traditional WordPress editor interface.

With the introduction of the Gutenberg editor, some users found it challenging to adapt to the new block-based editing system. Classic Editor allows you to switch back to the familiar interface, making it easier to create and edit your blog posts.

2. Classic Widgets

Similar to the Classic Editor, Classic Widgets plugin restores the previous widget management system.

If you prefer the simplicity of the old widget interface and find the new block-based widget editor confusing, Classic Widgets is the solution. It helps you retain control over your sidebar and widget areas, allowing you to customize and manage them effortlessly.

3. Custom Related Posts

Keeping your readers engaged and encouraging them to explore more of your content is crucial.

The Custom Related Posts plugin helps you achieve this by displaying related posts at the end of each article. By showcasing relevant content, you can increase page views and reduce bounce rates, ultimately improving the overall user experience.

4. Post Views Counter

Understanding which blog posts are most popular among your audience is essential for optimizing your content strategy.

The Post Views Counter plugin tracks the number of views for each post, providing you with valuable insights into your readers’ preferences. By analyzing this data, you can identify trends, create more engaging content, and tailor your blog to better meet your audience’s needs.

5. Rich Table of Contents

Long-form articles can be challenging to navigate, especially for readers who are looking for specific information.

The Rich Table of Contents plugin automatically generates a table of contents based on the headings in your blog posts. This feature allows readers to jump directly to the section they’re interested in, improving the overall user experience and making your content more accessible.

6. XML Sitemap Generator

An XML sitemap is a crucial component of your blog’s SEO strategy.

It helps search engines understand the structure and content of your site, improving its visibility in search results. The XML Sitemap Generator plugin automatically generates and updates your sitemap, ensuring that search engines can easily discover and index your blog’s pages.

7. Site Kit by Google

Site Kit by Google is a comprehensive plugin that integrates various Google services into your WordPress dashboard.

It provides you with valuable insights from Google Analytics, Search Console, AdSense, and PageSpeed Insights, all in one place. With Site Kit, you can monitor your blog’s performance, track key metrics, and make data-driven decisions to enhance your site’s visibility and user experience.

Use What you Like

While the above plugins cover essential functionalities, it’s worth noting that every blog has unique requirements.

If you feel the need for additional features or functionality, there are numerous other plugins available in the WordPress plugin repository.

However, it’s essential to carefully evaluate each plugin before installing it to ensure it aligns with your blog’s goals and doesn’t negatively impact performance or security.

Conclusion

Remember, installing too many plugins can slow down your site and increase the risk of conflicts or security vulnerabilities.

Regularly review and uninstall any plugins that are no longer necessary or don’t meet your expectations.

By carefully selecting and managing your plugins, you can create a powerful and efficient WordPress blog that delivers an exceptional user experience.