Most of my clients know, I may be a bit of a nerd when it comes to websites. Especially when it comes to WordPress website plugins. Having a WordPress website means you have the capability to install any of the hundreds of thousands of plugins available online. With both paid for and free plugins, you can find a WordPress website plugin for almost anything. However, I have a few free plugins that I always use or recommend to my clients. In this blog post I’m going to run through them and explain how they may be useful to you and your business website.
1. Yoast – Improve on-page SEO easily
Yoast SEO is a popular plugin for the WordPress content management system that helps website owners optimise their content for search engines.
It offers a suite of tools and features designed to make search engine optimisation (SEO) easier and more effective. Yoast SEO provides users with a step-by-step process for optimising their content, including suggestions for improving keyword usage, readability, and content structure. (If you’ve used it already, you’ll know of the traffic light system that turns into a green smiley face once you’ve optimised your page!)
Additionally, it includes tools for tracking and improving the website’s technical SEO, such as its XML sitemap, meta tags, and more. Yoast SEO is great for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of features, which make it an essential tool for website owners looking to improve their online visibility and attract more organic traffic.
Their is a paid Pro add-on for this plugin, but that isn’t necessary unless your diving deep into your on-page SEO. I’d recommend optimising your site with the free plugin first.
2. Trustindex.io – Display your Google Reviews
Trustindex.io is a WordPress website plugin that allows businesses display their Google reviews on their website. It’s a great tool for businesses looking to showcase their reputation and build trust with potential customers.
Trustindex.io provides a simple and easy-to-use interface to manage and display Google reviews on a website. All you need to do is set up an account with them and connect your review directories. That can include anything from Google Reviews, Trustpilot to Yell.
The plugin allows businesses to showcase their reviews in a professional and visually appealing way, which can help attract new customers and build brand credibility. With Trustindex.io, businesses can take control of their online reputation and highlight the positive feedback they’ve received from satisfied customers.
3. Smash Balloon – Display your social feeds on your WordPress website
Smash Balloon is a popular WordPress website plugin that enables businesses to display their social media feeds on their website. It’s a great tool for businesses looking to showcase their social media presence and engage with their followers in new and dynamic ways.
I always recommend this to my clients if they are often posting on socials. As this means your website content is ever evolving, just by you posting to your social accounts.
Smash Balloon provides an easy-to-use interface for businesses to create stunning and customizable social media feeds that can be displayed on their website, all from their WordPress dashboard. With Smash Balloon, businesses can display their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media feeds in a visually appealing way, which can help increase engagement and build a stronger online presence.
The platform is a great way for businesses to promote their brand, showcase their products and services, and keep their audience informed and up-to-date with their latest posts and updates.
4. All-In-One Migration – Make hardcopy backups of your website
All-In-One Migration is a powerful tool that allows WordPress website owners to make hardcopy backups of their website. This tool is designed to simplify the process of creating website backups and make it easier to transfer website data from one location to another.
The hardcopy backups created by All-In-One Migration can be stored locally or on remote servers, providing an extra layer of protection and security for website data. Making hardcopy backups of your website is extremely useful for a variety of reasons.
For instance, it allows website owners to easily restore their website in case of data loss, such as due to a server failure or hacking attack. Hardcopy backups also allow for seamless migrations and website transfers, making it easier to switch hosting providers or move a website to a new domain.
I always recommend doing a hard copy backup before updating your WordPress websites plugins or themes, in case anything breaks the site. Overall, All-In-One Migration and the ability to make hardcopy backups of your website is a must-have tool for anyone looking to protect their valuable website data and ensure that their online presence is secure and accessible.
Want to add these WordPress website plugins to your site and need some help?
Need a hand getting one of these plugins added to your WordPress website? Or want to discuss other ways you can use plugins to improve the way your website works, either for you or for your visitors? I would love to have a chat to see how I can help you. Get in touch or book in a meeting here and let’s see how I can help!
