Summary
Highlights
Reno introduces the topic of 7 essential WordPress plugins he installs on all websites, noting a reduction from his previous list of 10 due to increased plugin functionality. He also mentions two bonus plugins he uses depending on the project.
The first essential plugin is Admin & Site Enhancements. This plugin combines several functionalities previously requiring separate plugins, such as content duplication and media replacement. It also allows for customization of the WordPress admin interface by disabling elements like admin bar items and dashboard widgets for a cleaner look.
Reno always installs the Classic Editor to avoid the Gutenberg editor, which he finds less intuitive for standard text and image content. He notes that for pages and templates, he uses a page builder, and for blog posts, clients typically only require simple text and images, making the Classic Editor sufficient.
Independent Analytics is recommended as a GDPR-compliant alternative to Google Analytics, especially for EU users. It provides a simple overview of visitors and views directly on the dashboard, with more detailed information available within the plugin's dashboard. It's preferred for clients who don't specifically request Google Analytics.
ManageWP Worker is crucial for connecting websites to the ManageWP dashboard, allowing for easy logins, free monthly backups, and automated plugin and WordPress updates. It streamlines website management, especially for those managing multiple sites.
Elementor and Elementor Pro remain Reno's page builder of choice. Despite new competitors, Elementor is still considered the leading page builder, noted for its strong integration with Crocoblock. Elementor Pro is almost always installed due to project requirements that exceed the free version's capabilities.
Solid Security is Reno's preferred security plugin, chosen over Wordfence for its lighter performance. He emphasizes that hosting quality is more critical for security than a plugin, recommending reputable hosting providers like SiteGround or Hostinger. The free version of Solid Security is usually sufficient as primary security should be handled at the hosting level.
LiteSpeed Cache is Reno's current speed optimization plugin of choice. He stresses that such plugins are add-ons, not solutions for poorly built websites. Efficient website development and quality hosting are paramount for speed. If the hosting company uses LiteSpeed technology (e.g., Hostinger), this plugin works best. For other hosts like SiteGround, their native optimizer is recommended.
Reno explains why he no longer uses image optimization plugins, preferring to optimize images externally using tools like image.io or bulkresizephotos.com before uploading to WordPress. Similarly, SEO plugins like Rank Math or Yoast SEO are not on his default list, as he offers SEO optimization as a separate service for clients who specifically request it.
Reno discusses two bonus plugins. ACF (Advanced Custom Fields) is used for custom fields and now includes custom post types. He compares it to Crocoblock's JetEngine, a more affordable alternative with a lifetime deal that offers similar functionality. The second bonus is a customizer plugin like White Label CMS, used to brand the WordPress admin area for clients, but only installed when necessary to keep the website clean.