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Let’s be honest — picking the right SEO plugin for WordPress can feel like trying to choose between identical twins. They all promise to boost your rankings, optimize your content, and make Google fall in love with your site. But which ones deliver? We’ve spent hours testing and comparing the top contenders so you don’t have to.
\n\n\n\nWhile there are dozens of SEO plugins available, choosing the right one comes down to your specific needs, technical comfort level, and budget. Don\u2019t forget: SEO is about useful, firsthand content \u2013 not a plugin. If John Wick were an SEO plugin, he\u2019d still need you to deliver great content!
\n\n\n\nJust a reminder not to exhaust yourself with AI tweaks, expensive plugins, or blackhat voodoo. The bedrock of great SEO hasn\u2019t changed: get yourself in front of people who don\u2019t know your name.
\n\n\n\nSearch engines, at their core, are answering machines. You ask a question, and they answer. Even AI is really just answering questions. Answering machines aim to connect people with the most relevant, useful content that solves their problems.
\n\n\n\nWhile technical optimization of your website matters, and a good plugin can help, nothing beats high-quality, well-structured content.
\n\n\n\nThe real heart of SEO is how to create the best answer to a question. No plugin can replace great content.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cStop trying to outsmart search algorithms. Focus on creating content that serves your audience\u2019s needs.\u201d
\nRocket.net – How to Rediscover SEO and Recover Organic Website Traffic
After testing a dozen different SEO plugins, these five stood out for their reliability, feature sets, and actual impact on search rankings. But before we dive deep, let’s address the elephant in the room — yes, Rank Math tops our list in 2025, but the competition is closer than ever.
\n\n\n\nIf Yoast is the preferred choice on the market, we feel RankMath is the most comprehensive solution for most websites. Their free version offers features that others lock behind premium paywalls. We even use it here at Rocket.net because of its reliability and robust feature set.
\n\n\n\nIf RankMath retired, Yoast would be King. There\u2019s a reason Yoast is active on over 13 million WordPress sites. While some argue it’s gotten bloated, our testing shows it’s still a good solution for most websites. Plus, it updates every few weeks, ensuring it may stay ahead of Google\u2019s algorithm changes.
\n\n\n\nDon’t let its age fool you \u2013 All-in-One SEO has kept pace with modern SEO requirements while maintaining its reputation for reliability.
\n\n\n\nFor those who prioritize site speed and clean code, SEOPress offers a compelling alternative to the bigger names.
\n\n\n\nWhile it might not have the name recognition of Yoast or RankMath, The SEO Framework delivers enterprise-level features without the bloat.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the right SEO plugin isn’t about picking the one with the most features – it’s about finding the right fit for your specific needs.
\n\n\n\nYou’re looking for more features in the free version and don’t mind a slightly steeper learning curve for access to advanced capabilities.
\n\n\n\nYou want a proven solution with excellent documentation and support. It’s particularly good for content-focused sites and beginners who appreciate clear guidance.
\n\n\n\nYou need strong eCommerce integration or are migrating from another platform. It’s also excellent for social media optimization.
\n\n\n\nSite performance is a top priority, or you need white-label solutions for client sites.
\n\n\n\nYou want a lightweight, focused solution that doesn’t compromise on features.
\n\n\n\nWhile all these plugins can help improve your WordPress site’s SEO, the “best” choice depends entirely on your specific needs and technical comfort level. Our recommendation? Start with Yoast SEO if you’re new to SEO or jump straight to Rank Math if you want more advanced features without the premium price tag.
\n\n\n\nWordPress provides basic SEO features like custom permalinks, meta descriptions, and alt text, so a plugin isn\u2019t strictly necessary. However, if you\u2019re looking to enhance your site\u2019s optimization and maximize its potential, an SEO plugin can make a big difference.
\n\n\n\nSetting up your website content and your SEO plugin is just the first step. We offer managed WordPress hosting that’s optimized for SEO performance right out of the box. Our servers are configured to deliver lightning-fast page loads — a critical factor in search rankings. Speed matters!
\n\n\n\nLaunching a new website isn\u2019t easy. Getting the word out about your new website? We\u2019ve got 8 effective SEO strategies for new websites to help. Check them out!
\n\n\n\nGrow your business with lightning-fast, secure, and optimized websites that are easy to set up & manage. Top-tier agencies and online businesses choose Rocket.net as their trusted managed WordPress hosting provider \u2013 why shouldn\u2019t you, too?
\n\n\n\n\n",
"content_text": "Let’s be honest — picking the right SEO plugin for WordPress can feel like trying to choose between identical twins. They all promise to boost your rankings, optimize your content, and make Google fall in love with your site. But which ones deliver? We’ve spent hours testing and comparing the top contenders so you don’t have to.\n\n\n\nTL;DR Key Takeaways\n\n\n\nWhile there are dozens of SEO plugins available, choosing the right one comes down to your specific needs, technical comfort level, and budget. Don\u2019t forget: SEO is about useful, firsthand content \u2013 not a plugin. If John Wick were an SEO plugin, he\u2019d still need you to deliver great content!\n\n\n\nChoose Rank Math if:\n\n\n\n\nYou want more features in the free version.\n\n\n\nNeed integrated schema markup options.\n\n\n\nWant a more technical, faster-performing plugin.\n\n\n\n\nChoose Yoast SEO if:\n\n\n\n\nYou want a popular solution with the most comprehensive features.\n\n\n\nNeed both basic and advanced SEO tools.\n\n\n\nPrefer an intuitive interface with clear recommendations.\n\n\n\n\nChoose All-in-One SEO if:\n\n\n\n\nYou’re migrating from another platform.\n\n\n\nNeed strong WooCommerce integration.\n\n\n\nWant comprehensive social media optimization.\n\n\n\n\nChoose SEOPress if:\n\n\n\n\nYou prefer a lightweight, fast-loading option.\n\n\n\nNeed white-label capabilities.\n\n\n\nWant EU-based support.\n\n\n\n\nChoose The SEO Framework if:\n\n\n\n\nYou prioritize site speed.\n\n\n\nWant an uncluttered, focused interface.\n\n\n\nNeed enterprise-level features.\n\n\n\n\nSEO 101: Take the Content, Leave the Plugins\n\n\n\nJust a reminder not to exhaust yourself with AI tweaks, expensive plugins, or blackhat voodoo. The bedrock of great SEO hasn\u2019t changed: get yourself in front of people who don\u2019t know your name.\n\n\n\nSearch engines, at their core, are answering machines. You ask a question, and they answer. Even AI is really just answering questions. Answering machines aim to connect people with the most relevant, useful content that solves their problems.\n\n\n\nWhile technical optimization of your website matters, and a good plugin can help, nothing beats high-quality, well-structured content. \n\n\n\nThe real heart of SEO is how to create the best answer to a question. No plugin can replace great content.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cStop trying to outsmart search algorithms. Focus on creating content that serves your audience\u2019s needs.\u201d\nRocket.net – How to Rediscover SEO and Recover Organic Website Traffic\n\n\n\nWhy These 5 WordPress SEO Plugins Made Our List\n\n\n\nAfter testing a dozen different SEO plugins, these five stood out for their reliability, feature sets, and actual impact on search rankings. But before we dive deep, let’s address the elephant in the room — yes, Rank Math tops our list in 2025, but the competition is closer than ever.\n\n\n\nRankMath: The King of WordPress SEO\n\n\n\nIf Yoast is the preferred choice on the market, we feel RankMath is the most comprehensive solution for most websites. Their free version offers features that others lock behind premium paywalls. We even use it here at Rocket.net because of its reliability and robust feature set.\n\n\n\nKey Features:\n\n\n\n\n40-factor SEO analysis for in-depth site optimization\n\n\n\nGoogle Search Console integration for real-time data\n\n\n\nBuilt-in 404 monitoring and redirection\n\n\n\nAdvanced schema options in the free version\n\n\n\nGreat dashboard with .htaccess and robots.txt at your fingertips\n\n\n\n\nYoast SEO: The King\u2019s Champion\n\n\n\nIf RankMath retired, Yoast would be King. There\u2019s a reason Yoast is active on over 13 million WordPress sites. While some argue it’s gotten bloated, our testing shows it’s still a good solution for most websites. Plus, it updates every few weeks, ensuring it may stay ahead of Google\u2019s algorithm changes.\n\n\n\nKey Features:\n\n\n\n\nReal-time content analysis with actionable recommendations\n\n\n\nAdvanced schema markup options\n\n\n\nFull control over site breadcrumbs and XML sitemaps\n\n\n\nRobust meta title and description templates\n\n\n\nPerfect entry-level choice!\n\n\n\n\nAll-in-One SEO: The Versatile Veteran\n\n\n\nDon’t let its age fool you \u2013 All-in-One SEO has kept pace with modern SEO requirements while maintaining its reputation for reliability.\n\n\n\nKey Features:\n\n\n\n\nExcellent WooCommerce integration for eCommerce sites\n\n\n\nStrong social media optimization tools\n\n\n\nEasy migration from other SEO plugins\n\n\n\nAdvanced robots.txt editor\n\n\n\n\nSEOPress: The Performance Champion\n\n\n\nFor those who prioritize site speed and clean code, SEOPress offers a compelling alternative to the bigger names.\n\n\n\nKey Features:\n\n\n\n\nMinimal impact on site performance\n\n\n\nRGPD compliance for privacy-focused users\n\n\n\n75+ developer hooks for full customization\n\n\n\nVideo and Google News XML sitemaps built-in\n\n\n\n\nThe SEO Framework: The Hidden Gem\n\n\n\nWhile it might not have the name recognition of Yoast or RankMath, The SEO Framework delivers enterprise-level features without the bloat.\n\n\n\nKey Features:\n\n\n\n\nFastest-loading SEO plugin in our tests\n\n\n\nAI-powered content optimization for better rankings\n\n\n\nAdvanced security features\n\n\n\nLocal SEO capabilities for brick-and-mortar businesses\n\n\n\nOriginated from WPMUDEV, ensuring top-tier development\n\n\n\n\nMaking Your Choice: Which WordPress SEO Plugin Is Right for You?\n\n\n\nChoosing the right SEO plugin isn’t about picking the one with the most features – it’s about finding the right fit for your specific needs.\n\n\n\nGo with RankMath if:\n\n\n\nYou’re looking for more features in the free version and don’t mind a slightly steeper learning curve for access to advanced capabilities.\n\n\n\nConsider Yoast SEO if:\n\n\n\nYou want a proven solution with excellent documentation and support. It’s particularly good for content-focused sites and beginners who appreciate clear guidance.\n\n\n\nChoose All-in-One SEO when:\n\n\n\nYou need strong eCommerce integration or are migrating from another platform. It’s also excellent for social media optimization.\n\n\n\nPick SEOPress if:\n\n\n\nSite performance is a top priority, or you need white-label solutions for client sites.\n\n\n\nSelect The SEO Framework if:\n\n\n\nYou want a lightweight, focused solution that doesn’t compromise on features.\n\n\n\nThe Bottom Line\n\n\n\nWhile all these plugins can help improve your WordPress site’s SEO, the “best” choice depends entirely on your specific needs and technical comfort level. Our recommendation? Start with Yoast SEO if you’re new to SEO or jump straight to Rank Math if you want more advanced features without the premium price tag.\n\n\n\nWordPress provides basic SEO features like custom permalinks, meta descriptions, and alt text, so a plugin isn\u2019t strictly necessary. However, if you\u2019re looking to enhance your site\u2019s optimization and maximize its potential, an SEO plugin can make a big difference.\n\n\n\nNeed More Help With WordPress SEO?\n\n\n\nSetting up your website content and your SEO plugin is just the first step. We offer managed WordPress hosting that’s optimized for SEO performance right out of the box. Our servers are configured to deliver lightning-fast page loads — a critical factor in search rankings. Speed matters!\n\n\n\nLaunching a new website isn\u2019t easy. Getting the word out about your new website? We\u2019ve got 8 effective SEO strategies for new websites to help. Check them out!\n\n\n\nFast & Secure Hosting? Yes, Please!\n\n\n\nGrow your business with lightning-fast, secure, and optimized websites that are easy to set up & manage. Top-tier agencies and online businesses choose Rocket.net as their trusted managed WordPress hosting provider \u2013 why shouldn\u2019t you, too?",
"date_published": "2025-03-05T14:19:19+00:00",
"date_modified": "2025-03-05T14:19:20+00:00",
"authors": [
{
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
}
],
"author": {
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
},
"image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Best-WordPress-SEO-Plugins.png",
"tags": [
"WordPress Plugins"
]
},
{
"id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6480",
"url": "https://rocket.net/blog/picking-the-best-wordpress-theme/",
"title": "Top 5 Considerations For Picking The Best WordPress Theme",
"content_html": "\nChoosing the right WordPress theme from the vast array available can be challenging. What factors should you consider before making a purchase? How can you identify the theme that best aligns with your needs and website goals?
\n\n\n\nWhile your specific requirements will largely dictate your choice \u2013 such as opting for an eCommerce theme over a marketing theme — certain fundamental aspects remain consistent.
\n\n\n\nWordPress is a platform for various websites, including niche blogs, online shops, portfolios, and lifestyle magazines. Each theme is tailored to cater to specific markets, and your selected theme should enhance your website’s content \u2013 not compete with it.
\n\n\n\nYour WordPress theme serves as the public face of your website and greatly influences how users and search engines perceive it. Your theme has a lot to carry on its shoulders. Choose wisely.
\n\n\n\nWith so many amazing free WordPress themes in the WordPress library, they are more than adequate if:
\n\n\n\nThere are also cowboy themes \u2013 nulled themes. Nulled plugins and themes are unauthorized copies of premium WordPress products, often obtained for \u201cfree.\u201d
\n\n\n\nNulled themes pose significant security and ethical issues. You might unknowingly install malware through these nulled products, which can lead to serious problems for your website. Compromised site security, poor performance, and removal from search engine results due to being flagged as unsafe are just a few potential problems you might face.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cGenerally, the core version of a WordPress Plugin (or theme) the freemium model thrives. Meaning, there are more features available for a yearly licensing fee. So, you can download Beaver Builder, fork it for yourself, and use it even commercially. But that doesn\u2019t mean that you or your customers are getting security patches and updates. That\u2019s the security risk for using a nulled plugin\u201d
\nRocket.net – Why Rocket.net Prohibits Nulled WordPress Themes and Plugins
Many free themes offer upgrades for a monthly or one-time fee. That\u2019s one way to go. Another option is to purchase a theme outright from one of the many vendors. Some of the larger vendors for WordPress themes are ThemeForest, Envanto, Elegant Themes, and TemplateMonster.
\n\n\n\nYou should opt for a premium WordPress theme if you
\n\n\n\nThe advantages of purchasing a theme include support, security, and a much-reduced price over a custom-developed theme.
\n\n\n\nThe flipside of purchasing a theme is the chance that someone else\u2019s website may look like yours. It can happen. Neve, a popular theme offering starter packs of ready-made site designs, is active on over 300,000 websites. You do the math.
\n\n\n\nMany WordPress folks develop their own, custom WordPress themes \u2013 which is a pretty good idea for most business websites. Developing a theme costs you either time, which is money, or you need to pay a developer. Either way, it isn\u2019t free. The advantage of a custom theme is complete control and a unique design.
\n\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t developed a theme, but are interested in trying it out, our friends at codeable have a great Step-by-Step Guide to creating a WordPress theme. Check it out!
\n\n\n\nIf you purchase a theme, develop one, or use a free theme, make it your own. Create a unique website experience for yourself and your clients.
\n\n\n\nBefore page builders came along, customizing WordPress themes required in-depth CSS knowledge. Most people had to hire a front-end developer to customize their themes. This changed with the introduction of tools like Visual Composer, Beaver Builder, and Elementor, which offered drag-and-drop interfaces for easy website creation.
\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t forget the fundamental principle: themes are for design; plugins are for functionality. While both are essential, page builders excel at providing design flexibility for those who want to go beyond a theme’s default options. This makes them particularly attractive to small business owners, bloggers, and others seeking to add a personal touch to their websites. However, their misuse can lead to suboptimal user experiences.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cIf you\u2019re a small business owner, and you\u2019d like to customize your website appearance more than what is available with a theme, then a Page Builder is a good option. Well, until a non-designer just starts using elements that make the customer experience poor. But, frankly, that\u2019s another blog post.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Should I Use A WordPress Page Builder or Not?
Given the time-saving benefits, page builders remain a valuable tool even in the era of WordPress Blocks and Full Site Editing. While these native options offer increased flexibility, many users and agencies still find page builders to be more efficient and effective for their needs.
\n\n\n\nBefore deciding to use a page builder, clarify your goals. What do you want users to do when they get to your website, for example. Page builders can simplify website design for those without coding skills, but they may lead to poor user experiences if misused.
\n\n\n\nYour budget is a crucial factor in choosing the right theme. WordPress themes are available across a wide price range. There are also tens of thousands of free options. Premium themes can be quite costly, especially for large eCommerce sites.
\n\n\n\nYour budget will help you decide if you choose a free or a paid theme. Before you start exploring themes, establish a budget. Your selection process should exclude the temptation of choosing an expensive theme solely based on aesthetics.
\n\n\n\nEvery website serves a unique purpose, whether it\u2019s a simple blog, a corporate site, or an eCommerce store. So does your business. Your chosen theme should align with your business goals. A blog theme should prioritize readability and typography. An eCommerce theme should streamline the purchasing process for users.
\n\n\n\nThere are many multipurpose themes, like Elementor, Avada, or Divi. They are highly versatile and frequently updated, but not all multipurpose themes are created equal. Some may slow down your site or lack regular updates, so it’s essential to evaluate them based on all the criteria here.
\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s 2024. The mobile moment happened more than a decade ago. Enough said about mobile websites. However, responsiveness should also be understood as being accessible. An accessible website is even more important than a fast one.
\n\n\n\nYour website should function flawlessly across all major web browsers and contexts. It needs to be accessible.
\n\n\n\nEnsure you choose a theme compatible with popular browsers to provide a consistent user experience. What browser are your customers using? How will they access your site?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWhen websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities can use them. However, currently, many sites and tools are developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or impossible for some people to use.\u201d
\nwww.w3.org
This one is a deal-breaker. Does 200 milliseconds sound fast to you? Speed wins! Starting with fast WordPress hosting, website speed is a critical factor for search engine rankings and UX.\u00a0
\n\n\n\nUsers expect websites to load immediately. Selecting a fast-loading theme – and not cluttering your website with 1 MB images – is imperative. However, many people only realize their theme\u2019s sluggishness after purchase. Conduct some due diligence before making a decision.
\n\n\n\nYou, and your clients, will be using the website. Maybe even logging into the backend. A good theme should offer sufficient customization options to tailor it to your preferences without overwhelming you.
\n\n\n\nToo few options can feel restrictive, while too many can lead to confusion and frustration. Determine in advance which customization features are essential for your needs.
\n\n\n\nThis is a big one, so we saved it for last. WordPress is open-source, meaning themes are created by a wide range of developers. While not all beginner-developed themes are subpar, opting for themes from established developers can help mitigate security and support issues.
\n\n\n\nMost WordPress websites rely on plugins for various functionalities, such as SEO, backups, social sharing, and contact forms. Ensure your chosen theme is compatible with popular plugins (like Yoast, Gravity Forms, and WooCommerce). If you have crucial functionality, ensure that any other plugins that are essential to the website’s purpose are compatible as well.
\n\n\n\nComprehensive documentation is crucial for configuring theme options effectively. Look for themes that provide clear, accessible documentation to save time and avoid errors going forward.
\n\n\n\nEven with good documentation, you may occasionally need assistance. A reliable developer should offer support. Find out how responsive the developer is to inquiries to ensure you have help when needed.
\n\n\n\nWordPress Core frequently updates its software (3-4 times a year) \u2013 plugins can be more often. It\u2019s essential to choose a WordPress theme that keeps pace with frequent Core and plugin updates.
\n\n\n\nInvestigate how often the developer releases updates to address issues and maintain compatibility with the latest WordPress versions.
\n\n\n\nA theme is the overall design style of your website. It sets the foundation for how the site looks and feels. Templates, on the other hand, are specific page layouts within that theme, allowing for customization of individual pages or posts.
\n\n\n\nWith our SiteTemplates feature, you can create pre-configured templates that can be reused across multiple projects. This significantly reduces the time spent on setting up themes and plugins for new websites. Saving time means saving money!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cRather than creating a new site every time and manually installing these plugins and/or themes you work with, you can now do it once with Site Templates and can reuse it over and over again on new installs going forward.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Introducing: Site Templates
By investing in WordPress hosting, you\u2019re equipping yourself with the tools and resources necessary to build a robust, secure, and high-performing online presence. Spend your time captivating and engaging with your audience. Let your hosting take care of the rest!
\n\n\n", "content_text": "Choosing the right WordPress theme from the vast array available can be challenging. What factors should you consider before making a purchase? How can you identify the theme that best aligns with your needs and website goals?\n\n\n\nWhile your specific requirements will largely dictate your choice \u2013 such as opting for an eCommerce theme over a marketing theme — certain fundamental aspects remain consistent.\n\n\n\nWordPress is a platform for various websites, including niche blogs, online shops, portfolios, and lifestyle magazines. Each theme is tailored to cater to specific markets, and your selected theme should enhance your website’s content \u2013 not compete with it.\n\n\n\nYour WordPress theme serves as the public face of your website and greatly influences how users and search engines perceive it. Your theme has a lot to carry on its shoulders. Choose wisely.\n\n\n\nFree Themes vs Paid and Developed Themes\n\n\n\nWordPress is Open Source = Free Themes\n\n\n\nWith so many amazing free WordPress themes in the WordPress library, they are more than adequate if:\n\n\n\n\nyou want to start a personal blog,\n\n\n\nyou don’t mind if your website is very similar to many others,\n\n\n\nyou only need basic functions, and;\n\n\n\nyou can get by with little support.\n\n\n\n\nThere are also cowboy themes \u2013 nulled themes. Nulled plugins and themes are unauthorized copies of premium WordPress products, often obtained for \u201cfree.\u201d \n\n\n\nNulled themes pose significant security and ethical issues. You might unknowingly install malware through these nulled products, which can lead to serious problems for your website. Compromised site security, poor performance, and removal from search engine results due to being flagged as unsafe are just a few potential problems you might face.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cGenerally, the core version of a WordPress Plugin (or theme) the freemium model thrives. Meaning, there are more features available for a yearly licensing fee. So, you can download Beaver Builder, fork it for yourself, and use it even commercially. But that doesn\u2019t mean that you or your customers are getting security patches and updates. That\u2019s the security risk for using a nulled plugin\u201d\nRocket.net – Why Rocket.net Prohibits Nulled WordPress Themes and Plugins\n\n\n\nPurchasing a WordPress Theme\n\n\n\nMany free themes offer upgrades for a monthly or one-time fee. That\u2019s one way to go. Another option is to purchase a theme outright from one of the many vendors. Some of the larger vendors for WordPress themes are ThemeForest, Envanto, Elegant Themes, and TemplateMonster.\n\n\n\nYou should opt for a premium WordPress theme if you\n\n\n\n\nneed a business website,\n\n\n\nwant to expand it in the future to include major functions such as eCommerce,\n\n\n\nwant the website to look unique, or;\n\n\n\nneed a dedicated support team.\n\n\n\n\nThe advantages of purchasing a theme include support, security, and a much-reduced price over a custom-developed theme. \n\n\n\nThe flipside of purchasing a theme is the chance that someone else\u2019s website may look like yours. It can happen. Neve, a popular theme offering starter packs of ready-made site designs, is active on over 300,000 websites. You do the math.\n\n\n\nBuilding Your Own WordPress Theme\n\n\n\nMany WordPress folks develop their own, custom WordPress themes \u2013 which is a pretty good idea for most business websites. Developing a theme costs you either time, which is money, or you need to pay a developer. Either way, it isn\u2019t free. The advantage of a custom theme is complete control and a unique design.\n\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t developed a theme, but are interested in trying it out, our friends at codeable have a great Step-by-Step Guide to creating a WordPress theme. Check it out!\n\n\n\nIf you purchase a theme, develop one, or use a free theme, make it your own. Create a unique website experience for yourself and your clients.\n\n\n\nWhat About Page Builders?\n\n\n\nBefore page builders came along, customizing WordPress themes required in-depth CSS knowledge. Most people had to hire a front-end developer to customize their themes. This changed with the introduction of tools like Visual Composer, Beaver Builder, and Elementor, which offered drag-and-drop interfaces for easy website creation.\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t forget the fundamental principle: themes are for design; plugins are for functionality. While both are essential, page builders excel at providing design flexibility for those who want to go beyond a theme’s default options. This makes them particularly attractive to small business owners, bloggers, and others seeking to add a personal touch to their websites. However, their misuse can lead to suboptimal user experiences.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cIf you\u2019re a small business owner, and you\u2019d like to customize your website appearance more than what is available with a theme, then a Page Builder is a good option. Well, until a non-designer just starts using elements that make the customer experience poor. But, frankly, that\u2019s another blog post.\u201d\nRocket.net – Should I Use A WordPress Page Builder or Not?\n\n\n\nGiven the time-saving benefits, page builders remain a valuable tool even in the era of WordPress Blocks and Full Site Editing. While these native options offer increased flexibility, many users and agencies still find page builders to be more efficient and effective for their needs.\n\n\n\nBefore deciding to use a page builder, clarify your goals. What do you want users to do when they get to your website, for example. Page builders can simplify website design for those without coding skills, but they may lead to poor user experiences if misused.\n\n\n\n5 Essential Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right WordPress Theme\n\n\n\n1. Does the Theme Fit Your Budget?\n\n\n\nYour budget is a crucial factor in choosing the right theme. WordPress themes are available across a wide price range. There are also tens of thousands of free options. Premium themes can be quite costly, especially for large eCommerce sites. \n\n\n\nYour budget will help you decide if you choose a free or a paid theme. Before you start exploring themes, establish a budget. Your selection process should exclude the temptation of choosing an expensive theme solely based on aesthetics.\n\n\n\n2. Does the Theme Align with Your Website’s (and Your Business) Goals?\n\n\n\nEvery website serves a unique purpose, whether it\u2019s a simple blog, a corporate site, or an eCommerce store. So does your business. Your chosen theme should align with your business goals. A blog theme should prioritize readability and typography. An eCommerce theme should streamline the purchasing process for users. \n\n\n\nThere are many multipurpose themes, like Elementor, Avada, or Divi. They are highly versatile and frequently updated, but not all multipurpose themes are created equal. Some may slow down your site or lack regular updates, so it’s essential to evaluate them based on all the criteria here.\n\n\n\n3. Is the Theme Responsive?\u00a0\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s 2024. The mobile moment happened more than a decade ago. Enough said about mobile websites. However, responsiveness should also be understood as being accessible. An accessible website is even more important than a fast one.\n\n\n\nIs the Theme Compatible with Different Browsers?\n\n\n\nYour website should function flawlessly across all major web browsers and contexts. It needs to be accessible. \n\n\n\nEnsure you choose a theme compatible with popular browsers to provide a consistent user experience. What browser are your customers using? How will they access your site?\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWhen websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities can use them. However, currently, many sites and tools are developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or impossible for some people to use.\u201d\nwww.w3.org\n\n\n\n4. How Fast Does the Theme Load?\n\n\n\nThis one is a deal-breaker. Does 200 milliseconds sound fast to you? Speed wins! Starting with fast WordPress hosting, website speed is a critical factor for search engine rankings and UX.\u00a0\n\n\n\nUsers expect websites to load immediately. Selecting a fast-loading theme – and not cluttering your website with 1 MB images – is imperative. However, many people only realize their theme\u2019s sluggishness after purchase. Conduct some due diligence before making a decision.\n\n\n\n5. Is the Theme Easy to Customize and Use?\n\n\n\nYou, and your clients, will be using the website. Maybe even logging into the backend. A good theme should offer sufficient customization options to tailor it to your preferences without overwhelming you. \n\n\n\nToo few options can feel restrictive, while too many can lead to confusion and frustration. Determine in advance which customization features are essential for your needs.\n\n\n\nBonus Tip: Is the Theme Developed by a Reputable Developer?\n\n\n\nThis is a big one, so we saved it for last. WordPress is open-source, meaning themes are created by a wide range of developers. While not all beginner-developed themes are subpar, opting for themes from established developers can help mitigate security and support issues.\n\n\n\nDoes the Theme Work with Common Plugins?\n\n\n\nMost WordPress websites rely on plugins for various functionalities, such as SEO, backups, social sharing, and contact forms. Ensure your chosen theme is compatible with popular plugins (like Yoast, Gravity Forms, and WooCommerce). If you have crucial functionality, ensure that any other plugins that are essential to the website’s purpose are compatible as well.\n\n\n\nIs Documentation Included?\n\n\n\nComprehensive documentation is crucial for configuring theme options effectively. Look for themes that provide clear, accessible documentation to save time and avoid errors going forward.\n\n\n\nDoes the Theme Developer Offer Support?\n\n\n\nEven with good documentation, you may occasionally need assistance. A reliable developer should offer support. Find out how responsive the developer is to inquiries to ensure you have help when needed.\n\n\n\nIs the Theme Updated Regularly?\n\n\n\nWordPress Core frequently updates its software (3-4 times a year) \u2013 plugins can be more often. It\u2019s essential to choose a WordPress theme that keeps pace with frequent Core and plugin updates.\n\n\n\nInvestigate how often the developer releases updates to address issues and maintain compatibility with the latest WordPress versions.\n\n\n\nIs There a Better Way to Go Instead of Themes?\n\n\n\nA theme is the overall design style of your website. It sets the foundation for how the site looks and feels. Templates, on the other hand, are specific page layouts within that theme, allowing for customization of individual pages or posts.\n\n\n\nWith our SiteTemplates feature, you can create pre-configured templates that can be reused across multiple projects. This significantly reduces the time spent on setting up themes and plugins for new websites. Saving time means saving money!\n\n\n\n\n\u201cRather than creating a new site every time and manually installing these plugins and/or themes you work with, you can now do it once with Site Templates and can reuse it over and over again on new installs going forward.\u201d\nRocket.net – Introducing: Site Templates\n\n\n\nChoose The Future of WordPress Hosting!\n\n\n\nBy investing in WordPress hosting, you\u2019re equipping yourself with the tools and resources necessary to build a robust, secure, and high-performing online presence. Spend your time captivating and engaging with your audience. Let your hosting take care of the rest!", "date_published": "2024-09-25T13:50:35+00:00", "date_modified": "2024-09-25T13:50:37+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Best-WordPress-Themes.png", "tags": [ "WordPress Plugins" ] }, { "id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6414", "url": "https://rocket.net/blog/top-woocommerce-wishlist-plugins-for-your-online-store/", "title": "Top WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins For Your Online Store", "content_html": "\nGot a wish? You don\u2019t need to wait until Christmas, even though Black Friday is coming up fast. One of people\u2019s biggest wishes is simply to have more time, right? You can give your customers back their time with a seamless and engaging shopping experience that includes a wishlist. It\u2019s not complicated. One feature that can significantly enhance your WooCommerce store’s user experience is the Wishlist function. It\u2019s easy to add. Let\u2019s check it out.
\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve all used them: Wishlists let you save products for future purchases. This is great for enhancing user experience and potentially increasing sales. Wishlists also provide data on customer preferences and help with inventory management.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cAllowing customers to save and manage their own Wishlist can increase your sales and conversions. Plus, customers can share lists with friends and family via social media and open the door to potential new customers and visitors.\u201d
\nWooCommerce
WooCommerce\u2019s Wishlist function allows your customers to save products they’re interested in for future reference or purchase. It’s a great tool to have in your shop \u2013 especially as we get closer to Black Friday with every minute. Wishlists enhance the shopping experience and can even drive sales in several ways:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cSocial media isn\u2019t a nice-to-have for your business; it\u2019s become indispensable. Social media crosses every demographic and use case.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Top 3 WooCommerce Pre-Launch Social Media Tips To Explode Sales
\n\n\n\n\n\u201cCart recovery is an important part of recapturing revenue lost from the distraction of digital life. Cart abandonment is freakishly common \u2013 7/10 people abandon a cart.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Top 3 Woo Cart Recovery Tips to Maximize Conversions
A Wishlist feature is more than a convenient tool for your customers. Adding the function creates opportunities for increased sales and customer loyalty. You\u2019re also saving them time.
\n\n\n\nWhether you choose a plugin-based solution or opt for custom development, adding Wishlist functionality to your WooCommerce store can pay dividends in customer satisfaction and your bottom line.
\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re adding a Wishlist function, make sure it\u2019s easy for your customers to both find and use \u2013 especially on mobile. Adding a Wishlist option to your WooCommerce store is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with the help of third-party plugins. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
\n\n\n\nThere are several popular Wishlist plugins available. Here are three we like:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re in search of a premium extension for your online store, WooCommerce Wishlists is a great option. This plugin allows both registered customers and guests to create unlimited wishlists on your website.
\n\n\n\nWhy Choose WooCommerce Wishlists?
\n\n\n\nThis plugin is especially useful for registry-related sites. It offers a wide array of customization options and administrative views tailored for shop owners.
\n\n\n\nKey Features
\n\n\n\nPricing
\n\n\n\nA license for WooCommerce Wishlists is $79 per year. This includes one year of support and updates, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
\n\n\n\nThe TI WooCommerce Wishlist freemium plugin offers essential features that allow your customers to easily create and manage multiple wishlists.
\n\n\n\nAfter installation and activation, the plugin adds an “Add to Wishlist” button next to the “Add to Cart” button on product pages. It includes basic settings for wishlist creation in WooCommerce, along with a premium version that unlocks more advanced features.
\n\n\n\nKey Features:
\n\n\n\nPricing:
\n\n\n\nThe TI WooCommerce Wishlist is available in both free and premium versions. The premium option starts at $79 per year for a single site license which includes a 14-day money-back guarantee and one year of updates and support.
\n\n\n\nWPC Smart Wishlist for WooCommerce is a good choice if you’re seeking a simple wishlist solution. It doesn\u2019t offer extensive features like other wishlist plugins but can be very useful for small businesses. If you only require basic wishlist functionality, such as a wishlist button and icon, this plugin is for you.
\n\n\n\nSetting up this plugin is simple, too. After installation and activation, select a single page to display your wishlists.
\n\n\n\nKey Features
\n\n\n\nPricing
\n\n\n\nThe WPC Smart Wishlist for WooCommerce is free to use. If you need more advanced features, a premium version is available. A single-site license starts at $29 and includes a seven-day money-back guarantee.
\n\n\n\nRegardless of the plugin you choose, do your due diligence before installing; use a plugin that\u2019s been vetted. \u201cBargain Basement Wishlist Plugin\u201d may not be your best option. Check out the WordPress plugin depository or ask your partners. What are people using that\u2019s working best?
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve chosen your plugin, head over to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the “Plugins” section. Here, you can search for the plugin by name, install it, and activate it. Sounds obvious, but everyone deserves an easy task.
\n\n\n\nPlugins come with settings that allow you to customize how the function works on your store. This might include things like:
\n\n\n\nWith the plugin activated and configured, your WooCommerce store will now have Wishlist functionality. Typically, a “Wishlist” button will appear next to the “Add to Cart” button on product pages. And don\u2019t forget to optimize those button colors for conversion and accessibility. Clicking this button allows users to add products to their Wishlist for future reference or sharing.
\n\n\n\nYou might want to reduce your plugin bloat, and simply build a Wishlist function without adding another plugin, right? We get it.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re comfortable with PHP and WooCommerce templating, you can develop a custom solution to create a wishlist functionality. This involves creating a custom shortcode or template file to handle saving and retrieving wishlist items, along with displaying the wishlist button on product pages.
\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t have the in-house resources, look for an experienced WooCommerce developer to help get everything running properly.
\n\n\n\nWant white glove service? No problem. Regardless of the plan you choose, we help you migrate your website and start building your own personal brand. Need to migrate several? We got you.
\n\n\n\nStreamline your workflow by choosing a reliable, performant platform for websites of all sizes. The only question is when you\u2019d like to get going.
\n\n\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t![\"New](\"https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/24325690/1a05c086-0fa2-499c-baab-4e29d61b5d26.png\" "\\"Top")
\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n",
"content_text": "Got a wish? You don\u2019t need to wait until Christmas, even though Black Friday is coming up fast. One of people\u2019s biggest wishes is simply to have more time, right? You can give your customers back their time with a seamless and engaging shopping experience that includes a wishlist. It\u2019s not complicated. One feature that can significantly enhance your WooCommerce store’s user experience is the Wishlist function. It\u2019s easy to add. Let\u2019s check it out.\n\n\n\nWhy have a Wishlist in your online shop?\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve all used them: Wishlists let you save products for future purchases. This is great for enhancing user experience and potentially increasing sales. Wishlists also provide data on customer preferences and help with inventory management.\n\n\n\nWhat to look for in a Wishlist plugin:\n\n\n\n\nSharing and privacy settings\n\n\n\nSupport for multiple Wishlists\n\n\n\nCustomizable Wishlist buttons and layouts\n\n\n\nDirect purchase options from Wishlists\n\n\n\nAccess to Wishlist data for marketing purposes\n\n\n\nIndividual Wishlist pages\n\n\n\nCompatibility with product variations and grouped products\n\n\n\n\nConsiderations when choosing a Wishlist plugin:\n\n\n\n\nCompatibility with your WooCommerce version \n\n\n\nUser-friendliness and ease of setup\n\n\n\nCustomization options\n\n\n\nSupport and documentation\n\n\n\nPricing (free vs. premium options)\n\n\n\n\nTop WooCommerce Wishlist plugins:\n\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Wishlists (official WooCommerce premium extension) 5000 + installs\n\n\n\nTI WooCommerce Wishlist (free with premium add-ons) 100 000 + installs\n\n\n\nWPC Smart Wishlist for WooCommerce (free version) 80 000 + installs\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cAllowing customers to save and manage their own Wishlist can increase your sales and conversions. Plus, customers can share lists with friends and family via social media and open the door to potential new customers and visitors.\u201d\nWooCommerce\n\n\n\nWhat is the Wishlist function in WooCommerce, and what are the benefits?\n\n\n\nWooCommerce\u2019s Wishlist function allows your customers to save products they’re interested in for future reference or purchase. It’s a great tool to have in your shop \u2013 especially as we get closer to Black Friday with every minute. Wishlists enhance the shopping experience and can even drive sales in several ways:\n\n\n\n\nImproved User Experience: Customers can easily save and revisit products they like without cluttering their cart. The keyword here is \u201ceasy.\u201d\n\n\n\nIncreased Engagement: Wishlists encourage users to spend more time on your site and return for future visits.\n\n\n\nSocial Sharing: Many Wishlist plugins allow users to share their lists, potentially attracting new customers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cSocial media isn\u2019t a nice-to-have for your business; it\u2019s become indispensable. Social media crosses every demographic and use case.\u201d\nRocket.net – Top 3 WooCommerce Pre-Launch Social Media Tips To Explode Sales\n\n\n\n\nValuable Data: Wishlists provide insights into customer preferences, which can inform your marketing and inventory decisions.\n\n\n\nReduced Cart Abandonment: Who likes cart abandonment!? By offering an alternative to adding items directly to the cart, you may see a decrease in cart abandonment rates.\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cCart recovery is an important part of recapturing revenue lost from the distraction of digital life. Cart abandonment is freakishly common \u2013 7/10 people abandon a cart.\u201d\nRocket.net – Top 3 Woo Cart Recovery Tips to Maximize Conversions\n\n\n\n\nPersonalized Marketing: Use Wishlist data to create targeted email campaigns or personalized product recommendations.\n\n\n\n\nA Wishlist feature is more than a convenient tool for your customers. Adding the function creates opportunities for increased sales and customer loyalty. You\u2019re also saving them time.\n\n\n\nWhether you choose a plugin-based solution or opt for custom development, adding Wishlist functionality to your WooCommerce store can pay dividends in customer satisfaction and your bottom line.\n\n\n\nHow do I add the Wishlist option in WooCommerce?\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re adding a Wishlist function, make sure it\u2019s easy for your customers to both find and use \u2013 especially on mobile. Adding a Wishlist option to your WooCommerce store is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with the help of third-party plugins. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:\n\n\n\nStep 1. Choosing a Wishlist Plugin:\n\n\n\nThere are several popular Wishlist plugins available. Here are three we like:\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Wishlists (official WooCommerce premium extension) 5000 + installs\n\n\n\nIf you’re in search of a premium extension for your online store, WooCommerce Wishlists is a great option. This plugin allows both registered customers and guests to create unlimited wishlists on your website.\n\n\n\nWhy Choose WooCommerce Wishlists?\n\n\n\nThis plugin is especially useful for registry-related sites. It offers a wide array of customization options and administrative views tailored for shop owners.\n\n\n\nKey Features\n\n\n\n\nGuest and registered users can create and manage wishlists.\n\n\n\nGuest wishlists are stored for up to 30 days, while registered users can save theirs indefinitely.\n\n\n\nUsers can create as many wishlists as they like.\n\n\n\nFull control over who can view the wishlists.\n\n\n\nEasily share wishlists on social platforms.\n\n\n\nSeamlessly manage different product types.\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\nA license for WooCommerce Wishlists is $79 per year. This includes one year of support and updates, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.\n\n\n\nTI WooCommerce Wishlist (free with premium add-ons) 100 000 + installs\n\n\n\nThe TI WooCommerce Wishlist freemium plugin offers essential features that allow your customers to easily create and manage multiple wishlists.\n\n\n\nAfter installation and activation, the plugin adds an “Add to Wishlist” button next to the “Add to Cart” button on product pages. It includes basic settings for wishlist creation in WooCommerce, along with a premium version that unlocks more advanced features.\n\n\n\nKey Features:\n\n\n\n\nProducts are automatically removed from the wishlist when added to the cart.\n\n\n\nUpload custom icons for the wishlist.\n\n\n\nModify the look and feel of the wishlist.\n\n\n\nShare wishlists on social platforms.\n\n\n\nUsers can create multiple wishlists.\n\n\n\nControl the visibility of wishlists.\n\n\n\n\nPricing:\n\n\n\nThe TI WooCommerce Wishlist is available in both free and premium versions. The premium option starts at $79 per year for a single site license which includes a 14-day money-back guarantee and one year of updates and support.\n\n\n\nWPC Smart Wishlist for WooCommerce (free version) 80 000 + installs\n\n\n\nWPC Smart Wishlist for WooCommerce is a good choice if you’re seeking a simple wishlist solution. It doesn\u2019t offer extensive features like other wishlist plugins but can be very useful for small businesses. If you only require basic wishlist functionality, such as a wishlist button and icon, this plugin is for you.\n\n\n\nSetting up this plugin is simple, too. After installation and activation, select a single page to display your wishlists.\n\n\n\nKey Features\n\n\n\n\nAdd additional action buttons and link classes for more functionality.\n\n\n\nOrganize wishlist buttons by categories.\n\n\n\nTailor the design of your wishlist to match your site.\n\n\n\nAutomatically remove products from wishlists when they are added to shopping carts.\n\n\n\nUse shortcodes to easily integrate wishlist features into various parts of your site.\n\n\n\nAllow users to view their wishlist in a pop-up without leaving the current page.\n\n\n\n\nPricing\n\n\n\nThe WPC Smart Wishlist for WooCommerce is free to use. If you need more advanced features, a premium version is available. A single-site license starts at $29 and includes a seven-day money-back guarantee.\n\n\n\nRegardless of the plugin you choose, do your due diligence before installing; use a plugin that\u2019s been vetted. \u201cBargain Basement Wishlist Plugin\u201d may not be your best option. Check out the WordPress plugin depository or ask your partners. What are people using that\u2019s working best?\n\n\n\nStep 2. Installing and Activating the Plugin:\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve chosen your plugin, head over to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the “Plugins” section. Here, you can search for the plugin by name, install it, and activate it. Sounds obvious, but everyone deserves an easy task.\n\n\n\nStep 3. Configuring the Plugin:\n\n\n\nPlugins come with settings that allow you to customize how the function works on your store. This might include things like:\n\n\n\n\nWhere the “Add to Wishlist” button appears on product pages.\n\n\n\nHow the Wishlist page is displayed.\n\n\n\nWhether guests can create Wishlists.\n\n\n\n\nStep 4. Using the Wishlist Feature:\n\n\n\nWith the plugin activated and configured, your WooCommerce store will now have Wishlist functionality. Typically, a “Wishlist” button will appear next to the “Add to Cart” button on product pages. And don\u2019t forget to optimize those button colors for conversion and accessibility. Clicking this button allows users to add products to their Wishlist for future reference or sharing.\n\n\n\nHow do I add a Wishlist in WooCommerce without plugins?\n\n\n\nYou might want to reduce your plugin bloat, and simply build a Wishlist function without adding another plugin, right? We get it.\n\n\n\nIf you’re comfortable with PHP and WooCommerce templating, you can develop a custom solution to create a wishlist functionality. This involves creating a custom shortcode or template file to handle saving and retrieving wishlist items, along with displaying the wishlist button on product pages.\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t have the in-house resources, look for an experienced WooCommerce developer to help get everything running properly.\n\n\n\nChoose The Future of WordPress Hosting!\n\n\n\nWant white glove service? No problem. Regardless of the plan you choose, we help you migrate your website and start building your own personal brand. Need to migrate several? We got you. \n\n\n\nStreamline your workflow by choosing a reliable, performant platform for websites of all sizes. The only question is when you\u2019d like to get going.",
"date_published": "2024-08-28T13:47:41+00:00",
"date_modified": "2024-08-28T13:50:03+00:00",
"authors": [
{
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
}
],
"author": {
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
},
"image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WooCommerce-Wishlist-Plugins.png",
"tags": [
"WordPress Plugins"
]
},
{
"id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6152",
"url": "https://rocket.net/blog/how-many-wordpress-plugins-is-too-much/",
"title": "How Many WordPress Plugins is Too Much?",
"content_html": "\nWho doesn\u2019t love a good plugin? Remember coding a responsive form from scratch? Adding login security? Or building a product ordering process? Now, you don\u2019t have to. WordPress plugins do the heavy lifting, are mostly free, and install in seconds. What\u2019s not to like? And there\u2019s a lot of them! Almost 60,000 quick and easy ways to extend functionality and add features to your website.
\n\n\n\nSometimes too much of a good thing turns bad. We\u2019ve all eaten too many wings, listened to too much Taylor Swift, and logged in to those websites with 75 plugins, none of which are up to date, right?
\n\n\n\nSo, when it comes to WordPress plugins, just how many is too much? Well, most people agree: as many as it takes.
\n\n\n\nWordPress plugins make life easier for the user in both the front and the back end, but how many are a good thing, and when does plugin bloat start to show? The answer depends on your website\u2019s needs. But even here, like in many things, quality is more important than quantity.
\n\n\n\nIf you ask around, most WordPress sites have between 20 and 30 plugins. Some sites run just fine with five plugins while other sites need 50 to function. What\u2019s the best number for your own website? How many do you need for your client\u2019s site?
\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s when you don\u2019t follow the Golden Rule trouble might set in.And hey, review your needs going forward too. Just because you needed an image optimization plugin when the site started, doesn\u2019t mean it still does. Deactivate and uninstall any you no longer need \u2013 after backing up of course.
\n\n\n\nInstall the essential WordPress plugins you need, get them from trusted people, keep the plugins up to date, and get rid of them when your site and hosting change.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cMany non-essential WordPress plugins add functionality or style in a way that slows a website down. Often, there are better ways of accomplishing the same without a plugin.\u201d
\nSearch Engine Journal
WordPress Core is like LEGO. You need certain add-ons to create that representation of your city in your basement. Since there are numerous free and premium plugins, you\u2019re confident in WordPress\u2019 lifetime extensibility. However, installing too many may lead to compatibility issues which may potentially impact your site’s performance.
\n\n\n\nEach plugin adds new code to your site, increasing the likelihood of conflicts between plugins. These conflicts can result in various errors, from minor glitches to site-wide crashes. And don\u2019t forget, uninstalling a plugin doesn\u2019t delete the table.
\n\n\n\nExcessive plugins can harm both your site’s performance and security. Risks include security vulnerabilities from low-quality plugins, outdated plugins, lack of support leading to potential downtime, as well as the presence of malicious code.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, too many plugins may slow down your site and cause compatibility issues, while neglecting plugin updates can leave your site vulnerable. Opting for well-supported, maintained, compatible, and secure plugins is crucial for a smooth-running website.
\n\n\n\nWordPress plugins can impact your website’s performance and security in several ways:
\n\n\n\nAdditional HTTP Requests: Plugins often add scripts to your website, increasing the number of HTTP requests. Well-optimized plugins and capable web hosting can manage additional requests without significant slowdowns.
\n\n\n\nIncreased Database Requests: Each plugin connects to your website’s database, potentially leading to more database queries. Excessive queries can slow down your site, although database optimization plugins may offer limited improvement.
\n\n\n\nSecurity Risks: Poor-quality plugins or outdated ones create security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to access your site data. It\u2019s also not uncommon for plugins to contain malicious code that harms your site or exposes it to viruses and malware.
\n\n\n\nConsider plugin support: Using plugins that lack reliable support can lead to downtime if issues arise.
\n\n\n\nPlugin Bloat: The more plugins you have, the more resources your site requires to load, which may result in poor load times and a negative user experience.
\n\n\n\nCompatibility Issues: Incompatible plugins can cause conflicts with your theme, leading to various website errors.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Exhaustion: Failing to keep your plugins up-to-date can result in site vulnerabilities, as regular updates address security issues and bugs. You also lessen the learning curve for your team and your clients.
\n\n\n\nUltimately, the number of plugins on your WordPress site is less significant than their quality. A well-coded plugin is invaluable, while a poorly coded one can be detrimental, regardless of its apparent usefulness.The plugin debate revolves around finding the right balance between leveraging plugins’ benefits and minimizing their drawbacks.
\n\n\n\nIf you want your site to run smoothly, choosing plugins with a proven track record of support, maintenance, compatibility, security, and performance is vital.
\n\n\n\nOr, better yet, forget them. Nulled plugins and themes are a significant concern. These are essentially pirated versions of premium plugins or themes, available for free. While they may seem like a great way to save money, they can pose serious security risks, which is why we at Rocket.net do not allow them in our hosting packages.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cNulled plugins often contain hidden malicious code that can lead to malware infections, data breaches, and other security issues.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Why Rocket.net Prohibits Nulled WordPress Themes and Plugins
There\u2019s no definitive answer to the question of how many plugins are too many. Some websites run smoothly with 50 plugins, while others start experiencing issues with just five. It all depends on the quality of the plugins and your hosting environment.
\n\n\n\nAsking around, it seems that 20 to 30 is the number most people are using on their site.
\n\n\n\nAt the end of the day, how many plugins you need really comes down to knowing what functionality your website requires.
\n\n\n\nYour website needs to be found, it needs to load, and it needs to work. That\u2019s it. That\u2019s everything in a nutshell. How many plugins would that take? Three? Five? How about ten?
\n\n\n\nThen there\u2019s UX to consider. Your website may require extra functionality, especially if you have an online shop.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cMaybe your question is: how many plugins can I install on my website or store without worrying about consequences? What\u2019s the maximum number of WordPress plugins I can have installed? You might find yourself surprised by the answer.\u201d
\ncodeable.io
Still unsure? Identify your website\u2019s core needs. Make a list of the core functionalities your website requires. This could be things like contact forms, galleries, SEO optimization, security measures, or specific features required for your niche (e.g., bookings for a restaurant).
\n\n\n\nMatch Features to Plugins: Look at your installed plugins and see if they directly address a need on your list. If a plugin provides a feature you don’t use, it’s likely not essential.
\n\n\n\nConsider Alternatives: For some functionalities, there might be built-in WordPress features or free alternatives that can replace paid plugins. Explore these options before keeping a premium plugin.
\n\n\n\nCompatibility: Ensure your plugins are compatible with your current version of WordPress. Incompatible plugins can cause website malfunctions. And don\u2019t use overlapping plugins. If you\u2019re using RankMath Pro, for example, you don\u2019t also need a custom Schema plugin.
\n\n\n\nResource Usage: Some plugins can be resource-intensive, slowing down your website. If you notice performance issues after installing a plugin, investigate if it’s the culprit.
\n\n\n\nUser Ratings and Reviews: Read user reviews on the WordPress plugin directory or other trusted sources to get insights into the plugin’s reliability, functionality, and support quality. Some plugins work better with others and some alone.
\n\n\n\nSupport Availability: Having access to good support is crucial, especially for complex plugins. Check the plugin’s website or documentation to see what kind of support they offer (free, paid, etc.).
\n\n\n\nKeeping a Lean Setup: The more plugins you have, the higher the risk of conflicts and security vulnerabilities. Aim for a streamlined setup with only the plugins you truly need. So, do you have the ability to keep an eye on the backend? How about your client\u2019s websites?
\n\n\n\nDetermining the ideal number of WordPress plugins is subjective, but efficiency, functionality, and your capabilities should guide your choices. Quality, relevance, and maintenance are key factors; excessive plugins aren’t inherently problematic if you can manage them properly.
\n\n\n\nHot Tip: Don\u2019t forget to choose a performant web host. Managed hosting offers many advantages. When it comes to plugins, you may find yourself actually saving time and money.
\n\n\n\nRaj Shah is an enterprise SEO manager who has led high-performing teams at companies like AutoZone, Staples, and Oriental Trading Company.
\n\n\n\nReducing the number of plugins was Raj\u2019s mission, not only from a cost savings perspective but to also improve performance & reduce the complexity of managing multiple plugins across multiple WordPress sites.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cBefore migrating to Rocket.net, Raj spent on average $250 per year on various plugins to help optimize and protect an individual site and about 2 hours per month updating, configuring, learning, and tweaking settings.\u201d
\nRead the case study on Rocket.net
You\u2019re always striking a balance between functionality and performance when it comes to your websites. Like any tool, it\u2019s not about the number, it\u2019s about the quality. Always opt for well-coded plugins from reputable developers, keep them updated, and avoid nulled plugins at all costs.
\n\n\n\nSo, how many WordPress plugins are too much? The answer is as many as your sites can handle without compromising on speed, security, and manageability.
\n\n\n\nWant white glove service? No problem. Regardless of the plan you choose, we help you migrate your website and start building your own personal brand. Need to migrate several? We got you.\u00a0
\n\n\n\nStreamline your workflow by choosing a reliable,\u00a0performant platform\u00a0for websites of all sizes. The only question is when you\u2019d like to get going.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "content_text": "Who doesn\u2019t love a good plugin? Remember coding a responsive form from scratch? Adding login security? Or building a product ordering process? Now, you don\u2019t have to. WordPress plugins do the heavy lifting, are mostly free, and install in seconds. What\u2019s not to like? And there\u2019s a lot of them! Almost 60,000 quick and easy ways to extend functionality and add features to your website.\n\n\n\nSometimes too much of a good thing turns bad. We\u2019ve all eaten too many wings, listened to too much Taylor Swift, and logged in to those websites with 75 plugins, none of which are up to date, right? \n\n\n\nSo, when it comes to WordPress plugins, just how many is too much? Well, most people agree: as many as it takes.\n\n\n\nWordPress Plugins \u2013 and the Living is Easy\n\n\n\nWordPress plugins make life easier for the user in both the front and the back end, but how many are a good thing, and when does plugin bloat start to show? The answer depends on your website\u2019s needs. But even here, like in many things, quality is more important than quantity.\n\n\n\nIf you ask around, most WordPress sites have between 20 and 30 plugins. Some sites run just fine with five plugins while other sites need 50 to function. What\u2019s the best number for your own website? How many do you need for your client\u2019s site? \n\n\n\nHere\u2019s the Golden Rule for WordPress Plugins\n\n\n\n\nonly use as many plugins to offer essential functionality, \n\n\n\nget those plugins from a reputable source \u2013 like the WordPress library or maybe develop them yourself,\n\n\n\nand keep them up to date. \n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s when you don\u2019t follow the Golden Rule trouble might set in.And hey, review your needs going forward too. Just because you needed an image optimization plugin when the site started, doesn\u2019t mean it still does. Deactivate and uninstall any you no longer need \u2013 after backing up of course.\n\n\n\nInstall the essential WordPress plugins you need, get them from trusted people, keep the plugins up to date, and get rid of them when your site and hosting change.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cMany non-essential WordPress plugins add functionality or style in a way that slows a website down. Often, there are better ways of accomplishing the same without a plugin.\u201d\nSearch Engine Journal\n\n\n\nThe Double-Edged Sword of WordPress Plugins\n\n\n\nWordPress Core is like LEGO. You need certain add-ons to create that representation of your city in your basement. Since there are numerous free and premium plugins, you\u2019re confident in WordPress\u2019 lifetime extensibility. However, installing too many may lead to compatibility issues which may potentially impact your site’s performance.\n\n\n\nEach plugin adds new code to your site, increasing the likelihood of conflicts between plugins. These conflicts can result in various errors, from minor glitches to site-wide crashes. And don\u2019t forget, uninstalling a plugin doesn\u2019t delete the table.\n\n\n\nThe Consequences of Plugin Bloat \n\n\n\nExcessive plugins can harm both your site’s performance and security. Risks include security vulnerabilities from low-quality plugins, outdated plugins, lack of support leading to potential downtime, as well as the presence of malicious code.\n\n\n\nAdditionally, too many plugins may slow down your site and cause compatibility issues, while neglecting plugin updates can leave your site vulnerable. Opting for well-supported, maintained, compatible, and secure plugins is crucial for a smooth-running website.\n\n\n\nWordPress plugins can impact your website’s performance and security in several ways:\n\n\n\nAdditional HTTP Requests: Plugins often add scripts to your website, increasing the number of HTTP requests. Well-optimized plugins and capable web hosting can manage additional requests without significant slowdowns.\n\n\n\nIncreased Database Requests: Each plugin connects to your website’s database, potentially leading to more database queries. Excessive queries can slow down your site, although database optimization plugins may offer limited improvement.\n\n\n\nSecurity Risks: Poor-quality plugins or outdated ones create security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to access your site data. It\u2019s also not uncommon for plugins to contain malicious code that harms your site or exposes it to viruses and malware.\n\n\n\nConsider plugin support: Using plugins that lack reliable support can lead to downtime if issues arise.\n\n\n\nPlugin Bloat: The more plugins you have, the more resources your site requires to load, which may result in poor load times and a negative user experience.\n\n\n\nCompatibility Issues: Incompatible plugins can cause conflicts with your theme, leading to various website errors.\n\n\n\nMaintenance Exhaustion: Failing to keep your plugins up-to-date can result in site vulnerabilities, as regular updates address security issues and bugs. You also lessen the learning curve for your team and your clients.\n\n\n\nUltimately, the number of plugins on your WordPress site is less significant than their quality. A well-coded plugin is invaluable, while a poorly coded one can be detrimental, regardless of its apparent usefulness.The plugin debate revolves around finding the right balance between leveraging plugins’ benefits and minimizing their drawbacks.\n\n\n\nIf you want your site to run smoothly, choosing plugins with a proven track record of support, maintenance, compatibility, security, and performance is vital.\n\n\n\nA Reminder About Nulled WordPress Plugins\n\n\n\nOr, better yet, forget them. Nulled plugins and themes are a significant concern. These are essentially pirated versions of premium plugins or themes, available for free. While they may seem like a great way to save money, they can pose serious security risks, which is why we at Rocket.net do not allow them in our hosting packages.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cNulled plugins often contain hidden malicious code that can lead to malware infections, data breaches, and other security issues.\u201d\nRocket.net – Why Rocket.net Prohibits Nulled WordPress Themes and Plugins\n\n\n\nWhat is the Ideal Number of WordPress Plugins?\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no definitive answer to the question of how many plugins are too many. Some websites run smoothly with 50 plugins, while others start experiencing issues with just five. It all depends on the quality of the plugins and your hosting environment.\n\n\n\n\nThemeisle says you need these 10 plugins\n\n\n\nWordPress says you need these 17 plugins\n\n\n\nWordPress Beginner says you need these 24 plugins\n\n\n\n\nAsking around, it seems that 20 to 30 is the number most people are using on their site. \n\n\n\nAt the end of the day, how many plugins you need really comes down to knowing what functionality your website requires.\n\n\n\nWhat Functionality Does Your Website Need?\n\n\n\nYour website needs to be found, it needs to load, and it needs to work. That\u2019s it. That\u2019s everything in a nutshell. How many plugins would that take? Three? Five? How about ten?\n\n\n\n\nSecurity (and Backup)\n\n\n\nOptimize / Cache / Image compression\n\n\n\nForms and Spam prevention (perhaps a newsletter)\n\n\n\nData protection and Cookies Acceptance\n\n\n\nSearch Engine Optimization / Open Graph / Schema\n\n\n\nAnalytics (we\u2019re on the fence here)\n\n\n\nTransactional Emails\n\n\n\n\nThen there\u2019s UX to consider. Your website may require extra functionality, especially if you have an online shop.\n\n\n\n\nShopping functions like WooCommerce.\n\n\n\nPayment Gateways\n\n\n\nPage Builder\n\n\n\nSocial or Chat support\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cMaybe your question is: how many plugins can I install on my website or store without worrying about consequences? What\u2019s the maximum number of WordPress plugins I can have installed? You might find yourself surprised by the answer.\u201d\ncodeable.io\n\n\n\nHow Many Plugins? Decide by Reviewing the Website Functionality\n\n\n\nStill unsure? Identify your website\u2019s core needs. Make a list of the core functionalities your website requires. This could be things like contact forms, galleries, SEO optimization, security measures, or specific features required for your niche (e.g., bookings for a restaurant).\n\n\n\nMatch Features to Plugins: Look at your installed plugins and see if they directly address a need on your list. If a plugin provides a feature you don’t use, it’s likely not essential.\n\n\n\nConsider Alternatives: For some functionalities, there might be built-in WordPress features or free alternatives that can replace paid plugins. Explore these options before keeping a premium plugin.\n\n\n\nHow Many Plugins? Review Your Technical Considerations\n\n\n\nCompatibility: Ensure your plugins are compatible with your current version of WordPress. Incompatible plugins can cause website malfunctions. And don\u2019t use overlapping plugins. If you\u2019re using RankMath Pro, for example, you don\u2019t also need a custom Schema plugin.\n\n\n\nResource Usage: Some plugins can be resource-intensive, slowing down your website. If you notice performance issues after installing a plugin, investigate if it’s the culprit.\n\n\n\nHow Many Plugins? Here\u2019s Some Additional Factors\n\n\n\nUser Ratings and Reviews: Read user reviews on the WordPress plugin directory or other trusted sources to get insights into the plugin’s reliability, functionality, and support quality. Some plugins work better with others and some alone.\n\n\n\nSupport Availability: Having access to good support is crucial, especially for complex plugins. Check the plugin’s website or documentation to see what kind of support they offer (free, paid, etc.).\n\n\n\nKeeping a Lean Setup: The more plugins you have, the higher the risk of conflicts and security vulnerabilities. Aim for a streamlined setup with only the plugins you truly need. So, do you have the ability to keep an eye on the backend? How about your client\u2019s websites?\n\n\n\nDetermining the ideal number of WordPress plugins is subjective, but efficiency, functionality, and your capabilities should guide your choices. Quality, relevance, and maintenance are key factors; excessive plugins aren’t inherently problematic if you can manage them properly.\n\n\n\nHot Tip: Don\u2019t forget to choose a performant web host. Managed hosting offers many advantages. When it comes to plugins, you may find yourself actually saving time and money.\n\n\n\nCase Study: The WordPress Plugin Diet Plan: How to Trim Fat & Boost Performance\n\n\n\nFewer Plugins (or none at all)\n\n\n\nRaj Shah is an enterprise SEO manager who has led high-performing teams at companies like AutoZone, Staples, and Oriental Trading Company.\n\n\n\nReducing the number of plugins was Raj\u2019s mission, not only from a cost savings perspective but to also improve performance & reduce the complexity of managing multiple plugins across multiple WordPress sites.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cBefore migrating to Rocket.net, Raj spent on average $250 per year on various plugins to help optimize and protect an individual site and about 2 hours per month updating, configuring, learning, and tweaking settings.\u201d\nRead the case study on Rocket.net\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s Wrap it Up: How Many WordPress Plugins is Too Much\n\n\n\nYou\u2019re always striking a balance between functionality and performance when it comes to your websites. Like any tool, it\u2019s not about the number, it\u2019s about the quality. Always opt for well-coded plugins from reputable developers, keep them updated, and avoid nulled plugins at all costs.\n\n\n\nSo, how many WordPress plugins are too much? The answer is as many as your sites can handle without compromising on speed, security, and manageability. \n\n\n\nChoose The Future of WordPress Hosting!\n\n\n\nWant white glove service? No problem. Regardless of the plan you choose, we help you migrate your website and start building your own personal brand. Need to migrate several? We got you.\u00a0\n\n\n\nStreamline your workflow by choosing a reliable,\u00a0performant platform\u00a0for websites of all sizes. The only question is when you\u2019d like to get going.", "date_published": "2024-05-09T13:46:39+00:00", "date_modified": "2024-05-09T13:46:40+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/how-many-wordpress-plugins.png", "tags": [ "WordPress Plugins" ] }, { "id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6066", "url": "https://rocket.net/blog/top-5-wordpress-newsletter-plugins/", "title": "Top 5 WordPress Newsletter Plugins", "content_html": "\nHow many newsletters do you receive each day? Probably far too many. How many do you open? How many do you read? But here\u2019s the thing \u2013 email newsletters work.
\n\n\n\nEmail works better than your social media marketing, paid or organic. It also works better than your paid or organic SEO, webinars, or AI-influencer affiliate programs. Email conversion rates trump any other online marketing. B2C or B2B. They\u2019re lightweight, device-agnostic, and they\u2019re paperless.
\n\n\n\nEmail has always been the gold standard when it comes to digital marketing.
\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s call it what it is. A newsletter is a must-have marketing. Helpful, personalized, content marketing. Add a WordPress website, and you are a rockstar. Running a WordPress website opens doors.
\n\n\n\nWhile WordPress offers plenty of robust features, it lacks an email newsletter feature out of the box. An email newsletter plugin allows seamless integration within your dashboard. It eliminates the need for complicated workarounds or external services. It just makes things easier.
\n\n\n\nIf you aren\u2019t already using your website to support your email marketing, here are four reasons why you should.
\n\n\n\nCan you code? Probably. Can your marketing team? Can your client? Perhaps. It\u2019s not a knockout if they can\u2019t. Some people say WordPress developers aren\u2019t real developers, but that\u2019s a conversation better left to Twitter. Whether you can fork Python snippets left-handed with your eyes closed really doesn\u2019t matter. What matters is that you have a website, that it works, and that people can find it.
\n\n\n\nNewsletter plugins bridge the gap between your website and your email marketing and sometimes even act as a built-in tool. It\u2019s your call. This translates to time saved for every campaign. Time you can spend with your clients. Time you can spend learning Python snippets.
\n\n\n\nImagine adding subscriber forms with a drag-and-drop interface. Well, not you, you can code, but your client, your email team, anyone else. No more mess. No code chaos. Going beyond convenience.
\n\n\n\nTime-saving no-code is fine, but the true value of a newsletter plugin goes beyond technical ease. A well-crafted newsletter keeps people engaged. It\u2019s a lifeline that prevents them from being yet another untethered prospect floating from website to website.
\n\n\n\nBy nurturing this connection with targeted, useful, great content, newsletters drive repeat traffic \u2013 and that\u2019s the lifeline of any website. Strike that. That’s the lifeline of your business.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cNot every email you send customers should involve selling them products or services. Instead, focus on providing value. When you can demonstrate the value you provide your customers, they\u2019ll look forward to hearing from you every week.\u201d
\nBusiness News Daily
Let\u2019s talk about money. Do you have money? Would you like more? Then start marketing smarter. Compared to other marketing channels, email is very easy on the wallet. How much do you spend on your marketing each month?
\n\n\n\nAccording to Gartner, marketers spend about 8% of their budget on email marketing. A recent Deloitte survey says that companies allocate about 13% of sales to marketing.
\n\n\n\nThat means if you have annual sales of $100,000 and devote $13,000 to marketing, you are spending about $1,000 a month on email marketing. That\u2019s considerably less than you are probably paying for any other online marketing, right?
\n\n\n\nAnything more expensive than $50 is out of the question? No worries. Many email marketing tools offer low-cost or free tiers to get you started. Plus, email gives you complete control over your communication; unlike social media platforms where algorithms dictate your reach.
\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re going to do anything, you need insight. Data rules. If you can\u2019t measure it, you can\u2019t effectively use it. Email lets you segment. It lets you get granular. Really granular.
\n\n\n\nNewsletters offer a treasure trove of data too (just don\u2019t forget privacy regulations). With the tools available, you can track metrics like open rates and click-throughs, allowing you to refine your strategy and deliver content that doesn\u2019t just resonate with your audience, it grounds them.
\n\n\n\nMore than grabbing their attention, email offers you the chance to get your audience excited.
\n\n\n\nNewsletter marketing is easy, it connects, it\u2019s low-cost, and it works. Newsletters simplify the marketing process, empower you to build relationships, and provide valuable insights. WordPress newsletter plugins are a game-changer.
\n\n\n\nSo, let\u2019s cut to the chase. Which newsletter plugin is right for you?
\n\n\n\nSure, everyone loves a new feature, but before you install a newsletter plugin, do your BMW due diligence: Does your Business need it? Does your Marketing need it? Does your Website need it?
\n\n\n\nJust because a plugin can be installed, doesn\u2019t mean it should be installed. Install the right tool for the job.
\n\n\n\nBusiness Questions: Will this plugin make/cost my business money?
\n\n\n\nMarketing Questions: Will this plugin help me achieve my marketing goals?
\n\n\n\nWebsite Questions: Will my website run smoothly using this plugin?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cSo you\u2019re managing your clients\u2019 eCommerce site. Why aren\u2019t you also managing their WooCommerce Email Marketing Campaigns? Sure you can use Mailchimp to do WooCommerce email marketing, but that\u2019s not the only game in town. Pick your poison: HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Groundhogg, Salesforce, ConstantContact \u2014 the plays are the same.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Top Winning WooCommerce Email Marketing Plays
A great newsletter plugin for WordPress is easy to use, creates beautiful emails, and scales with your subscriber list. It offers features like automation and analytics to boost engagement. This is important because email marketing lets you directly connect with your audience and grow your business.
\n\n\n\nEmail marketing is key for reaching customers directly, building relationships, and driving sales.
\n\n\n\nWordPress has almost 60,000 plugins, of which 25% – almost 15,000 – are email-related. While we couldn\u2019t check all of the plugins available, we do have our five favorites \u2013 and two others we really like.
\n\n\n\nFree Version: Yes. The Starter Plan begins at $10 a month.
\n\n\n\n700,000+ active installations \u2013 4.5 stars
\n\n\n\nMailPoet is a powerful newsletter plugin designed specifically for WordPress. It empowers website owners to create and manage email campaigns, engage with subscribers, and enhance communication. It\u2019s trusted by over 700,000 websites worldwide, making it an excellent choice for WordPress-powered email marketing and communication.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nOverall:
\n\n\n\nMailPoet is a user-friendly and cost-effective email marketing solution ideal for WordPress users. Its free plan offers valuable features, and paid plans provide advanced functionalities like sending limit removal, detailed analytics, and priority support. However, the lack of a free-standing platform and limitations in advanced scheduling and template options might be drawbacks for some.
\n\n\n\nFree Version: No. Basic Plan starts at $79 a month.
\n\n\n\nNewsletter Glue simplifies sending blog posts directly to email subscribers, mimicking Substack functionality. It integrates with popular email marketing services for list management and delivery.
\n\n\n\nYou can leverage the familiar WordPress block editor to design content for both website and email newsletters. Optionally create email-only content without publishing it on your website.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nNewsletter Glue caters to users comfortable with the WordPress block editor and seeking a streamlined solution for managing website and email newsletter content in one place. However, the lack of a free tier and reliance on external email marketing services might be drawbacks for some.
\n\n\n\nFree Version: Yes. Basic Plan starts at $19 a month.
\n\n\n\n100,000+ active WordPress installations – 4 stars
\n\n\n\nBrevo offers a powerful all-in-one email marketing plugin for WordPress. It\u2019s user-friendly with robust automation features, SMS marketing capabilities, and a free plan.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nOverall:
\n\n\n\nThe pricing structure with add-on fees, limited free plan features, and basic reporting can be drawbacks for some users. Consider your budget, email marketing needs, and desired integrations before choosing Brevo.
\n\n\n\nFree Version: No. Basic starts at $20 a month.
\n\n\n\n2,000+ active installations – 5 stars
\n\n\n\nGroundhogg is an award-winning WordPress CRM, Email & Marketing Automation plugin that empowers website owners to streamline communication, automate marketing tasks, and enhance customer relationship management.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nOverall:
\n\n\n\nGroundhogg is a powerful email marketing and marketing automation tool for WordPress users who want advanced features and deep integration with their websites. However, the learning curve can be steeper, and there might be limitations with third-party integrations and website performance. Consider your technical expertise, budget, and need for external integrations before choosing.
\n\n\n\nFree Version: Yes. The Starter plan starts at $15 a month.
\n\n\n\n300,000+ active installations \u2013 4.5 stars
\n\n\n\nHubSpot is a global CRM platform that integrates marketing, sales, and customer service tools. This allows you to manage customer interactions across various departments in a centralized way. With 300,000 newsletter plugin installations, it is second in size only to MailPoet.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nOverall:
\n\n\n\nHubSpot Email Marketing is a powerful tool for businesses looking for an all-in-one marketing solution. However, the cost can be a barrier for smaller businesses or those just starting with email marketing. Consider your budget and email marketing needs before committing to HubSpot. If you only need basic email marketing features, a more affordable option might be a better fit.
\n\n\n\nFree Version: Yes. The Grow plan starts at $49 a month.
\n\n\n\nBeehiiv is an email service provider (ESP) specifically designed to help creators build and manage newsletters. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right tool for you:
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nOverall:
\n\n\n\nBeehiiv is an excellent option for most smaller-list newsletter creators, especially those looking for an affordable and user-friendly platform with a powerful email designer. However, if you need advanced automation features or extensive integrations, ConvertKit might be a better choice. Beehiiv is a strong contender, especially for those on a budget and those who prioritize a beautiful email design experience.
\n\n\n\nFree version: Yes. Creator plan starts at $25 a month
\n\n\n\n40,000+ active installations \u2013 5 stars
\n\n\n\nConvertKit is a popular email marketing plugin specifically designed for creators and bloggers, allowing you to design newsletters, manage subscribers, and automate email sequences, all within a user-friendly interface. The accessible pricing and integrations with WooCommerce, GravityForms, and WPForms make it a great fit for most businesses.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nOverall:
\n\n\n\nConvertKit is a user-friendly platform with powerful automation features and built-in sales functionality. However, the basic email designer, limited templates, and lack of advanced analytics may be drawbacks for some users. Consider your budget and design needs before making a decision.
\n\n\n\nRegardless of where people are in your funnel, email marketing is a powerful tool. From personalized recommendations and fostering stronger relationships to boosting business growth, email marketing is alive and kicking!
\n\n\n\nTo stay ahead of the curve, you need to be a part of the evolution. It\u2019s not enough to simply have the newsletter plugin, you need to be able to use the newsletter plugin.
\n\n\n\nWant white glove service? No problem. Regardless of the plan you choose, we help you migrate your website and start building your own personal brand. Need to migrate several? We got you.
\n\n\n\nStreamline your workflow by choosing a reliable, performant platform for websites of all sizes. The only question is when you\u2019d like to get going.
\n\n\n", "content_text": "The Power of WordPress Newsletter Plugins for Your Website\n\n\n\nHow many newsletters do you receive each day? Probably far too many. How many do you open? How many do you read? But here\u2019s the thing \u2013 email newsletters work.\n\n\n\nEmail works better than your social media marketing, paid or organic. It also works better than your paid or organic SEO, webinars, or AI-influencer affiliate programs. Email conversion rates trump any other online marketing. B2C or B2B. They\u2019re lightweight, device-agnostic, and they\u2019re paperless.\n\n\n\nEmail has always been the gold standard when it comes to digital marketing.\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s Why Your Website Needs an Email Marketing Plugin\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s call it what it is. A newsletter is a must-have marketing. Helpful, personalized, content marketing. Add a WordPress website, and you are a rockstar. Running a WordPress website opens doors.\n\n\n\nWhile WordPress offers plenty of robust features, it lacks an email newsletter feature out of the box. An email newsletter plugin allows seamless integration within your dashboard. It eliminates the need for complicated workarounds or external services. It just makes things easier.\n\n\n\nIf you aren\u2019t already using your website to support your email marketing, here are four reasons why you should.\n\n\n\nEmail Marketing is Effortless\n\n\n\nCan you code? Probably. Can your marketing team? Can your client? Perhaps. It\u2019s not a knockout if they can\u2019t. Some people say WordPress developers aren\u2019t real developers, but that\u2019s a conversation better left to Twitter. Whether you can fork Python snippets left-handed with your eyes closed really doesn\u2019t matter. What matters is that you have a website, that it works, and that people can find it.\n\n\n\nNewsletter plugins bridge the gap between your website and your email marketing and sometimes even act as a built-in tool. It\u2019s your call. This translates to time saved for every campaign. Time you can spend with your clients. Time you can spend learning Python snippets.\n\n\n\nImagine adding subscriber forms with a drag-and-drop interface. Well, not you, you can code, but your client, your email team, anyone else. No more mess. No code chaos. Going beyond convenience.\n\n\n\nEmail Marketing Builds Relationships\n\n\n\nTime-saving no-code is fine, but the true value of a newsletter plugin goes beyond technical ease. A well-crafted newsletter keeps people engaged. It\u2019s a lifeline that prevents them from being yet another untethered prospect floating from website to website.\n\n\n\nBy nurturing this connection with targeted, useful, great content, newsletters drive repeat traffic \u2013 and that\u2019s the lifeline of any website. Strike that. That’s the lifeline of your business.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cNot every email you send customers should involve selling them products or services. Instead, focus on providing value. When you can demonstrate the value you provide your customers, they\u2019ll look forward to hearing from you every week.\u201d\nBusiness News Daily\n\n\n\nEmail Marketing is Cost-Effective Communication\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s talk about money. Do you have money? Would you like more? Then start marketing smarter. Compared to other marketing channels, email is very easy on the wallet. How much do you spend on your marketing each month?\n\n\n\nAccording to Gartner, marketers spend about 8% of their budget on email marketing. A recent Deloitte survey says that companies allocate about 13% of sales to marketing. \n\n\n\nThat means if you have annual sales of $100,000 and devote $13,000 to marketing, you are spending about $1,000 a month on email marketing. That\u2019s considerably less than you are probably paying for any other online marketing, right?\n\n\n\nAnything more expensive than $50 is out of the question? No worries. Many email marketing tools offer low-cost or free tiers to get you started. Plus, email gives you complete control over your communication; unlike social media platforms where algorithms dictate your reach.\n\n\n\nEmail Marketing Lets You Measure, Analyze, and Improve\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re going to do anything, you need insight. Data rules. If you can\u2019t measure it, you can\u2019t effectively use it. Email lets you segment. It lets you get granular. Really granular.\n\n\n\nNewsletters offer a treasure trove of data too (just don\u2019t forget privacy regulations). With the tools available, you can track metrics like open rates and click-throughs, allowing you to refine your strategy and deliver content that doesn\u2019t just resonate with your audience, it grounds them.\n\n\n\nMore than grabbing their attention, email offers you the chance to get your audience excited.\n\n\n\nNewsletter marketing is easy, it connects, it\u2019s low-cost, and it works. Newsletters simplify the marketing process, empower you to build relationships, and provide valuable insights. WordPress newsletter plugins are a game-changer.\n\n\n\nSo, let\u2019s cut to the chase. Which newsletter plugin is right for you?\n\n\n\nWhat About WordPress Newsletter Plugin Options for Your Agency?\n\n\n\nSure, everyone loves a new feature, but before you install a newsletter plugin, do your BMW due diligence: Does your Business need it? Does your Marketing need it? Does your Website need it?\n\n\n\nJust because a plugin can be installed, doesn\u2019t mean it should be installed. Install the right tool for the job.\n\n\n\nChoosing the Right Newsletter Plugin: Our BMW Checklist\n\n\n\nBusiness Questions: Will this plugin make/cost my business money?\n\n\n\n\nWill your client require extensive training to use the plugin effectively?\n\n\n\nDoes the plugin offer good customer support in case you encounter any issues?\n\n\n\nWhat is your budget? Are there any freemium options with features that meet your needs?\n\n\n\nConsidering a paid plugin? Are there pricing tiers with features that scale to your budget?\n\n\n\nDoes the plugin have a positive reputation and good reviews from other users?\n\n\n\n\nMarketing Questions: Will this plugin help me achieve my marketing goals?\n\n\n\n\nWhat are your email marketing needs? Consider what features are important to you, such as email automation, list segmentation, and analytics.\n\n\n\nHow many subscribers do you currently have? Is the plugin designed to scale and efficiently manage a growing subscriber base?\n\n\n\nAre there integrations with any existing platforms you or your client use (e.g., CRM, email marketing)? What about an online shop?\n\n\n\n\nWebsite Questions: Will my website run smoothly using this plugin?\n\n\n\n\nDo you really need the plugin? There might be alternative ways to achieve what you want without adding another plugin. Avoid plugin bloat.\n\n\n\nSome plugins are easier to use than others. Choose a plugin that you are comfortable using and can support.\n\n\n\nWhat specific features are most important to you or your clients? (e.g., automation, marketing integrations, analytics)\n\n\n\nDoes the plugin offer all the desired features, or are there any workarounds needed?\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cSo you\u2019re managing your clients\u2019 eCommerce site. Why aren\u2019t you also managing their WooCommerce Email Marketing Campaigns? Sure you can use Mailchimp to do WooCommerce email marketing, but that\u2019s not the only game in town. Pick your poison: HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Groundhogg, Salesforce, ConstantContact \u2014 the plays are the same.\u201d\nRocket.net – Top Winning WooCommerce Email Marketing Plays\n\n\n\nOur Favourite Five Newsletter Plugins \u2013 and Two More\n\n\n\nA great newsletter plugin for WordPress is easy to use, creates beautiful emails, and scales with your subscriber list. It offers features like automation and analytics to boost engagement. This is important because email marketing lets you directly connect with your audience and grow your business. \n\n\n\nEmail marketing is key for reaching customers directly, building relationships, and driving sales.\n\n\n\nWordPress has almost 60,000 plugins, of which 25% – almost 15,000 – are email-related. While we couldn\u2019t check all of the plugins available, we do have our five favorites \u2013 and two others we really like.\n\n\n\nWordPress Newsletter Plugin Tip #1 – MailPoet\n\n\n\nFree Version: Yes. The Starter Plan begins at $10 a month.\n\n\n\n700,000+ active installations \u2013 4.5 stars\n\n\n\nMailPoet is a powerful newsletter plugin designed specifically for WordPress. It empowers website owners to create and manage email campaigns, engage with subscribers, and enhance communication. It\u2019s trusted by over 700,000 websites worldwide, making it an excellent choice for WordPress-powered email marketing and communication.\n\n\n\nPros:\n\n\n\n\nMailPoet seamlessly integrates email marketing features directly into your WordPress dashboard, eliminating the need to switch platforms.\n\n\n\nBenefit from a responsive support team with prompt email replies and comprehensive documentation for self-service troubleshooting.\n\n\n\nMailPoet offers a comprehensive email marketing suite at an affordable price, including form creation, subscriber management, email automation, analytics, and GDPR compliance \u2013 eliminating the need for separate tools.\n\n\n\nThe free plan allows you to collect unlimited emails, send to 1,000 subscribers monthly, and utilize pre-designed templates for newsletters and automated emails.\n\n\n\n\nCons:\n\n\n\n\nMailPoet is exclusively for WordPress websites and doesn’t function as a standalone SaaS platform.\n\n\n\nAdvanced scheduling options are missing in the free and basic plans.\n\n\n\nWhile MailPoet offers templates, some users might desire a wider variety.\n\n\n\nMailPoet currently doesn’t support multisite functionality or Right-to-Left language layouts.\n\n\n\nSending emails through MailPoet requires a paid plan; integration with third-party email marketing tools is available in premium plans.\n\n\n\n\nOverall:\n\n\n\nMailPoet is a user-friendly and cost-effective email marketing solution ideal for WordPress users. Its free plan offers valuable features, and paid plans provide advanced functionalities like sending limit removal, detailed analytics, and priority support. However, the lack of a free-standing platform and limitations in advanced scheduling and template options might be drawbacks for some.\n\n\n\nWordPress Newsletter Plugin Tip #2 – Newsletter Glue\n\n\n\nFree Version: No. Basic Plan starts at $79 a month.\n\n\n\nNewsletter Glue simplifies sending blog posts directly to email subscribers, mimicking Substack functionality. It integrates with popular email marketing services for list management and delivery.\n\n\n\nYou can leverage the familiar WordPress block editor to design content for both website and email newsletters. Optionally create email-only content without publishing it on your website.\n\n\n\nPros:\n\n\n\n\nUtilize the existing WordPress block editor for crafting newsletter content. No need to duplicate work!\n\n\n\nEffortlessly publish content to both your website and newsletter simultaneously.\n\n\n\nConnect with various email marketing services (Mailchimp, MailerLite, etc.) for streamlined management.\n\n\n\nSend specific content exclusively to email subscribers.\n\n\n\n\nCons:\n\n\n\n\nNo free tier and the paid plan (starting at $79/month) caters to high-volume publications.\n\n\n\nRequires a separate email marketing service for list management and delivery.\n\n\n\nCurrently, no WordPress depository plugin\n\n\n\n\nNewsletter Glue caters to users comfortable with the WordPress block editor and seeking a streamlined solution for managing website and email newsletter content in one place. However, the lack of a free tier and reliance on external email marketing services might be drawbacks for some.\n\n\n\nWordPress Newsletter Plugin Tip #3 \u2013 Brevo (formerly SendinBlue)\n\n\n\nFree Version: Yes. Basic Plan starts at $19 a month.\n\n\n\n100,000+ active WordPress installations – 4 stars\n\n\n\nBrevo offers a powerful all-in-one email marketing plugin for WordPress. It\u2019s user-friendly with robust automation features, SMS marketing capabilities, and a free plan.\n\n\n\nPros:\n\n\n\n\nBrevo offers a clean and user-friendly interface with a drag-and-drop editor for emails and forms.\n\n\n\nBrevo provides a variety of beautiful and responsive email templates to jumpstart your campaigns.\n\n\n\nCreate automated email workflows with pre-built templates or from scratch. Personalize the journeys based on user data.\n\n\n\nReach your audience directly through SMS campaigns in addition to email.\n\n\n\nSegment your contact list and personalize your emails with dynamic content for better engagement.\n\n\n\n\nCons:\n\n\n\n\nThe pricing plans are based on the number of emails sent, and some advanced features require additional purchases. This can be expensive for small businesses.\n\n\n\nLanding pages are only available in the pricier Business plan, and you can only create one without additional costs.\n\n\n\nThe free and starter plans offer limited reporting features. Advanced analytics require upgrading to a higher plan.\n\n\n\nBrevo’s email deliverability scores have shown fluctuations and could be improved.\n\n\n\nCompared to other platforms, Brevo offers a smaller selection of third-party integrations.\n\n\n\n\nOverall:\n\n\n\nThe pricing structure with add-on fees, limited free plan features, and basic reporting can be drawbacks for some users. Consider your budget, email marketing needs, and desired integrations before choosing Brevo.\n\n\n\nWordPress Newsletter Plugin Tip #4 \u2013 Groundhogg\n\n\n\nFree Version: No. Basic starts at $20 a month.\n\n\n\n2,000+ active installations – 5 stars\n\n\n\nGroundhogg is an award-winning WordPress CRM, Email & Marketing Automation plugin that empowers website owners to streamline communication, automate marketing tasks, and enhance customer relationship management.\n\n\n\nPros:\n\n\n\n\nGroundhogg integrates flawlessly with your WordPress site, leveraging existing user data and forms.\n\n\n\nCreate automated email sequences triggered by user behavior, purchases, or other events.\n\n\n\nTargeted Audience Segmentation: Segment your audience based on various criteria to deliver highly relevant email campaigns.\n\n\n\nGroundhogg’s pricing scales with the size of your list, making it cost-effective for businesses with large subscriber bases.\n\n\n\nOffers a REST API and webhooks for customization and integration with other tools.\n\n\n\nGDPR and CASL Compliant: Ensures compliance with major data privacy regulations.\n\n\n\n\nCons:\n\n\n\n\nWhile it integrates well within WordPress, it may have limited connections with external tools and platforms.\n\n\n\nGroundhogg, as a comprehensive plugin, might impact the performance of your WordPress site, especially on shared hosting.\n\n\n\nNew users, especially those unfamiliar with WordPress, may find it challenging to master all features.\n\n\n\n\nOverall:\n\n\n\nGroundhogg is a powerful email marketing and marketing automation tool for WordPress users who want advanced features and deep integration with their websites. However, the learning curve can be steeper, and there might be limitations with third-party integrations and website performance. Consider your technical expertise, budget, and need for external integrations before choosing.\n\n\n\nWordPress Newsletter Plugin Tip #5 – HubSpot\n\n\n\nFree Version: Yes. The Starter plan starts at $15 a month.\n\n\n\n300,000+ active installations \u2013 4.5 stars\n\n\n\nHubSpot is a global CRM platform that integrates marketing, sales, and customer service tools. This allows you to manage customer interactions across various departments in a centralized way. With 300,000 newsletter plugin installations, it is second in size only to MailPoet.\n\n\n\nPros:\n\n\n\n\nEasy to navigate, even for beginners, with a drag-and-drop editor for building emails.\n\n\n\nIncludes A/B testing, marketing automation, detailed analytics, landing page creation, and social media marketing tools (with paid plans).\n\n\n\nIntegrates with various marketing and business tools you might already use.\n\n\n\n\nCons:\n\n\n\n\nThe free plan has restrictions on contacts, emails per month, and features. Sending test emails also requires a paid plan.\n\n\n\nHubSpot’s pricing can be expensive compared to some email marketing services, especially for smaller businesses.\n\n\n\nHubSpot offers email marketing as part of its larger marketing hub platform. You can’t purchase email marketing tools alone.\n\n\n\nBasic automation features require a paid plan.\n\n\n\n\nOverall:\n\n\n\nHubSpot Email Marketing is a powerful tool for businesses looking for an all-in-one marketing solution. However, the cost can be a barrier for smaller businesses or those just starting with email marketing. Consider your budget and email marketing needs before committing to HubSpot. If you only need basic email marketing features, a more affordable option might be a better fit.\n\n\n\nWordPress Newsletter Plugin Bonus Tip – Beehiiv\n\n\n\nFree Version: Yes. The Grow plan starts at $49 a month.\n\n\n\nBeehiiv is an email service provider (ESP) specifically designed to help creators build and manage newsletters. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right tool for you:\n\n\n\nPros:\n\n\n\n\nBeehiiv offers a free plan for up to 2,500 subscribers, and its paid plans are cheaper than competitors, especially for larger audiences.\n\n\n\nThe email editor allows you to create beautiful and engaging newsletters without needing pre-built templates.\n\n\n\nBeehiiv provides insightful analytics to track subscriber acquisition sources and email performance.\n\n\n\nThere is a Slack community where newsletter creators can connect, share experiences, and ask questions.\n\n\n\nThere are various ways to monetize your newsletter, including co-registration (Boosts), paid subscriptions, and sponsored posts.\n\n\n\n\nCons:\n\n\n\n\nBeehiiv’s automation features are still under development compared to some competitors like ConvertKit.\n\n\n\nLanding pages offer less customization compared to other platforms.\n\n\n\nBeehiiv has a growing list of integrations, but it’s not as extensive as some competitors.\n\n\n\nCurrently no WordPress depository plugin\n\n\n\n\nOverall:\n\n\n\nBeehiiv is an excellent option for most smaller-list newsletter creators, especially those looking for an affordable and user-friendly platform with a powerful email designer. However, if you need advanced automation features or extensive integrations, ConvertKit might be a better choice. Beehiiv is a strong contender, especially for those on a budget and those who prioritize a beautiful email design experience.\n\n\n\nWordPress Newsletter Plugin Bonus Tip – ConvertKit\n\n\n\nFree version: Yes. Creator plan starts at $25 a month\n\n\n\n40,000+ active installations \u2013 5 stars\n\n\n\nConvertKit is a popular email marketing plugin specifically designed for creators and bloggers, allowing you to design newsletters, manage subscribers, and automate email sequences, all within a user-friendly interface. The accessible pricing and integrations with WooCommerce, GravityForms, and WPForms make it a great fit for most businesses.\n\n\n\nPros:\n\n\n\n\nConvertKit has a clean and user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate \u2013 even for beginners.\n\n\n\nCreate automated email sequences with a visual builder and pre-built templates. Segment your audience based on behavior and tailor your messaging for maximum impact.\n\n\n\nOrganize your subscribers with tags and segments for targeted campaigns.\n\n\n\nEasily create and customize signup forms to capture leads from your website.\n\n\n\nSell digital products with WooCommerce directly through ConvertKit, eliminating the need for third-party apps.\n\n\n\nConnect ConvertKit with a wide range of tools you already use to streamline your workflow.\n\n\n\n\nCons:\n\n\n\n\nThe email editor is basic and lacks drag-and-drop functionality. It can be limiting for users who want more creative control over their email design.\n\n\n\nAdvanced personalization options require coding knowledge.\n\n\n\nWhile ConvertKit offers some email and landing page templates, the selection is small compared to other platforms.\n\n\n\nLanding page creation offers limited design flexibility.\n\n\n\nConvertKit only provides basic email analytics. Advanced reporting features are available only on the higher-priced Creator Pro plan.\n\n\n\n\nOverall:\n\n\n\nConvertKit is a user-friendly platform with powerful automation features and built-in sales functionality. However, the basic email designer, limited templates, and lack of advanced analytics may be drawbacks for some users. Consider your budget and design needs before making a decision.\n\n\n\nEmail Marketing is Alive and Well\n\n\n\nRegardless of where people are in your funnel, email marketing is a powerful tool. From personalized recommendations and fostering stronger relationships to boosting business growth, email marketing is alive and kicking!\n\n\n\nTo stay ahead of the curve, you need to be a part of the evolution. It\u2019s not enough to simply have the newsletter plugin, you need to be able to use the newsletter plugin.\n\n\n\nRegardless of which newsletter plugin you choose, stay on top of some of these trends:\n\n\n\n\nPersonalization is no longer enough. This means emails tailored to individual preferences, past behavior, and real-time needs.\n\n\n\nStatic emails are a thing of the past. Create a more engaging experience for subscribers if you want to boost click-through rates and create subscribers who look forward to your newsletter.\n\n\n\nGot data? Make sure you can use it. With growing privacy concerns, email authentication is a necessity. Enough said.\n\n\n\nApple’s Mail Privacy Protection made open rates less reliable. What other engagement metrics are you using to gauge campaign success?\n\n\n\nAI is no longer just for personalization. It can now generate compelling subject lines, email copy, and even entire email campaigns. This frees up your time. And time is money.\n\n\n\n\nGrow Your Business with a Growing Platform\n\n\n\nWant white glove service? No problem. Regardless of the plan you choose, we help you migrate your website and start building your own personal brand. Need to migrate several? We got you. \n\n\n\nStreamline your workflow by choosing a reliable, performant platform for websites of all sizes. The only question is when you\u2019d like to get going.", "date_published": "2024-04-12T13:47:32+00:00", "date_modified": "2024-04-12T13:52:46+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WordPress-Newsletter-Plugins.png", "tags": [ "WordPress Plugins" ] }, { "id": "https://rocket.net/?p=4459", "url": "https://rocket.net/blog/why-rocket-net-prohibits-nulled-wordpress-themes-and-plugins/", "title": "Why Rocket.net Prohibits Nulled WordPress Themes and Plugins", "content_html": "\nOne of the best things about WordPress is its publishing flexibility; namely through plugins and themes. Plugins add function, themes add design. Sometimes there is an intersection between the two but that\u2019s the basic distinction between WordPress plugins and themes. WordPress is one of the largest open source CMS in existence with a multitude of extensions \u2013 themes, paid and free, and plugins, paid, and free.
\n\n\n\nSometimes we run across a type of WordPress plugin or WordPress theme being used by one of our customers: nulled plugins and themes. Those are a giant no-no from a security standpoint and an ethical one, too.
\n\n\n\nBefore anyone thinks I’m criticizing people in this post about using nulled themes and plugins, the truth is most don’t even know they’re doing it. For those that are fully aware of it, the lure of free is powerful.
\n\n\n\nMy personal ‘nulled’ story is a cautionary tale. I knew what I was doing and willing to take the risk of using a nulled theme and plugins!
\n\n\n\nA few years back between jobs, I was looking to start up a hobby blog (and maybe even make some money from it). I had a ton of spare time and I wasn’t making a paycheck… Why not?
\n\n\n\nIt always starts with picking a great domain and then immediately go theme hunting before you start the process of designing everything.
\n\n\n\nI knew that I didn’t have tons of money kicking around to spend on a new hobby site that likely wasn’t going to make me rich, but I started looking at other similar sites and noticed a few that looked fabulous.
\n\n\n\nFiguring out what themes they used, I went to find out that it was going to cost me probably around $70 (USD) for the theme. I live in Toronto, and after dealing with the currency conversion it was going to be outside of my budget ($0) at that time at least.
\n\n\n\nDetermined to have that theme, I Googled nulled versions instead with the thought that I could always go back and buy the official version at some point down the road.
\n\n\n\nI had to sign up for some program, can’t remember exactly now — but that’s what I needed to do in exchange to get my coveted theme for free.
\n\n\n\nEverything went incredibly smooth without incident, I was able to install everything and all the premium plugins were also included for free. My site looked exactly how I wanted it, life was good and I was thrilled with my newly designed blog.
\n\n\n\nUntil things started getting weird. I would notice things out of the normal when checking Google Search Console as there were traces of content that I couldn’t figure out why it was there. I didn’t see any evidence of it on my end at the beginning, but there was a hidden backdoor that was running malware behind the scenes the entire time.
\n\n\n\nI tried cleaning things up, but it kept coming back. My hosting company at the time had to remove everything and I ended up abandoning the site a few weeks later.
\n\n\n\nDespite knowing better and thinking I got a great steal of a deal, you can see the dangers of using nulled WordPress themes and plugins. Just don’t do it.
\n\n\n\nFor these reasons and more, we prohibit all nulled WordPress themes and plugins. Neither are allowed to exist for all websites hosted on the Rocket.net platform. For those who\u2019d like more information, we\u2019re presenting our case.
\n\n\n\nAlso, for brevity, we\u2019re using the term \u201cWordPress plugin\u201d or \u201cWordPress plugins\u201d to also include themes.
\n\n\n\nBefore talking about nulled WordPress products, we need to understand how the ecosystem works. In order for plugins and themes to be distributed on the dot org directory, they need to adopt the General Public License. This policy allows users (including you) to freely use and distribute software.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cFree software can come with a price tag. In other words, you can create a GPL theme and sell it for $50, and it would still be free software. Why? Because the user is free to run, modify, and distribute the software or any modifications of that software.\u201d
\nWordPress.org
Because the code is open and can be studied and improved upon, WordPress plugins are quickly created and ready for use. For example, the famous donation plugin GiveWP was forked from Easy Digital Downloads in about 6 months, co-Founder Devin Walker says in his WordCamp Los Angeles talk. But GiveWP isn\u2019t a nulled plugin.
\n\n\n\nFantastic! Fork a plugin and sell it? Sounds Good.
\n\n\n\nThen what are nulled plugins and why are they bad?
\n\n\n\nNulled Plugins are exact copies of existing plugins and present security and ethical issues just like any other pirated software. Because of this, they are not allowed to be listed on the official WordPress Plugin Directory.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWhile the GPL and it\u2019s compatible licenses allow for forking, we have an \u2018above and beyond\u2019 rule for hosting here, that means your plugin must be a substantial change of the original. We do not allow direct copies of other plugins to be re-listed under somebody else\u2019s name, we allow changed forks.\u201d
\nMika Epstein
Even though the code can be open, the support and updates may not be free. Generally, the core version of a WordPress Plugin (or theme, for the rest of this article) the freemium model thrives. Meaning, there are more features available for a yearly licensing fee.
\n\n\n\nSo, you can download Beaver Builder, fork it for yourself, and use it even commercially. But that doesn\u2019t mean that you or your customers are getting security patches and updates. That\u2019s the security risk for using a nulled plugin.
\n\n\n\nNulled WordPress Plugins, especially when they inject malware, can hurt your core web vitals and overall performance. This is a major SEO issue. Meaning, your site can be potentially removed from SERPS.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cYou will not know that is what is going on until Google simply removes your website from the search results because it is \u2018unsafe.\u2019\u201d
\nMichael Wells
If you\u2019re feeling confident that your nulled WordPress plugin doesn\u2019t have malware, then consider the performance issues. Nulled plugins and themes aren\u2019t updated. That\u2019s essentially what you\u2019re paying for when you support a developer by purchasing a license.
\n\n\n\nWordPress Core changes so frequently, it\u2019s important to choose professionally-created WordPress themes and plugins that are continuously tested and updated.
\n\n\n\nLook for the \u201ctested with\u201d designation that shows a plugin or theme is compatible with the current version of WordPress. This is shown in the Official WordPress directory with over 60,000 plugins. Otherwise, go straight to customer reviews. Read the good ones and the bad ones.
\n\n\n\nWe know this since we often work directly with theme and plugin providers to find solutions to customer issues and seamless integrations. Official WordPress Plugins help us help you.
\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t go to Fiverr for your website build, hire a WordPress developer who has been vetted.
\n\n\n\nWe don’t have anything against Fiverr, they have thousands of really talented people that offer gigs there.
\n\n\n\nBack when I was running a Core Web Vitals agency, I saw far too often people that hired people from Fiverr to optimize their site with the hook of including premium caching plugins like WP-Rocket for free as part of the gig. The problem was that those ‘free’ premium plugins were actually nulled and presented huge security issues or eventually broke the sites. These same issues will often come up with ‘too good to be true’ site redesign gigs where premium themes and plugins also turn out be offering nulled versions, and people have absolutely no idea that’s the case…
\n\n\n\nI would have to explain that they were using a fake copy of their caching plugin and that they would need to buy the official version before my team could start working on it. I sure as heck wasn’t going to fix things down the road for them, I refused to improve performance on any website until they were using licensed themes and plugins.
\n\n\n\nWhen someone offers you to optimize your website for Core Web Vitals and they charge $100 to get the job done — run the other way, because they’ll likely hurt your site more than help it. Good optimizers generally charge an absolute minimum of $500 to do it right, but that’s another post for another day.
\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t know a good resource, check out he largest marketplace for developers: Codeable.io. Just like potentially expired milk in your fridge: when in doubt, throw it out.
\n\n\n\nSupporting developers for their work is the ethical and responsible way to make WordPress sustainable. And, since your business depends upon WordPress working properly and performantly for your business to succeed online, it\u2019s well worth the money spent.
\n\n\n\nSaaS subscriptions add up, it\u2019s true. You must be willing to invest in your website if you expect to gain leads online. No pain, no gain.
\n\n\n\nLet us do a FREE test migration for you so you can see the difference yourself on a temporary URL, without updating any domain settings! It\u2019s time to change your WordPress hosting company right now and experience the difference the Rocket.net Platform means to your business.
\n\n\n", "content_text": "One of the best things about WordPress is its publishing flexibility; namely through plugins and themes. Plugins add function, themes add design. Sometimes there is an intersection between the two but that\u2019s the basic distinction between WordPress plugins and themes. WordPress is one of the largest open source CMS in existence with a multitude of extensions \u2013 themes, paid and free, and plugins, paid, and free. \n\n\n\nSometimes we run across a type of WordPress plugin or WordPress theme being used by one of our customers: nulled plugins and themes. Those are a giant no-no from a security standpoint and an ethical one, too.\n\n\n\nBefore anyone thinks I’m criticizing people in this post about using nulled themes and plugins, the truth is most don’t even know they’re doing it. For those that are fully aware of it, the lure of free is powerful.\n\n\n\nMy personal ‘nulled’ story is a cautionary tale. I knew what I was doing and willing to take the risk of using a nulled theme and plugins!\n\n\n\nA few years back between jobs, I was looking to start up a hobby blog (and maybe even make some money from it). I had a ton of spare time and I wasn’t making a paycheck… Why not?\n\n\n\nIt always starts with picking a great domain and then immediately go theme hunting before you start the process of designing everything.\n\n\n\nI knew that I didn’t have tons of money kicking around to spend on a new hobby site that likely wasn’t going to make me rich, but I started looking at other similar sites and noticed a few that looked fabulous.\n\n\n\nFiguring out what themes they used, I went to find out that it was going to cost me probably around $70 (USD) for the theme. I live in Toronto, and after dealing with the currency conversion it was going to be outside of my budget ($0) at that time at least.\n\n\n\nDetermined to have that theme, I Googled nulled versions instead with the thought that I could always go back and buy the official version at some point down the road.\n\n\n\nI had to sign up for some program, can’t remember exactly now — but that’s what I needed to do in exchange to get my coveted theme for free.\n\n\n\nEverything went incredibly smooth without incident, I was able to install everything and all the premium plugins were also included for free. My site looked exactly how I wanted it, life was good and I was thrilled with my newly designed blog.\n\n\n\nUntil things started getting weird. I would notice things out of the normal when checking Google Search Console as there were traces of content that I couldn’t figure out why it was there. I didn’t see any evidence of it on my end at the beginning, but there was a hidden backdoor that was running malware behind the scenes the entire time.\n\n\n\nI tried cleaning things up, but it kept coming back. My hosting company at the time had to remove everything and I ended up abandoning the site a few weeks later.\n\n\n\nDespite knowing better and thinking I got a great steal of a deal, you can see the dangers of using nulled WordPress themes and plugins. Just don’t do it.\n\n\n\n For these reasons and more, we prohibit all nulled WordPress themes and plugins. Neither are allowed to exist for all websites hosted on the Rocket.net platform. For those who\u2019d like more information, we\u2019re presenting our case.\n\n\n\nAlso, for brevity, we\u2019re using the term \u201cWordPress plugin\u201d or \u201cWordPress plugins\u201d to also include themes.\n\n\n\nAren\u2019t WordPress Plugins Supposed to be Free?\n\n\n\nBefore talking about nulled WordPress products, we need to understand how the ecosystem works. In order for plugins and themes to be distributed on the dot org directory, they need to adopt the General Public License. This policy allows users (including you) to freely use and distribute software.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cFree software can come with a price tag. In other words, you can create a GPL theme and sell it for $50, and it would still be free software. Why? Because the user is free to run, modify, and distribute the software or any modifications of that software.\u201d\nWordPress.org\n\n\n\nBecause the code is open and can be studied and improved upon, WordPress plugins are quickly created and ready for use. For example, the famous donation plugin GiveWP was forked from Easy Digital Downloads in about 6 months, co-Founder Devin Walker says in his WordCamp Los Angeles talk. But GiveWP isn\u2019t a nulled plugin.\n\n\n\nFantastic! Fork a plugin and sell it? Sounds Good. \n\n\n\nThen what are nulled plugins and why are they bad?\n\n\n\nWhat are Nulled WordPress Themes and Plugins?\n\n\n\nNulled Plugins are exact copies of existing plugins and present security and ethical issues just like any other pirated software. Because of this, they are not allowed to be listed on the official WordPress Plugin Directory.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWhile the GPL and it\u2019s compatible licenses allow for forking, we have an \u2018above and beyond\u2019 rule for hosting here, that means your plugin must be a substantial change of the original. We do not allow direct copies of other plugins to be re-listed under somebody else\u2019s name, we allow changed forks.\u201d\nMika Epstein\n\n\n\nEven though the code can be open, the support and updates may not be free. Generally, the core version of a WordPress Plugin (or theme, for the rest of this article) the freemium model thrives. Meaning, there are more features available for a yearly licensing fee. \n\n\n\nSo, you can download Beaver Builder, fork it for yourself, and use it even commercially. But that doesn\u2019t mean that you or your customers are getting security patches and updates. That\u2019s the security risk for using a nulled plugin.\n\n\n\nNulled WordPress Plugins Hurt Core Web Vitals\n\n\n\nNulled WordPress Plugins, especially when they inject malware, can hurt your core web vitals and overall performance. This is a major SEO issue. Meaning, your site can be potentially removed from SERPS.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cYou will not know that is what is going on until Google simply removes your website from the search results because it is \u2018unsafe.\u2019\u201d\nMichael Wells\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re feeling confident that your nulled WordPress plugin doesn\u2019t have malware, then consider the performance issues. Nulled plugins and themes aren\u2019t updated. That\u2019s essentially what you\u2019re paying for when you support a developer by purchasing a license. \n\n\n\nWordPress Core changes so frequently, it\u2019s important to choose professionally-created WordPress themes and plugins that are continuously tested and updated. \n\n\n\nWhat Should You Do Instead?\n\n\n\nAlways install official WordPress plugins and themes.\n\n\n\nLook for the \u201ctested with\u201d designation that shows a plugin or theme is compatible with the current version of WordPress. This is shown in the Official WordPress directory with over 60,000 plugins. Otherwise, go straight to customer reviews. Read the good ones and the bad ones. \n\n\n\nWe know this since we often work directly with theme and plugin providers to find solutions to customer issues and seamless integrations. Official WordPress Plugins help us help you.\n\n\n\nAlways use a reputable WordPress developer.\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t go to Fiverr for your website build, hire a WordPress developer who has been vetted.\n\n\n\nWe don’t have anything against Fiverr, they have thousands of really talented people that offer gigs there.\n\n\n\nBack when I was running a Core Web Vitals agency, I saw far too often people that hired people from Fiverr to optimize their site with the hook of including premium caching plugins like WP-Rocket for free as part of the gig. The problem was that those ‘free’ premium plugins were actually nulled and presented huge security issues or eventually broke the sites. These same issues will often come up with ‘too good to be true’ site redesign gigs where premium themes and plugins also turn out be offering nulled versions, and people have absolutely no idea that’s the case…\n\n\n\nI would have to explain that they were using a fake copy of their caching plugin and that they would need to buy the official version before my team could start working on it. I sure as heck wasn’t going to fix things down the road for them, I refused to improve performance on any website until they were using licensed themes and plugins.\n\n\n\nWhen someone offers you to optimize your website for Core Web Vitals and they charge $100 to get the job done — run the other way, because they’ll likely hurt your site more than help it. Good optimizers generally charge an absolute minimum of $500 to do it right, but that’s another post for another day.\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t know a good resource, check out he largest marketplace for developers: Codeable.io. Just like potentially expired milk in your fridge: when in doubt, throw it out.\n\n\n\nAlways Support Developers for their work.\n\n\n\nSupporting developers for their work is the ethical and responsible way to make WordPress sustainable. And, since your business depends upon WordPress working properly and performantly for your business to succeed online, it\u2019s well worth the money spent.\n\n\n\nSaaS subscriptions add up, it\u2019s true. You must be willing to invest in your website if you expect to gain leads online. No pain, no gain.\n\n\n\nReady for a Change? Let\u2019s chat!\n\n\n\nLet us do a FREE test migration for you so you can see the difference yourself on a temporary URL, without updating any domain settings! It\u2019s time to change your WordPress hosting company right now and experience the difference the Rocket.net Platform means to your business.", "date_published": "2023-04-24T15:17:19+00:00", "date_modified": "2023-05-12T15:04:42+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/nulled-wordpress-themes-plugins.png", "tags": [ "WordPress Hosting", "WordPress Plugins" ] }, { "id": "https://rocket.net/2022/11/21/best-woocommerce-plugins/", "url": "https://rocket.net/blog/best-woocommerce-plugins/", "title": "The Top 10 Best WooCommerce Plugins For Your WordPress Online Shop", "content_html": "\nBefore we discuss the best WooCommerce plugins or why Rocket WooCommerce hosting is so popular these days, we’re going to talk about tennis…
\n\n\n\nDo you like tennis? Perhaps you play, or perhaps you\u2019re an armchair player. You probably heard that Carlos Alcaraz just became the youngest world No. 1 player after winning the US Open in New York. He\u2019s only 19, so that\u2019s pretty impressive.
\n\n\n\nDo you know what else is like playing tennis? Deciding on what system to use for your online shop. Sometimes the decision-making process can go back and forth like a tennis ball during a long volley.
\n\n\n\nIncidentally, the longest tennis volley in professional tennis was over 600 shots and lasted almost 30 minutes. Not quite as long as some team meetings, but still pretty impressive.
\n\n\n\nAre you still sitting on the net wondering about eCommerce? Are you unsure about WordPress? Are you perhaps not yet familiar with WooCommerce?
\n\n\n\nIt turns out that you don’t need to be a tennis champion to run a successful online store or battle a 5 set match to figure our your best option here, let\u2019s look at some of the advantages of all three!
\n\n\n\nSo, what exactly do we even mean by eCommerce? An online shop probably, right?
\n\n\n\nECommerce is usually defined as the sale or purchase of goods or services, through electronic transactions conducted via the internet or other computer-mediated (online communication) networks. Sounds like an online shop, right?
\n\n\n\nHowever, an important characteristic of eCommerce is that it\u2019s not really a distinct sector at all.
\n\n\n\nInstead, it\u2019s a diversification of the supply of traditional so-called \u2018bricks-and-mortar\u2019 shops into \u2018clicks-and-mortar\u2019 shops.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to open up a new distribution channel or sell your products around the country or globally, the consideration of offering your items online quickly comes up.
\n\n\n\nBut why should you enter the online trade? Here are some good reasons:
\n\n\n\nAn entry into online retailing is, of course, highly dependent on the industry and often linked to the question of the benefits for one’s own company. But as a viable model for the future, it also holds great potential for expanding one’s entrepreneurial opportunities and capabilities.
\n\n\n\nSuppose you want to create an online store so that you can sell your products online. While searching for the best website builder, you come across the well-known provider WordPress. Now you ask yourself, “WordPress for eCommerce – is it a good idea?”
\n\n\n\nThe popular content management system can be used for online stores and offers numerous advantages. These include:
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce is the world\u2019s most popular open-source eCommerce solution. It allows you to design your online store exactly as you imagine it.
\n\n\n\nThanks to an almost endless list of extensions and more than 50 themes, WooCommerce is a great place to start your eCommerce journey.
\n\n\n\nAside from all the great things you can do with WooCommerce, one of the main reasons this plugin is so popular with online sellers is that it\u2019s free. WordPress, the CMS running your shop, is also free. The only costs you have are your managed hosting costs.
\n\n\n\nYou already know why you need an online shop as part of your business. You can sell goods and services easier, cheaper, and faster. So let\u2019s do it! Your shop is going to be unique! The best! Your online shop is going to rock your customer\u2019s world!!
\n\n\n\nEmail marketing, social media reviews, online payment systems, shipping, and returns \u2026 Hmmm. Sounds like your shop is going to take a lot of programming. Where do you start?
\n\n\n\nWhat features should your shop have? How does WordPress have you covered? What about WooCommerce? Where do you need to lay out some cash, and where can you sit back and relax?
\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s get the ball back in our court for a moment and ask a simple question: What features does your online shop need, how can WordPress and WooCommerce help, and what are the best WooCommerce plugins available?
\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve broken it down for you. Take a look through the list and decide what features and plugins your shop might be missing:
\n\n\n\nIf important, purchase-deciding information is missing from your product descriptions, the customer leaves the store without completing the purchase.
\n\n\n\nAs a rule, customers only click on the “Buy” button when they have all the information they need to be sure that the product chosen corresponds exactly to their ideas and needs.
\n\n\n\nGood product descriptions not only increase conversions. They also reduce the rate of returned goods by ensuring in advance that the merchandise is exactly what the customer wants.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce understands the importance of product descriptions, so they offer a lot of space for that out-of-the-box. Not only basic descriptions either. Tags, categories, and related products help your customers connect the dots.
\n\n\n\nIf you need something more than the out-of-the-box solution, what about featuring product descriptions on other pages? WooCommerce has you covered with their Product Description plugin.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cGood copy isn\u2019t easy to write, but it\u2019s worth making the effort or hiring a professional because product descriptions have such a profound impact on the conversion process. According to data shared by OneSpace, as many as 98% of consumers have been dissuaded from making a purchase due to a lack of product information.\u201d
\n(WooCommerce)
WooCommerce Plugin: Product Description on Shop Page
Price: $39
Sometimes it\u2019s nice to offer add-ons to your products like gift wrapping, special messages, or other special options. After all, personalization is the key to customer retention.
\n\n\n\nDoes your shop let customers customize products online? Product customization has made a name for itself in the eCommerce market. This might be just what sets you apart from your competition. Check out WooCommerce\u2019s Product Add-Ons plugin.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Plugin: Product Add-Ons
Price: $49
This is where the money is really made on your online shop! Besides all that extra revenue, there are many other positive points that speak for the use of up-selling and cross-selling:
\n\n\n\nThe WooCommerce Up-Sells and Cross-Sells for Variations plugin allows you to customize the promotion of products for individual variations.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Plugin: Up-Sells and Cross-Sells For Variations
Price: $49
Blue light special! Two for one! Coupons! Everyone loves getting something on sale..
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce\u2019s out-of-the-box SALE function is both practical and easy to use. It categorizes your sale products and flags them with a nifty SALE tag you can customize in your CSS.
\n\n\n\nThey also offer one of their best-selling plugins: Smart Coupons. This plugin has everything you need to grow sales and customers using discounts, coupons, credits, vouchers, product giveaways, offers, and promotions.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Plugin: Smart Coupons
Price: $99
We could write an entire post about social marketing. Where do we start?
\n\n\n\nWhat can social media do for your online store? The short answer: attention equals interaction. Nowhere else is marketing required that relies primarily on genuine, two-way interaction with prospects and customers.
\n\n\n\nSocial media marketing is about much more than conveying information or merely cultivating an image. It\u2019s about building customers. Happy customers. And happy customers leave happy reviews.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce offers 16 different social extensions for Facebook, Pinterest, TrustPilot, and more. From their free Facebook plugin to their Followup Plugin for $99, WooCommerce understands how important being social is.
\n\n\n\nCheck out the WooCommerce website for all their social plugins.
\n\n\n\nE-wallets, such as PayPal or Apple Pay, are the leading payment methods in eCommerce. But mobile payment systems in particular continue to establish themselves. This is because customer needs are increasingly moving in the direction of convenience and choice.
\n\n\n\nA checkout process with the customer’s desired online payment method is probably one of the most important criteria when making a purchase. Your customer is usually closing the browser if your online store doesn\u2019t offer their preferred payment method.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to the free, easy-to-use, out-of-the-box payment solution for your online shop, WooCommerce offers 79 other extensions. Stripe, Paypal, Amazon Pay, and Klarna among others.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Plugin: WooCommerce Payments
Price: Free
What\u2019s one of the biggest pain points, both for us and our customers? Right. Checkout and Cart Abandonment. Often the reason most people leave their cart – or the checkout – is the design and flow of your process. They are unsure about what to click next. Or they aren\u2019t happy with some aspect – often payment or shipping options. So they leave.
\n\n\n\nEnter the best Abandoned Cart plugin there is. This one is by Addify, and it may be one of the better investments you make for your shop.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Plugin: Abandoned Cart Recovery
Price: $59
Online customer reviews are particularly important for most shoppers. Didn\u2019t we just talk about Social Marketing? However, the fact that people are influenced more by ratings and reviews than expert opinions or even personal recommendations from friends or acquaintances when making a purchase decision may be surprising. Don\u2019t leave this feature off your list!
\n\n\n\nCustomer reviews can have a positive influence not only on brand perception and sales but initially also on visibility in search engines. Indirectly, this means search engine optimization with the help of reviews.
\n\n\n\nReviews were part of the general WordPress comments system, but since WooCommerce 6.7 they now have their own section. This is an out-of-the-box feature so it costs you nothing.
\n\n\n\nEnabling Product Reviews in WooCommerce
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Plugin: Product Reviews Pro
Price: $79
Shipping is one of the most important success factors in online retailing. From the retailer’s point of view, the costs incurred by compiling the order (picking), packaging, franking, and the actual dispatch, as well as the costs that can arise from returns, must be kept as low as possible.
\n\n\n\nFrom the customer\u2019s side, well, free overnight shipping is almost the standard, right? People want it fast, they want it cheap, and they want to choose their carrier. WooCommerce offers one of the best shipping plugins, so can help soothe the pain you might incur by offering free shipping.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce offers out-of-the-box shipping AND specific plugins that connect with your preferred carrier. UPS, FedEx, Canada Post, DHL, and more.
\n\n\n\nShipping Option 1: Paid
Check out WooCommerce\u2019s plugin page for all their paid plugin options: WooCommerce Shipping Plugins
Bonus – For other great WooCommerce shipping options, PluginHive offers a variety of plugins to meet all of your needs.
\n\n\n\nShipping Option 2: Free WooCommerce shipping is free and built right into the plugin too. Print labels, connect with a free carrier, and more: https://woocommerce.com/woocommerce-shipping/
\n\n\n\nSpeed wins. This is really where the difference between a successful online shop and the others is really made. People want it fast. They also want it to look good. Often, great design means a slower website. An online shop has a lot to offer — but that means a lot of weight too. Shops need to balance great-looking design, with great speed.
\n\n\n\nDoes your website have a lot of interactions? Are you running eCommerce or eLearning platforms? Check out our latest post on Google\u2019s Core Updates
\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for the best combination of speed, security, and storage, then we\u2019re going to toot our own horn for a moment!
\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s been proven that faster websites not only rank better in search engines but ultimately lead to higher conversion rates. The Rocket Platform is designed to automatically scale and optimize your store in over 275 cities around the world so it\u2019s as close as possible to your shoppers and search engines. If you\u2019re looking for managed WooCommerce hosting — we\u2019ve got you covered!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cHow much money am I losing due to slow website speed?\u201d The answer, unfortunately, is much more than you think.\u201d
\n(The Search Engine Guys)
We\u2019re big on affiliate selling here at Rocket.net! In fact, you can join our WordPress Hosting Affiliate Program today!
\n\n\n\nReseller hosting is when you purchase server space from a web host at a wholesale price, and then offer it to your agency\u2019s clients at retail pricing. You\u2019re not creating your own bank of servers, you\u2019re reselling existing hosting platforms as if they were your own.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to build an online business to generate passive income, you can and should look into Affiliate Marketing. Affiliates help to sell third-party products. This principle works equally well for services. And because affiliates recommend other products, so to speak, this business model is also called referral marketing.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Plugin: Affiliate For WooCommerce
Price: $129
\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe affiliate marketing industry has an estimated value of $12 billion globally. The U.S. market holds 39% of the global affiliate market share.\u201d
\n(SimilarWeb)
While there are a lot of integrations available, two are particularly important: language and email marketing.
\n\n\n\nNot everyone speaks your language or uses US dollars, and you don\u2019t want to miss out on a sale because you didn\u2019t cover your bases. 78% of the population speak English in the USA, but do you really want to miss out on 22% of your potential customers? Not to mention the Canucks!
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Plugin: WooCommerce Multilingual & Multicurrency with WPML
\n\n\n\nPrice: Free
WPML $99
E-mail marketing can be an important success factor for your online shop too. Why? Because content and products can be tailored to each individual email contact. At the same time, e-mail is one of the most cost-effective and effective channels for customer retention and customer acquisition. Don\u2019t leave money on the table by not plugging in your email!
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Plugin: Mailchimp for WooCommerce
\n\n\n\nPrice: Free
Mailchimp Free up to 500 contacts
We already said how important speed is to your success. We also don\u2019t need to say that your templates and themes need to be mobile-friendly either. A ready-to-use template for your online shop means saving time so you can begin to sell. Say no more!
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce offers more than 50 themes and 14 storefronts along with a huge cache of documentation so you can optimize whenever your store needs a revamp.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWooCommerce offers numerous practical functions such as the individual design of your store, the legendary \u201cYou might like this\u201d feature, and the integration of product filters for a better shopping experience. WooCommerce styling and design is also a breeze to manage!\u201d
\n(Rocket.net)
If people can\u2019t find your shop, they can\u2019t buy your products or services. That means your shop needs to be easily found on search engines. SEO makes your online shop visible.
\n\n\n\nWordPress has you covered here right out of the box. Starting with a built-in sitemap.xml to get you connected with Google Search, WordPress offers a lightweight, SEO-friendly structure so Google won\u2019t raise an eyebrow.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce offers various SEO and SEM extensions ranging from $29 to $79.
\n\n\n\nWhat do the SEO companies say?
While Yoast offers a WooCommerce add-on for $80 (annual fee), Rank Math is not lost for words when it comes to the importance of WooCommerce and SEO. AIOSEO offers an SEO plugin for WordPress plugin for $49 annually.
\n\n\n\n\n\u201cSome of the leading e-commerce platforms such as Wix, WordPress, Shopify and Magento, also happen to be the most SEO-friendly ones. This means that using one of these platforms for your e-commerce business would better attract potential customers and provide your customers with a great user experience while shopping at your online store.\u201d
\n(DHL.com)
WooCommerce has always been serious about making your online shops mobile-friendly. They were already posting about optimizing your store for mobile devices back in 2015.
\n\n\n\nWhy is a responsive site important for sales? Purchase over mobile devices hit 360 billion dollars in 2021.
\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s a 15% increase over 2020. It\u2019s expected that figure is going to double by 2025. Half of all shopping revenue in the US will be over mobile devices. So your shop better darn well be mobile friendly!
\n\n\n\nWordPress has you covered here too. Not to mention the ease of mobile styling available in most theme customizations so you don\u2019t even need to touch the media queries if you don\u2019t want to.
\n\n\n\nWordPress and WooCommerce working together allow you to integrate all aspects of your customer\u2019s journey easily and cheaply. Both offer great, ready-to.use templates for whatever our plan to do with your shop!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cMobile phones are the new personal computing devices. They have all your personal information. That is where the data is collected to make shopping truly delightful.\u201d
\n(Forbes.com)
Imagine having to control an airplane without a dashboard. Most likely, it would be a mess. The same is true for online sellers. To decide on your next step, you need to understand what’s going on in your online store:
\n\n\n\nYou may already be using Google, Adobe, or Magento analytics for your website and storefront. What about your other processes? WooCommerce has your shop covered.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Analytics Out of the Box Documentation
\n\n\n\nNote: WooCommerce Analytics only works with WordPress 5.3+.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Plugin: WooCommerce Google Analytics
\n\n\n\nPrice: Free
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cKnowing and understanding your store performance is key to growth, and the more you expand, the more important it becomes. The WooCommerce Analytics dashboard provides all the essential metrics you need and presents them in a visually-pleasing, easy-to-understand way.\u201d
\n(WooCommerce)
Customer delight means excitement from the time your visitors land on your shop page. You can\u2019t deliver the air-conditioned mall experience, but your styling skills can turn an online shop\u2019s tired Dollar Store look and feel into an Apple Store wow! Let us show you how all your CSS craftsmanship needn\u2019t be lost to slow page load.
\n\n\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s talk about how we can migrate your portfolio of client sites to Rocket.net, the fastest WordPress hosting in the world.
As a digital marketer, you\u2019ve got a lot on your plate. From growing traffic to nurturing leads to boosting conversion. Not to mention optimizing for search engines and marketing across multiple social platforms.
\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve been driving yourself nuts trying to manually do it all – stop!
\n\n\n\nThankfully, there are hundreds of thousands of WordPress plugins to help you. In fact, the problem is not finding a plugin with the features you want. It\u2019s identifying the BEST plugin from the thousands of options.
\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s why we\u2019ve created this list of the top 26 WordPress Digital Marketing plugins that every marketer needs.
\n\n\n\nWhether it\u2019s localization, scheduling content, managing engagement, or increasing performance – we\u2019ve got something for everyone.
\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve based our picks on user experience, features, and reputation to bring you only the best.
\n\n\n\n![\"GTranslate\"](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/gtranslate-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Localization is a key ingredient in a successful website that opens you up to a global audience. GTranslate uses the power of Google to translate your site to any of the 103 available languages. The plugin is SEO compatible, has over 300,000 downloads, and has an excellent 5-star rating.
\n\n\n\n![\"Broken](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Broken-Link-Checker.jpg\" "\\"26")
Dead links can seriously impact the user experience and SEO of your site. However, finding and checking links can be a tedious chore. This plugin automatically scans your site and points you straight to any dead links. It even generates reports and you can set scheduled scans for regular checking.
\n\n\n\n![\"SEMrush\"](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/semrush-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
SEMrush is one of the most popular full-service SEO platforms today. The SEO Writing Assistant makes it easy to use these tools on your WordPress website. The plugin rates readability, keywords, plagiarism, linking, and more of your post.
\n\n\n\n![\"Sender](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sender-1024x358.png\" "\\"26")
Sender is one of the most affordable email marketing tools that’s powerful for growing business and sales. This plugin helps you manage email and SMS marketing automation within one dashboard. It also has a great drag-and-drop email builder with plenty of premade newsletter templates, smart segmentation and personalization, high-converting popups, and much more!
\n\n\n\n![\"Schema](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/schema-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
This plugin helps you generate Rich Snippets for your page\u2019s search results in Google, Yahoo, Bing, and Facebook News Feed. These snippets can contain photos, text, star ratings, pricing, author, and other crucial information. With interactive and attractive snippets, this plugin will help you boost CTRs and search rankings.
\n\n\n\n![\"Subscribers](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/subscribers-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Web push notifications are an effective marketing channel to engage and update your visitors. With this plugin, you can ask users to opt-in to your push notifications. It\u2019s compatible with Chrome and Firefox browsers with more browser support coming soon. It even comes with real-time reporting and tracking so you can see how your notifications are performing.
\n\n\n\n![\"YARPP](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/yarpp-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Showing your readers related posts is a great way to get more eyes on your content and improve bounce rates. YARPP uses customizable algorithms to identify and share relevant posts. You can also choose many different templates and styles that suit your taste.
\n\n\n\n![\"WordPress](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/robots-txt-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
The Robots.txt file is the first thing search engines check when indexing your website. By optimizing your Robots.txt file, this plugin will help you rank highly on search engines. At the same time, it will help block most popular malicious bots from crawling and scraping your data.
\n\n\n\n![\"Editorial](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/editorial-calendar-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
If you run a large publication, keeping track of your publishing schedule can be a headache. This plugin provides you with an interactive calendar to manage your publishing schedule. You can drag-and-drop items to reschedule them, view the status of articles, and use automatic publishing.
\n\n\n\n![\"Hustle](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/hustle-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Hustle lets you create professionally designed opt-in forms and targeted marketing popups. The ultimate goal is to help you generate leads and build your mailing list. You can build Black Friday, giveaway, COVID notice, newsletter signup, and more. Hustle even provides smart popup triggers and eye-catching animations.
\n\n\n\n![\"CallRail](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/callrail-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
CallRail\u2019s priority is to give users result-driven insights into their digital marketing efforts. This plugin gives you detailed information about the source and web session of every caller from your website. For example, you can see precisely what a user did before calling to identify where you\u2019re marketing effectively.
\n\n\n\n![\"Redirection\"](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/redirection-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Missing pages and 404 errors will negatively impact the search engine rankings and user experience of your website. Redirection allows you to easily detect, manage, and solve these issues. It will pick up where you have 404 errors and allow you to create 301 redirects. This will ensure that you still get the full ranking juice from the redirected page.
\n\n\n\n![\"Easy](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/easy-social-sharing-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
We all know that social sharing is key to driving engagement, impressions, and exposure. This plugin enables you to easily add various social sharing buttons to your pages and posts. It also comes with added handy features like sharing count, layouts & designs, custom colors, and more.
\n\n\n\n![\"WP](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wp-rocket-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Website performance is now vital, not just for user experience but as a ranking signal. WP Rocket allows you to speed up your pages without any coding. WP Rocket caches your pages on various servers so that they will load much quicker for visitors. It also uses compression and preloading to accelerate your pages further.
\n\n\n\n![\"Sumo\"](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sumo-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Sumo is one of the world\u2019s top email capture and marketing tools. Now, you can use this plugin to create email lists, increase conversions, and generate more sales on your WordPress website. It lets you create timed popups, schedule emails, abandoned cart recovery emails, and more. You can also track important data, such as your ROI from individual leads.
\n\n\n\n![\"Accelerated](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/accelerated-mobile-pages-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
AMP is a Google initiative to create faster and better mobile pages for your website. This plugin enables you to generate AMP pages from your default WordPress website. It is compatible with popular plugins, such as Divi, Elementor, and many others. AMP also comes with great support and documentation.
\n\n\n\n![\"JetFormBuilder\"](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jetformbuilder-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
JetFormBuilder is a free and versatile WordPress plugin that allows you to create, edit and style basic contact us forms, but powerful enough to even build advanced booking forms. With this plugin, you can build the form from scratch or ready-to-use form patterns, style WordPress forms visually in Gutenberg, or any other page builder.
\n\n\n\n![\"Disqus](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/disqus-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Disqus is a comment system you can use to increase reader engagement, grow your audience and traffic, and monetize content. It replaces your default WordPress commenting with a more modern and user-friendly alternative. Comments can be made via various accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fixed](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/fixed-widget-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
With this plugin, you can create sticky widgets that stay visible whether the page is scrolled up or down. This is great for important information, ads, notices, or lead capture elements. It\u2019s a very popular marketing tool with over 100,000 users and a 4.5-star rating.
\n\n\n\n![\"LiveChat\"](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/livechat-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Live chat support on your website is a superb way to convert 50/50 sales and boost customer confidence. You can set up live chat support on your website within minutes by installing this plugin. This plugin even features chat initiation triggers and integrates with help ticketing systems.
\n\n\n\n![\"MailChimp\"](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/mailchimp-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
MailChimp is the #1 most popular email marketing service in the world. This plugin makes it simple to integrate MailChimp with your lead capture forms. It seamlessly connects with your MailChimp account and integrates with various marketing plugins. It\u2019s also developer-friendly and comes with an extensive knowledge base.
\n\n\n\n![\"OptinMonster\"](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/optinmonster-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
With 1+ million users, OptinMonster is one of WordPress\u2019 most popular popup builders and marketing plugins. Build email lists, increase sales, and grow your business through its advanced, yet easy-to-use, popup builder. You can use smart targeting and individual personalization to effectively convert visitors.
\n\n\n\n![\"Akismet\"](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/akismet-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Spam is a persistent issue that can ruin the commenting experience on your website. Akismet automatically checks and approves your comments against their global spam database. This will help keep your comments clean and improve user engagement. You can also set your own filtering, moderation, and discard rules.
\n\n\n\n![\"Google](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/google-sitemap-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
A proper sitemap lays the foundation for search engines to crawl your website. This plugin generates special SiteMaps optimized for Google, Bing, Yahoo, and Ask.com, etc. It will help you get found by search engines and improve your rankings. With over 2 million users and a 5-star rating, you can\u2019t go wrong.
\n\n\n\n![\"Jetpack\"](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jetpack-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Jetpack is the ultimate multi-tool to build and run a better WordPress website. It helps you manage and optimize various aspects of your site. This includes security, performance, backups, design, and marketing. It\u2019s a must-have general-purpose tool for any type of WordPress website.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yoast](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/yoast-seo-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"26")
Yoast SEO is perhaps the most widely used WordPress SEO plugin, and with good reason. It\u2019s an all-in-one solution to help improve your technical, on-page, and content-focused SEO. For example, Yoast SEO can automatically optimize canonical URLs and meta tags as well as generate an XML Sitemap. You can also use it to improve your content writing with an SEO and readability scanner as well as a SERP preview.
\n\n\n\nAs you can see, times are good if you\u2019re a digital marketer. You\u2019re spoilt for choice with a huge variety of highly-rated marketing tools for WordPress. It\u2019s important that you weigh all your options to find the best plugins for your needs.
\n\n\n\nFor any serious WordPress website, you\u2019ll most likely need multiple plugins from this list. However, many will have overlapping features and capabilities. You should carefully compare their features and user experience to see which suits you best.
\n\n\n\nAlso, pay special attention to integrations with other plugins so that everything works together smoothly.
\n\n\n", "content_text": "As a digital marketer, you\u2019ve got a lot on your plate. From growing traffic to nurturing leads to boosting conversion. Not to mention optimizing for search engines and marketing across multiple social platforms.\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve been driving yourself nuts trying to manually do it all – stop!\n\n\n\nThankfully, there are hundreds of thousands of WordPress plugins to help you. In fact, the problem is not finding a plugin with the features you want. It\u2019s identifying the BEST plugin from the thousands of options.\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s why we\u2019ve created this list of the top 26 WordPress Digital Marketing plugins that every marketer needs.\n\n\n\nWhether it\u2019s localization, scheduling content, managing engagement, or increasing performance – we\u2019ve got something for everyone.\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve based our picks on user experience, features, and reputation to bring you only the best.\n\n\n\n1. GTranslate\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocalization is a key ingredient in a successful website that opens you up to a global audience. GTranslate uses the power of Google to translate your site to any of the 103 available languages. The plugin is SEO compatible, has over 300,000 downloads, and has an excellent 5-star rating.\n\n\n\n2. Broken Link Checker\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDead links can seriously impact the user experience and SEO of your site. However, finding and checking links can be a tedious chore. This plugin automatically scans your site and points you straight to any dead links. It even generates reports and you can set scheduled scans for regular checking.\n\n\n\n3. SEMrush\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSEMrush is one of the most popular full-service SEO platforms today. The SEO Writing Assistant makes it easy to use these tools on your WordPress website. The plugin rates readability, keywords, plagiarism, linking, and more of your post.\n\n\n\n4. Sender \u2013 Newsletter, SMS and Email Marketing Automation for WooCommerce\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSender is one of the most affordable email marketing tools that’s powerful for growing business and sales. This plugin helps you manage email and SMS marketing automation within one dashboard. It also has a great drag-and-drop email builder with plenty of premade newsletter templates, smart segmentation and personalization, high-converting popups, and much more! \n\n\n\n5. Schema – All In One Schema Rich Snippets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis plugin helps you generate Rich Snippets for your page\u2019s search results in Google, Yahoo, Bing, and Facebook News Feed. These snippets can contain photos, text, star ratings, pricing, author, and other crucial information. With interactive and attractive snippets, this plugin will help you boost CTRs and search rankings.\n\n\n\n6. Subscribers – Free Web Push Notifications\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeb push notifications are an effective marketing channel to engage and update your visitors. With this plugin, you can ask users to opt-in to your push notifications. It\u2019s compatible with Chrome and Firefox browsers with more browser support coming soon. It even comes with real-time reporting and tracking so you can see how your notifications are performing.\n\n\n\n7. YARPP – Yet Another Related Posts Plugin\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShowing your readers related posts is a great way to get more eyes on your content and improve bounce rates. YARPP uses customizable algorithms to identify and share relevant posts. You can also choose many different templates and styles that suit your taste.\n\n\n\n8. WordPress Robots.txt optimization\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Robots.txt file is the first thing search engines check when indexing your website. By optimizing your Robots.txt file, this plugin will help you rank highly on search engines. At the same time, it will help block most popular malicious bots from crawling and scraping your data.\n\n\n\n9. Editorial Calendar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you run a large publication, keeping track of your publishing schedule can be a headache. This plugin provides you with an interactive calendar to manage your publishing schedule. You can drag-and-drop items to reschedule them, view the status of articles, and use automatic publishing.\n\n\n\n10. Hustle – WordPress PopUp\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHustle lets you create professionally designed opt-in forms and targeted marketing popups. The ultimate goal is to help you generate leads and build your mailing list. You can build Black Friday, giveaway, COVID notice, newsletter signup, and more. Hustle even provides smart popup triggers and eye-catching animations.\n\n\n\n11. CallRail Phone Call Tracking\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCallRail\u2019s priority is to give users result-driven insights into their digital marketing efforts. This plugin gives you detailed information about the source and web session of every caller from your website. For example, you can see precisely what a user did before calling to identify where you\u2019re marketing effectively.\n\n\n\n12. Redirection\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMissing pages and 404 errors will negatively impact the search engine rankings and user experience of your website. Redirection allows you to easily detect, manage, and solve these issues. It will pick up where you have 404 errors and allow you to create 301 redirects. This will ensure that you still get the full ranking juice from the redirected page.\n\n\n\n13. Easy Social Sharing\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe all know that social sharing is key to driving engagement, impressions, and exposure. This plugin enables you to easily add various social sharing buttons to your pages and posts. It also comes with added handy features like sharing count, layouts & designs, custom colors, and more.\n\n\n\n14. WP Rocket\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWebsite performance is now vital, not just for user experience but as a ranking signal. WP Rocket allows you to speed up your pages without any coding. WP Rocket caches your pages on various servers so that they will load much quicker for visitors. It also uses compression and preloading to accelerate your pages further.\n\n\n\n15. Sumo\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSumo is one of the world\u2019s top email capture and marketing tools. Now, you can use this plugin to create email lists, increase conversions, and generate more sales on your WordPress website. It lets you create timed popups, schedule emails, abandoned cart recovery emails, and more. You can also track important data, such as your ROI from individual leads.\n\n\n\n16. Accelerated Mobile Pages\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAMP is a Google initiative to create faster and better mobile pages for your website. This plugin enables you to generate AMP pages from your default WordPress website. It is compatible with popular plugins, such as Divi, Elementor, and many others. AMP also comes with great support and documentation.\n\n\n\n17. JetFormBuilder\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJetFormBuilder is a free and versatile WordPress plugin that allows you to create, edit and style basic contact us forms, but powerful enough to even build advanced booking forms. With this plugin, you can build the form from scratch or ready-to-use form patterns, style WordPress forms visually in Gutenberg, or any other page builder.\n\n\n\n18. Disqus for WordPress\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDisqus is a comment system you can use to increase reader engagement, grow your audience and traffic, and monetize content. It replaces your default WordPress commenting with a more modern and user-friendly alternative. Comments can be made via various accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google.\n\n\n\n19. Fixed Widget\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith this plugin, you can create sticky widgets that stay visible whether the page is scrolled up or down. This is great for important information, ads, notices, or lead capture elements. It\u2019s a very popular marketing tool with over 100,000 users and a 4.5-star rating.\n\n\n\n20. LiveChat\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLive chat support on your website is a superb way to convert 50/50 sales and boost customer confidence. You can set up live chat support on your website within minutes by installing this plugin. This plugin even features chat initiation triggers and integrates with help ticketing systems.\n\n\n\n21. MailChimp\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMailChimp is the #1 most popular email marketing service in the world. This plugin makes it simple to integrate MailChimp with your lead capture forms. It seamlessly connects with your MailChimp account and integrates with various marketing plugins. It\u2019s also developer-friendly and comes with an extensive knowledge base.\n\n\n\n22. OptinMonster\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith 1+ million users, OptinMonster is one of WordPress\u2019 most popular popup builders and marketing plugins. Build email lists, increase sales, and grow your business through its advanced, yet easy-to-use, popup builder. You can use smart targeting and individual personalization to effectively convert visitors.\n\n\n\n23. Akismet\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpam is a persistent issue that can ruin the commenting experience on your website. Akismet automatically checks and approves your comments against their global spam database. This will help keep your comments clean and improve user engagement. You can also set your own filtering, moderation, and discard rules.\n\n\n\n24. Google XML SiteMaps\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA proper sitemap lays the foundation for search engines to crawl your website. This plugin generates special SiteMaps optimized for Google, Bing, Yahoo, and Ask.com, etc. It will help you get found by search engines and improve your rankings. With over 2 million users and a 5-star rating, you can\u2019t go wrong.\n\n\n\n25. Jetpack\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJetpack is the ultimate multi-tool to build and run a better WordPress website. It helps you manage and optimize various aspects of your site. This includes security, performance, backups, design, and marketing. It\u2019s a must-have general-purpose tool for any type of WordPress website.\n\n\n\n26. Yoast SEO\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYoast SEO is perhaps the most widely used WordPress SEO plugin, and with good reason. It\u2019s an all-in-one solution to help improve your technical, on-page, and content-focused SEO. For example, Yoast SEO can automatically optimize canonical URLs and meta tags as well as generate an XML Sitemap. You can also use it to improve your content writing with an SEO and readability scanner as well as a SERP preview.\n\n\n\nThe Wrap-up: 26 WordPress Digital Marketing Plugins That You Can Use\n\n\n\nAs you can see, times are good if you\u2019re a digital marketer. You\u2019re spoilt for choice with a huge variety of highly-rated marketing tools for WordPress. It\u2019s important that you weigh all your options to find the best plugins for your needs.\n\n\n\nFor any serious WordPress website, you\u2019ll most likely need multiple plugins from this list. However, many will have overlapping features and capabilities. You should carefully compare their features and user experience to see which suits you best.\n\n\n\nAlso, pay special attention to integrations with other plugins so that everything works together smoothly.", "date_published": "2021-09-29T15:06:00+00:00", "date_modified": "2023-05-12T18:12:55+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/yoast-seo.jpg", "tags": [ "WordPress Plugins" ] }, { "id": "https://rocket.net/2020/10/03/how-malware-disables-security-plugins-on-a-wordpress-website/", "url": "https://rocket.net/blog/how-malware-disables-security-plugins-on-a-wordpress-website/", "title": "How Malware Disables Security Plugins on a WordPress Website", "content_html": "\nA website built on WordPress is easy to program but comes with security issues if you do not place proper controls on your data. Typically, WordPress users add security plugins, which do the job of notifying the user when unauthorized access occurs. However, there are certain drawbacks to using security plugins.
\n\n\n\nEven though security plugins do notify the user of any security breach, there is no guarantee that the security plugin itself will not be hacked. Yes, attackers of a website know all about the working of security plugins and have devised ways to disable them.
\n\n\n\nAttackers have previously tried to reverse the security hardening measures provided by these plugins that held website data in place. Even though they might have been temporarily successful, the notifications received by the plugins allowed the users to harden the security measures again. To counter this challenge, attackers devised a novel way to break through security plugins, which is, the PHP malware.
\n\n\n\n![\"1](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1-1.png\" "\\"How")
The PHP malware is notorious and a boon to the attacker because it strikes at the source, which means, instead of undoing the security measures, it disables the security plugins themselves. As a result, when an attacker tries to steal your WordPress website data, the security plugins can no longer send you notifications about something going wrong.
\n\n\n\nThe only way a user can find out is if they happen to check the status of the plugins and see them as disabled. Even then, simply reactivating the security plugins will not solve the issue. The PHP malware is built in a way that as soon as you reactivate a plugin, it deactivates it again promptly. No matter how many times you reactivate it, the malware will continue to disable it.
\n\n\n\nAnother way in which the PHP malware has an advantage over other attacking methods is that it only disables the security plugins, leaving the others intact. So, you could continue to work on your website without any hindrance for a long time without even knowing that its security has been compromised.
\n\n\n\n![\"2](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2-1.png\" "\\"How")
This malware begins by attacking the root directory of your WordPress website. It typically is generated within the file ./wp-includes/IXR/class-IXR-cache.php. It then assigns the root directory to DIZIN\u2019, which changes how the file wp-load.php loads. As this is a core WordPress file, confusing its direct loading technique is the attacker\u2019s primary motive. The malware achieves this operation through the require_once\u2019 function.
\n\n\n\nThe attacker then uses two functions, of which one is called findinSecurity\u2019, which sorts the array of all the plugins. The second function, called secList, is an array of plugins that the attacker is looking for, which are the security plugins. This list contains popular WordPress security plugins such as Security Ninja, Ninja Firewall, Better WP Security, Wordfence, and many more.
\n\n\n\nIn the next step, the malware uses WordPress\u2019s built-in get_option (active plugins\u2019) command to see a list of the active plugins. It then runs the functions findinSecurity\u2019 and secList to find the targeted security plugins that are active.
\n\n\n\nThen, using the command deactivate_plugins\u2019, it disables the security plugins. Because the malware was injected into the core WP file and goes through the require_once\u2019 function at every page load, even if you re-enable the plugins, they automatically get disabled at the next page refresh.
\n\n\n\nWhere this kind of PHP malware is considered, relying on simple WordPress security plugins is not enough. To offer complete protection to your website, you must have a robust security process in place that works outside the WordPress interface.
\n\n\n\nA great way to take care of this is to use a server-side scanner. These scanners identify malware at the server end before they reach your website. The best part is, you can use these scanners irrespective of whether you use WordPress or any other website building platform.
\n\n\n\nCan the attacker disable a server-side scanner? They most certainly can. But the advantage of using a server-side scanner is that if it gets disabled, the connection between your website and the server will be lost. This means that you are informed that something inappropriate is going on at the server end. In such a scenario, you can protect your website from inadvertent data leaks by temporarily shutting it down while technicians investigate the issues on the server-side.
\n\n\n\nImplementing a robust security system for your WordPress website is crucial to keep hackers at bay. Unfortunately, security plugins do not always do a thorough job as PHP malware can easily disable them. It is, therefore, best to use server-side scanners and monitoring software to protect your website from falling victim to unauthorized access.
\n\n\n\n![\"3](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/3-1.png\" "\\"How")
Rocket.net (that’s us) provides fully integrated and ready to use CDN/WAF, powered by CloudFlare Enterprise is pre-configured and ready to use, meaning without much knowledge you can deploy a scalable WordPress installation to 200+ pops, enjoy full page caching and be protected by an enterprise WAF, without the need for a single plugin!
\n\n\n", "content_text": "A website built on WordPress is easy to program but comes with security issues if you do not place proper controls on your data. Typically, WordPress users add security plugins, which do the job of notifying the user when unauthorized access occurs. However, there are certain drawbacks to using security plugins.\n\n\n\nEven though security plugins do notify the user of any security breach, there is no guarantee that the security plugin itself will not be hacked. Yes, attackers of a website know all about the working of security plugins and have devised ways to disable them.\n\n\n\nAttackers have previously tried to reverse the security hardening measures provided by these plugins that held website data in place. Even though they might have been temporarily successful, the notifications received by the plugins allowed the users to harden the security measures again. To counter this challenge, attackers devised a novel way to break through security plugins, which is, the PHP malware.\n\n\n\nThe PHP Malware\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe PHP malware is notorious and a boon to the attacker because it strikes at the source, which means, instead of undoing the security measures, it disables the security plugins themselves. As a result, when an attacker tries to steal your WordPress website data, the security plugins can no longer send you notifications about something going wrong.\n\n\n\nThe only way a user can find out is if they happen to check the status of the plugins and see them as disabled. Even then, simply reactivating the security plugins will not solve the issue. The PHP malware is built in a way that as soon as you reactivate a plugin, it deactivates it again promptly. No matter how many times you reactivate it, the malware will continue to disable it.\n\n\n\nAnother way in which the PHP malware has an advantage over other attacking methods is that it only disables the security plugins, leaving the others intact. So, you could continue to work on your website without any hindrance for a long time without even knowing that its security has been compromised.\n\n\n\nHow Does it Disable the Plugins?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis malware begins by attacking the root directory of your WordPress website. It typically is generated within the file ./wp-includes/IXR/class-IXR-cache.php. It then assigns the root directory to DIZIN\u2019, which changes how the file wp-load.php loads. As this is a core WordPress file, confusing its direct loading technique is the attacker\u2019s primary motive. The malware achieves this operation through the require_once\u2019 function.\n\n\n\nThe attacker then uses two functions, of which one is called findinSecurity\u2019, which sorts the array of all the plugins. The second function, called secList, is an array of plugins that the attacker is looking for, which are the security plugins. This list contains popular WordPress security plugins such as Security Ninja, Ninja Firewall, Better WP Security, Wordfence, and many more.\n\n\n\nIn the next step, the malware uses WordPress\u2019s built-in get_option (active plugins\u2019) command to see a list of the active plugins. It then runs the functions findinSecurity\u2019 and secList to find the targeted security plugins that are active.\n\n\n\nThen, using the command deactivate_plugins\u2019, it disables the security plugins. Because the malware was injected into the core WP file and goes through the require_once\u2019 function at every page load, even if you re-enable the plugins, they automatically get disabled at the next page refresh.\n\n\n\nWhat You Can Do to Avoid Data Leaks\n\n\n\nWhere this kind of PHP malware is considered, relying on simple WordPress security plugins is not enough. To offer complete protection to your website, you must have a robust security process in place that works outside the WordPress interface.\n\n\n\nA great way to take care of this is to use a server-side scanner. These scanners identify malware at the server end before they reach your website. The best part is, you can use these scanners irrespective of whether you use WordPress or any other website building platform.\n\n\n\nCan the attacker disable a server-side scanner? They most certainly can. But the advantage of using a server-side scanner is that if it gets disabled, the connection between your website and the server will be lost. This means that you are informed that something inappropriate is going on at the server end. In such a scenario, you can protect your website from inadvertent data leaks by temporarily shutting it down while technicians investigate the issues on the server-side.\n\n\n\nImplementing a robust security system for your WordPress website is crucial to keep hackers at bay. Unfortunately, security plugins do not always do a thorough job as PHP malware can easily disable them. It is, therefore, best to use server-side scanners and monitoring software to protect your website from falling victim to unauthorized access.\n\n\n\nThe No Plugin Option\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRocket.net (that’s us) provides fully integrated and ready to use CDN/WAF, powered by CloudFlare Enterprise is pre-configured and ready to use, meaning without much knowledge you can deploy a scalable WordPress installation to 200+ pops, enjoy full page caching and be protected by an enterprise WAF, without the need for a single plugin!", "date_published": "2020-10-03T17:56:00+00:00", "date_modified": "2023-05-12T18:33:26+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ben Gabler", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/ben-gabler-rocket/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/20a5631c229cd6cc54daabf0ace5d9f2?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Ben Gabler", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/ben-gabler-rocket/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/20a5631c229cd6cc54daabf0ace5d9f2?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/malware-no-plugins.png", "tags": [ "avoid data leaks", "disable wordpress plugins", "malware patching", "malware scanning", "no plugin security", "php malware", "WordPress Hosting", "WordPress Plugins" ] }, { "id": "https://rocket.net/2020/06/15/best-wordpress-security-plugins/", "url": "https://rocket.net/blog/best-wordpress-security-plugins/", "title": "Best WordPress Security Plugins", "content_html": "\nWordPress is incredibly popular due to the benefits its ecosystem of plugins and WordPress themes offer. However, despite this, WordPress is vulnerable to hackers.
\n\n\n\nHackers can cause damage on your site by stealing user information, installing malware, deleting your content, distributing malware to your visitors, and exposing sensitive data. You might even have to pay the ransomware. This is why, it is vital to pay close attention to your business website because security breaches come at considerable costs. Utilizing a security plugin is the best way to prevent security breaches in the first place.
\n\n\n\nWhy You Need Security Plugins
\n\n\n\nWhile WordPress offers a measure of security, security plugins offer a wide range of features that serves to keep your WordPress blog secure from threats. The best security plugins are built to help you tackle a variety of security threats from login security to access restriction while reducing the need to install more than one. They increase the security of your website by offering the following:
\n\n\n\nThe 5 Best WordPress Security Plugins
\n\n\n\nHere are the five best WordPress security plugins out there.
\n\n\n\nEach of the security plugins described in this article has unique features. So, what works for your website depends on the nature of your website. It is always advisable to opt for the paid versions due to the functionalities they offer.
\n\n\n", "content_text": "WordPress is incredibly popular due to the benefits its ecosystem of plugins and WordPress themes offer. However, despite this, WordPress is vulnerable to hackers.\n\n\n\nHackers can cause damage on your site by stealing user information, installing malware, deleting your content, distributing malware to your visitors, and exposing sensitive data. You might even have to pay the ransomware. This is why, it is vital to pay close attention to your business website because security breaches come at considerable costs. Utilizing a security plugin is the best way to prevent security breaches in the first place.\n\n\n\nWhy You Need Security Plugins\n\n\n\nWhile WordPress offers a measure of security, security plugins offer a wide range of features that serves to keep your WordPress blog secure from threats. The best security plugins are built to help you tackle a variety of security threats from login security to access restriction while reducing the need to install more than one. They increase the security of your website by offering the following:\n\n\n\n\nScanning(site, malware, file)\n\n\n\nRegular security scans and monitoring\n\n\n\nSite firewalls\n\n\n\n\nThe 5 Best WordPress Security Plugins\n\n\n\nHere are the five best WordPress security plugins out there.\n\n\n\n\niThemes Security: iThemes security is a feature-packed WordPress security plugin that is available in both free and paid versions for WordPress sites. The paid version is the better version because it provides access to a horde of great security features like strong password protection, securing your databases, protection against brute force attacks, and providing two-factor authentication, among others. You also get dedicated support and website monitoring.\n\n\n\nWordfence Security: WordFence Security boasts of an extensive database of criminal IP addresses, and it is excellent at protecting your site from brute force attacks and real-time security monitoring. Besides, you get a firewall protection, login page protection, and IP blacklisting, among others.The free version is excellent, but the paid version offers dedicated support, two-factor authentication, spam protection, and geographic protection.\n\n\n\nSucuri Security: Upon installation, this plugin will automatically scan your site looking for any infected files or any known sources of security weakness. It then helps you restore or repair your site to keep it secure. It also offers malware scanning, strengthens existing security protocols, and provides regular website monitoring. In all, the Sucuri Security plugin keeps your site protected from online security concerns.\n\n\n\nAll In One WP Security & Firewall: This tool is free but not precisely beginner-friendly but it offers a lot of features like user account monitoring, site firewalls, IP protection, malware scans, and a lot more\n\n\n\nWordfence Security: This security plugin has great ease of use and is quite affordable. The free version offers malware protection and scanning, two-factor authentication real-time monitoring, and protection from brute force attacks. The paid version offers even more advanced features.\n\n\n\n\nEach of the security plugins described in this article has unique features. So, what works for your website depends on the nature of your website. It is always advisable to opt for the paid versions due to the functionalities they offer.", "date_published": "2020-06-15T09:51:46+00:00", "date_modified": "2023-05-12T18:51:31+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ben Gabler", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/ben-gabler-rocket/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/20a5631c229cd6cc54daabf0ace5d9f2?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Ben Gabler", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/ben-gabler-rocket/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/20a5631c229cd6cc54daabf0ace5d9f2?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/splugs.png", "tags": [ "WordPress Plugins" ] } ] }