It’s been a very long time since I last published one of these “favorite plugins” posts. Honestly? I got bored today, so now felt like a good time to dust off the idea and share my current lineup. The WordPress plugin directory can feel like an all-you-can-eat buffet at a sketchy roadside casino – lots of shiny stuff, but not everything belongs on your plate. Over the years, I’ve narrowed my plugin choices down to a core set of favorites: the ones I actually rely on in real client builds. Some are non-negotiables, while others are situational lifesavers.
One quick note before we dive in: every single plugin on this list is available for free in the official WordPress plugin repository. Many also offer premium or pro versions, which often include more features, fewer limitations, or priority support. Those are perfectly good reasons to upgrade if you need them. But in my case, the free versions almost always cover what I need, even for client projects.
Here’s my personal toolkit.
Essentials (The “Almost Always” Crew)
These plugins go on nearly every site I build. Occasionally I’ll leave one off if it’s not a fit, but most of the time, this lineup is my foundation.
- Code Snippets – Because editing
functions.phpis so 2010. - All-in-One WP Migration – If you’ve ever tried migrating a site without this, you probably cried.
- Duplicate Page – Why build from scratch when you can clone and tweak?
- Yoast SEO or Rank Math SEO – Pick your poison. I’ve pared down my SEO needs to the bare essentials, so just about any of the free SEO plugins are good enough. Main thing is to use one – whichever you like best.
- ShortPixel Image Optimiser or Cimo Image Optimizer – Every site needs image optimization. ShortPixel has been my go-to for years (pro tip: I grab credits on AppSumo when they run deals). Cimo is the new kid on the block and I haven’t stress-tested it yet, but some of its features really shine.
- Twentig – Block theme customization without losing your sanity. Templates, patterns, core block enhancements… it just makes life easier.
- Stackable – Ultimate Gutenberg Blocks or CoBlocks – A good block library is a must. Stackable is packed with design controls; CoBlocks is lightweight and simple.
- Sassy Social Share – Adds sharing buttons that don’t look like they escaped from 2007.
- Editorial Calendar – Because “I’ll just remember my content schedule” is a lie we all tell ourselves.
- AltText AI – Auto-generates alt text so your images aren’t silently sabotaging your SEO.
- Block Visibility – Show or hide blocks based on role, device, or time. (Perfect for when you want to hide that Black Friday sale block on Cyber Monday.)
- Disable Comments – Because sometimes the only correct number of spam comments is zero.
- WS Form – The form builder that makes me actually like building forms. That’s saying something.
- Google Site Kit – Analytics, Search Console, AdSense, and PageSpeed all in one dashboard.
- Simply Gallery Block – A gallery that actually looks good without 45 minutes of custom CSS.
Situational Picks (Use When Needed)
These plugins are my “grab bag.” I don’t install them everywhere, but when the situation calls for it, they shine.
- Media Sync – Import files already uploaded via FTP into the Media Library. A lifesaver when you need to batch in a ton of images without fuss.
- WP Ultimate CSV Importer – Bulk import/export posts, users, or products. There are other importers, sure, but this one’s solid and the free version even handles ACF textarea fields now (it didn’t always). Incredibly useful for complex migrations without spending a dime.
- Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) – The OG. The best. Still the easiest way to build custom content structures.
- Flip Boxes – Because sometimes you just want something to flip.
- Sticky Menu (or Anything!) on Scroll – Keep nav, CTAs, or anything else glued in place as your visitors scroll.
- Media Focus Point – Helps your responsive crops focus on the important stuff (like faces, not elbows).
- Popup Maker – Popups. You’ll either love it or hate it, but when you need one, this plugin does the job.
- CodePress Admin Columns – Turns your cluttered WordPress admin into something actually useful.
Quick Reference Table
Final Thoughts
Plugins are like seasoning – sprinkle what you need, don’t dump in the whole spice rack. My philosophy is simple:
- Keep the essentials handy.
- Add situational ones only when they solve a real problem.
- Stick with free unless the pro features truly justify the upgrade.
Leave a Reply