Do you want to add new features to your WordPress website? A plugin is usually the way to go. But not always…

As I’ve explained before, there are Pros and Cons of Using Plugins in WordPress. There are times when it is cost-effective to use them, others when it can be dangerous.

But let’s stay on the positive side on this article. Let’s talk about some nice features you can add to your site with a simple plugin.

Analytics

It is always good to have an idea of what your visitors are doing on your website. Using tools like Google Analytics, you can know how many people visit each day, how long they stay on the site, which pages they visit the most, how many of them convert into leads or customers, popular times of day, and more!

To add analytics to your WordPress website, you can either copy Google’s code directly or just use a plugin that does it for you.

Security

WordPress is only as safe as it’s configured for. This includes updates, plugins, hosting, and other aspects as well.

If you don’t have a hosting provider that includes Firewalls and extra security features, you can use a plugin like Wordfence to handle security.

Wordfence will allow you to set up multiple security features like banning users with incorrect password attempts, country blocking, etc. I thoroughly recommend using a security plugin on your website if you’re unsure of what your current host provides.

Performance

There are multiple ways to make your website faster. Some of these ways include plugins.

Two of the most popular plugins for optimizing your website’s performance are W3 Total Cache and WP Super Cache. They can help your website be a lot faster by “caching” certain static files. This enables multiple users to receive the same file instead of a new dynamic file being generated each time. Making the website experience better and faster.

Commerce

If you want to sell online using your WordPress website, you can’t go wrong with WooCommerce. It is a free plugin that enables E-Commerce functionality on your site. With this plugin you will be able to sell physical and/or digital products directly. You can even take credit card payments online.

If you’ve heard of Shopify, this is very similar. The main difference is that with WooCommerce you’ll have all of the great benefits of using WordPress. And of course, everything will be on your website, your files, your server, your rules.

Commerce Extras

Another fun thing to do with plugins is “accessorize” your E-Commerce store.

What do I mean?

Have you ever seen those countdown timers that stress you out when ordering something online? (“Only 3 minutes left!!”).. 2:59…2:58…

Or perhaps a popup that gives you a special discount if you add your e-mail to their mailing list.

Or maybe an offer to get a special bundle as an upsell.

All that can be added with different plugins. I recommend researching the different options out there and read customer reviews. You’ll get a better idea of the support and performance of each plugin before buying.

Conclusion

This is by no means a comprehensive list of plugin functionalities. It is just a taste of what you can do. There’s a whole rabbit hole to follow… just be careful with what you install and be safe!

What are your favorite WordPress plugins? Comment below!