When it comes to building a successful WordPress website, plugins play a crucial role. Over the past few years, our team at 14 Oranges has taken over the maintenance of numerous websites. One recurring issue we’ve noticed is that many of these sites are overloaded with plugins, leading to poor performance and a range of technical problems. 

So what exactly are plugins and when should you use them? 

What is a WordPress Plugin?

A WordPress plugin is a piece of software that adds specific features or functions to your WordPress website. Plugins can enhance your site in various ways, from improving security and SEO to adding contact forms, social media integration, and e-commerce capabilities. Essentially, they allow you to extend the functionality of your site without having to write custom code.

The Power of Plugins

Plugins are a fantastic addition to WordPress that can enhance your website’s functionality; however, it’s essential to know when and how to use them. Think of plugins like kitchen appliances: while they can make tasks easier, overloading your counters or cupboards with too many appliances can lead to clutter and inefficiency. Similarly, too many plugins can overload your site, slowing it down or even breaking functionality.

Common Missteps with Plugins

One of my pet peeves is how people often install plugins without fully considering if the plugin is actually a necessity. WordPress often has built-in capabilities to achieve what many plugins offer. It’s important to evaluate whether you really need a plugin before adding it to your site.

Is a Plugin-Free WordPress Site Possible?

While it’s technically possible to run a WordPress site without any plugins, it’s highly unlikely in practice. Plugins provide essential features that enhance user experience and site functionality. The key is to be strategic about which plugins you install.

Keeping Plugins Secure

One critical aspect of plugin management is keeping them up to date. Regular updates are crucial for security and performance. Plugins sourced from WordPress.org typically update automatically, but those from other sources might not. You’ll want to ensure your plugins are updated regularly to protect your site from vulnerabilities.

Free vs. Subscription Plugins

Free plugins often serve as an introduction to a tool’s capabilities, encouraging you to subscribe for more advanced features. Subscription plugins generally offer more robust and comprehensive functionality, which can be worth it depending on your website’s needs.

Performance Impacts of Plugins

Plugins inevitably add more code to your site, which needs to be downloaded, parsed, and rendered by browsers. When plugins are working well, this extra code is usually manageable; however, conflicts between plugins or with the core WordPress system can significantly hinder performance, causing your site to slow down or malfunction. Just picture that kitchen with too many appliances all plugged in and being used at once – not only is it cluttered, it’s only a matter of time before you face a short circuit, blown fuse or worse.

Regular Plugin Maintenance

People often ask me how often they should check their plugins. At a minimum, we suggest that you review them twice a year, though quarterly or even monthly checks are recommended for high-traffic websites. Regular maintenance ensures your plugins remain functional and compatible with the latest WordPress updates.

Accountability and Downtime

If a plugin fails and your site goes down, it’s a shared responsibility between the site owner and the developer. The web developer should ensure proper vetting and compatibility of plugins, while the owner should maintain regular updates and backups to mitigate risks.

WordPress Updates and Plugin Compatibility

WordPress updates can sometimes negatively affect plugin functionality, particularly if the plugins are not compatible with the latest version of WordPress. It’s crucial to verify compatibility before updating and to have a rollback plan in case something goes wrong.

Strategic Plugin Use

Being strategic about plugin use is key to maintaining a healthy WordPress site. Evaluate each plugin for necessity, performance impact, and compatibility. Keep your plugins updated and regularly review their performance.

The Lifecycle of Plugins

When a company that developed a plugin goes out of business, the plugin might eventually stop working. Similarly, if a company sunsets a plugin, you may or may not be offered alternatives. It’s important to stay informed about the plugins you use and have contingency plans for such scenarios.

While plugins are invaluable tools for enhancing your WordPress site, they do require thoughtful management. By being strategic and proactive, you’ll make sure that your website performs well and remains secure, and efficient. If all this sounds a little over your head, don’t stress. The team at 14 Oranges can help you navigate the complexities of WordPress plugins and maintain a successful online presence.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your WordPress site, get in touch. We’d love to help.

Sylvain Marcotte is CEO and President of 14 Oranges.