Essential plugins for a new site

[Tilder]

I'm starting a brand new WordPress site for a small local business. I've got the install done, but now I'm staring at the plugin directory and I'm totally overwhelmed. I know I need security, backups, and SEO. But there are thousands of options. What are the 'must-have' plugins that you all install on every site? Are the free ones good enough, or are premium ones essential?

[Kuialala]

Hey, congrats on the new site!

It's easy to go crazy and install 30 plugins right away, so it's good you're asking. Here's my 'must-have' list. For security, Wordfence (free) is great. For backups, UpdraftPlus (free) is solid. For SEO, Rank Math (free) is my go-to. But for speed, I always pay for WP Rocket. It's just... easy. The free cache plugins are too complicated. For contact forms, the free versions are fine. The real question is your theme. Many modern wordpress plugins themes combos are built to be lightweight.

For example, using a theme like Blocksy with its companion plugin (Blocksy Pro) gives you a ton of design features without needing 10 extra plugins. So I'd say start with free security/backup/SEO, but pay for a good speed plugin and a good pro theme/companion plugin.

What kind of business is it? Does it need online booking or a shop?

[Tilder]

This is an awesome list, thank you. It's for a local restaurant. We just need a menu page, contact info, and maybe a photo gallery. No online booking or shop, at least not yet. I'll follow your advice: get the free plugins for security and backups, and put my budget toward WP Rocket and a good Pro theme. That really helps narrow it down.