If you’re building a WordPress website site, you’re probably aware of the many plugins available to add functionality to your site.
But most plugins also slow down your website. So, a good rule of thumb is only to use plugins that add the functionality you need on your website.
Some plugins offer valuable functionality, but that functionality is better handled in other ways. Today, I’m going to walk you through 4 of these types of WordPress plugins you should avoid and why.
# 1 Redirect Plugins
First up, let’s talk about redirect plugins. You might be tempted to use a plugin for redirects, but it’s much better to handle redirects through your host.
Why? Well, managing redirects at the server level is more efficient and faster.
When you use a plugin, it loads WordPress and then executes the redirect, which can slow down your site.
Plus, too many redirects can clutter your WordPress and make it harder to manage. Your web host likely has tools to manage redirects more effectively, so use them!
#2 SSL Plugins
Next, let’s chat about SSL plugins. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is essential for keeping an internet connection secure and safeguarding any sensitive data that is being sent between two systems.
However, SSL should be handled at the server level, not through a WordPress plugin. Most hosting providers offer easy ways to implement SSL directly on your server.
This method is more secure and less resource-intensive than using a plugin.
#3 CSS Plugins
Then, there are CSS plugins. It’s tempting to use a plugin to add custom CSS to your site, but it’s actually better to add additional CSS in a child theme or the Customizer.
Why? Plugins can add unnecessary bloat to your site, slowing it down.
Plus, if you ever switch themes or plugins, you risk losing your custom CSS. By using a child theme or the Customizer, your custom styles are more safely integrated into your WordPress setup.
#4 All-In-One Security Plugins
Lastly, and importantly, let’s talk about all-in-one security plugins like Wordfence. These plugins promise to do a lot – from hardening your site to protecting against brute force attacks.
But, much of what they offer is better handled through your host. For instance, hardening can be more effectively done at the server level.
Brute-force protection is better managed using plugins with specific functionality, like Limit Login Attempts, which is more lightweight and focused.
As for firewalls and malware scanning, these are best done outside of WordPress using a service like Sucuri. These external services are often more effective and don’t put a strain on your WordPress resources.
To Sum Up
In conclusion, while plugins are a fantastic part of WordPress’s appeal, it’s crucial to be selective.
Avoid plugins for redirects, SSL, CSS, and all-in-one security solutions.
Instead, handle redirects and SSL through your host, manage CSS through a child theme or the Customiser, and use more specialised, lightweight plugins for security, supplemented by external services like Sucuri.
This approach will keep your WordPress site running smoothly, efficiently, and securely. Remember, in the world of WordPress, less is often more when it comes to plugins.
