This document discusses WordPress plugins, what they are, how they improve websites, and some top plugin recommendations. Plugins add features and functionality to customize WordPress sites for specific needs. Popular plugins include those for contact forms, galleries, backups, SEO optimization, and more. Plugins make it easier for developers to customize sites while saving time.

1. WordPress.org Plug-ins:
WordPress.org has more than 20,000 plugins available that as they say on the website “can
extend WordPress to do almost anything you can imagine.” This sounds amazing, but what
exactly are plugins? How do they improve a website and what ones should be considered?

2. WHAT ARE PLUGINS?
According to webopedia.com a plug-in is “A hardware or software module that adds a
specific feature or service to a larger system. The idea is that the new component simply
plugs in to the existing system.” For example, Google Chrome has a plugin, AdBlock,
that allows users to block all advertisements. This software component provides users
with the ability to use Google Chrome without having to deal with ads. An example of a
plugin that might be used on a WordPress website might be a business who has included
a Google Map showing their business location, a plugin will allow for more customization
of the map.
How do they improve
a website?
Plugins can be used to add new features, reduce the
size, or extend a website. All plugins customize fea-
tures and functionality of a website to meet specific
needs. WordPress.org plugins make it easier for web
developers to customize sites while saving them time.
An SEO plugin makes it easier for a web developer to optimize their website for search
engines. A form plugin will make it easier to include contact forms on websites so mar-
keting teams can connect with their audience. Mobile plugins make it possible for
businesses to have a mobile version of their website so that businesses can have
a website where their customers are. The variety of plugins available make it easier
for even inexperienced web developers to create dynamic and rich experiences for their
customers. These are just a few of the ways that plugins can improve a website.
WORDPRESS.ORG PLUG-INS: OVERACTDEV

3. TOP 10 WORDPRESS PLUGINS:
With plugins that can modify a website in just about every way imaginable it is hard to
define the best plugins to use because every website serves a different purpose. Here is a
list of 10 great plugins to try out, these plugins cross different areas that may be improved
by customization.
• Akismet (spam)- a comment spam filter.
• All in one SEO Pack (SEO)- optimizes your WordPress site for search engines.
• Mailchimp (forms)- easily add signup forms for your MailChimp account on your WordPress website.
• Kimili Flash Embed (video)- add Flash movies to your website with ease.
• Google XML Sitemaps (sitemap)- creates an XML sitemap that helps search engines index your site.
• WPtouch (mobile)- for mobile accessibility on the most popular devices.
• WordPress Database Backup (backup)- an easy way to backup your database
• NextGen Gallery (images)- an image gallery plugin.
• Contact Form 7 (forms)- a simple and flexible contact form that supports CAPTCHA.
• Advanced Custom Fields (admin customization)- allows you to create custom editing fields.
Overall plugins can help improve the look and the functionality of a website. The
options that are available create endless opportunities and also make it easier to create a
more robust experience for users even for beginners. For more information on WordPress
plugins visit http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/.
ALLACYN GRIFFIN-MAY is the creative writer for the Marketing Department at OveractDev
Technology Partners and has worked in the technology industry for the past few years creating
content for websites, blogs, press releases, white papers, and newsletters.
WORDPRESS.ORG PLUG-INS: OVERACTDEV