Plugins I opted to reactivate when performing WordPress reset.
WORDFENCE
“Wordfence Security includes an endpoint firewall, malware scanner, robust login security features, live traffic views, and more.”
I chose to reactivate Wordfence as I had no issues with it previously, and its extensive security features contained everything I wanted to maximize security for my website visitors. I never experienced any security issues when I had the Wordfence plugin active.
ACCESSIBILITY BY USERWAY
“The UserWay Accessibility Widget is a WordPress plugin that instantly finds and fixes accessibility violations in website code. It works 24/7 to comply with standards like WCAG 2.2, ADA, Section 508, and EAA, automatically improving your site’s accessibility and regulatory compliance.”
I’ve learned a lot about the importance of web accessibility in this class and my others as well not only for general goodwill but also to increase your website’s possible audience. Userway is one of the most highly-rated plugins for its responsiveness and how often it gets updated.
UPDRAFTPLUS
“Backup and restore: take backups locally, or backup to Amazon S3, Dropbox, Google Drive, Rackspace, (S)FTP, WebDAV & email, on automatic schedules.“
I never really needed a backup until this final lesson, and thought it wouldn’t be very necessary for this class and its structure. However, while trying to employ the Advanced WordPress Reset plugin, I ran into issues regarding my admin account (eventually decided to reset with a different plugin – I understand if point deduction is necessary). I needed to reload my most recent backup 4 times while initially troubleshooting. If I didn’t have UpdraftPlus, I would have had to continue to wait for IONOS support as my website and all its content wouldn’t have been recoverable.
MONSTERINSIGHTS
“The best Google Analytics plugin for WordPress. See how visitors find and use your website, so you can keep them coming back.”
I checked my analytics a few times during the lessons and was impressed by how much different data the plugin would show. If I have site visitors, this plugin would let me know what is working via SEO, different page content, and more, so I can continue to refine my website.
SMASH BALLOON
“As the most powerful and easiest to use Instagram plugin for WordPress, Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed helps you create, customize and embed Instagram feeds on your website in just a few clicks! Absolutely no coding needed.”
Initially I looked for a different social media plugin for this version of my website, but couldn’t find many other options that matched up. Smash Balloon is the most well-regarded plugin out there for incorporating social media posts into your website. While changing its settings and setting up the plugin, I found it easy to link my Instagram account.
SMART SLIDER 3
“Smart Slider 3 is the most powerful and intuitive WordPress plugin to create sliders which was never possible before. Fully responsive, SEO optimized and works with any WordPress theme. Create beautiful sliders and tell stories without any code.”
I used this plugin for a previous Lesson and thought the slider editor was very easy to use and intuitive after some trial and error. I previously didn’t create a strong contrast with my first slider and look forward to fixing that error and creating exciting content this time around.
WOOCOMMERCE
“Whether you’re launching a business, taking brick-and-mortar retail online, or developing sites for clients, use WooCommerce for a store that powerfully blends content and commerce.”
This plugin was not my favorite as the buttons to edit each product’s page were very small and not user-friendly (in my opinion). After watching the tutorial a couple times I understand it better, and it has many great reviews. I appreciate its dynamic features and reactivated it as I just don’t think I understand these types of plugins very well, and think I would find it challenging to learn another.