Starting with a blank WordPress site can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of plugins available, and it is hard to know which ones you actually need. This guide cuts through the noise and recommends a handful of free plugins that will give your new website a solid foundation.
If you used the Web60 Site Builder, your site already has the essential plugins pre-installed. This guide is for anyone who started with a blank WordPress installation.
Our recommended plugins
1. WPForms Lite — Contact forms
Every business website needs a way for visitors to get in touch. WPForms Lite lets you create a simple contact form in minutes with no technical knowledge. It includes a drag-and-drop builder and a ready-made contact form template.
See our step-by-step guide to adding a contact form for setup instructions.
2. Yoast SEO — Search engine optimisation
Yoast SEO helps your website appear in Google search results. It guides you through writing better page titles and descriptions, and it checks your content for basic search engine best practices. It also generates a sitemap automatically, which makes it easier for Google to find and index your pages.
An alternative is RankMath, which offers similar features with a slightly different interface. Either one is a good choice.
3. Starter Templates or Kadence — Pre-built page layouts
If you want your pages to look polished without hiring a designer, these plugins give you access to hundreds of pre-designed page templates. Browse the library, pick a design you like, and import it. Then just swap in your own text and images.
- Starter Templates (by Brainstorm Force) works with the Astra theme
- Kadence includes both a theme and a blocks plugin with pre-built layouts
4. Wordfence Security — Extra protection
Web60 already provides server-level security, automatic backups, and firewalls as part of your hosting. Wordfence adds an extra layer at the WordPress level, including login protection, malware scanning, and a firewall that blocks known threats.
An alternative is Sucuri Security, which offers similar features. You only need one security plugin, not both.
5. WP Super Cache — Page speed
Caching makes your website load faster by serving saved versions of your pages instead of generating them from scratch every time. This improves the experience for your visitors and can help your Google ranking.
Important note: Web60 already includes server-level caching as part of your hosting. If you notice that your site is already loading quickly, you may not need this plugin at all. If you do install it, stick with the default settings.
An alternative is LiteSpeed Cache, which works particularly well on some server configurations.
How to install these plugins
You can install any of these plugins in two ways:
- From your Web60 dashboard: Go to the Software Manager section, search for the plugin, and click Install.
- From WordPress: Go to Plugins then Add New, search by name, and click Install Now then Activate.
See our full guide to installing plugins for detailed steps.
A word of caution about plugins
- Less is more. Every plugin you install adds code to your website. Too many plugins can slow things down and create conflicts. Stick to what you actually need.
- Keep them updated. Outdated plugins are one of the most common causes of security issues. Turn on automatic updates or check for updates regularly.
- Remove what you do not use. If you install a plugin, try it, and decide it is not for you, deactivate and delete it rather than leaving it sitting there.
- Stick to well-known plugins. The ones listed here all have millions of installations and strong track records. Be cautious about installing plugins from unknown sources.
Need help?
Not sure which plugins are right for your business? Visit our support page and we will recommend the best setup for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
How many plugins should I install?
We recommend keeping it to around five or six essential plugins. Installing too many plugins can slow your site down and make it harder to maintain. Only install what you actually need.
Are all these plugins free?
Yes. Every plugin listed here has a free version that covers the basics. Some offer paid upgrades with extra features, but the free versions are more than enough for most small business websites.
Do I need a security plugin if Web60 already secures my site?
Web60 includes server-level security, firewalls, and automatic backups as part of your hosting. A security plugin like Wordfence adds an extra layer of protection at the WordPress level, such as login attempt limits and malware scanning. It is optional but recommended.
Last updated: 31 March 2026