Recommended Plugins We Use by Default
Plugins are small pieces of software that add extra features and functionality to a WordPress website — from improving security and performance to adding contact forms, calendars, or media tools. At iChurch, we’ve carefully selected a set of trusted plugins that we install as standard on every website we build. These plugins are chosen to help churches manage their sites more easily, enhance user experience, and ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Below, you’ll find a list of our go-to plugins and why we recommend them.
Contact Form 7
Contact Form 7 is a popular and flexible plugin that allows you to easily create and manage contact forms on your website. It supports custom fields, spam protection, and integrates well with other tools, making it ideal for allowing visitors to get in touch quickly and securely.
Litespeed Cache
LiteSpeed Cache is a powerful all-in-one performance plugin that helps your website load faster by storing and serving cached versions of your pages. It also includes tools for image optimisation, database cleanup, and advanced performance settings — all designed to improve speed and user experience.
ME Calendar
Modern Events Calendar is a feature-rich plugin that makes it easy to create, display, and manage events on your website. With a range of calendar views, recurring event options, and built-in booking capabilities, it’s ideal for churches wanting to promote services, meetings, and community activities.
Ally
Ally – Web Accessibility & Usability is a helpful plugin that adds accessibility tools to your website, making it easier for all visitors to navigate and interact with your content. It includes features like keyboard navigation, contrast toggles, and readable font options, supporting a more inclusive and user-friendly experience.
Really Simple SSL
Really Simple SSL makes it easy to secure your website by automatically detecting and configuring your site to run over HTTPS. It simplifies the process of activating your SSL certificate, helping to protect visitor data and improve trust without needing technical expertise.
Simple Maintenance Mode
Simply Maintenance Mode allows you to display a clean, customizable maintenance page while you work on your website behind the scenes. It’s perfect for letting visitors know the site is temporarily unavailable, without exposing unfinished content or changes in progress.
Wordfence
Wordfence is a comprehensive security plugin that protects your website from hackers, malware, and other threats. It includes a powerful firewall, malware scanner, and login security tools, giving you peace of mind that your site is safe and secure.
Yoast SEO
Yoast SEO is a powerful plugin that helps improve your website’s visibility in search engines. It guides you in optimising your content with readable formatting, keyword suggestions, and metadata controls, making it easier for people to find your church online.
These carefully chosen plugins form the foundation of a reliable, secure, and user-friendly website for your church community. By using these tools, we ensure your site runs smoothly, stays safe, and provides a great experience for all visitors. If you have any questions about these plugins or want to learn more about how they can benefit your site, feel free to get in touch with us anytime here.