Installing a cache plugin isn't enough. Performance is a holistic approach starting from the database up to font loading.
1. Cache: WP Fastest Cache 🌟
There are powerful plugins like W3 Total Cache (complex) or WP Rocket (paid). But often for my clients I use the free version of WP Fastest Cache.
- Simplicity: Few checkboxes, impossible to get wrong.
- Minification: Handles CSS and JS well without breaking the layout in 90% of cases.
2. Database: Advanced Database Cleaner 🌟
The database is the heart of WordPress. If it's full of "junk" (old post revisions, expired transients, auto-drafts), the site slows down.
Advanced Database Cleaner is the best for deep and safe cleaning.
Alternatives: WP-Sweep or WP Optimize.
3. Images and Media
- EWWW Image Optimizer: Optimizes images on upload.
- WebP Converter for Media: Serves next-gen format images without re-uploading them all.
- OMGF: Fundamental for GDPR and speed. Downloads Google Fonts locally and avoids external requests to Google servers.
4. For Developers: Freesoul Deactivate Plugins
This is a gem. It allows you to deactivate specific plugins on specific pages. Have a heavy form plugin (e.g., Contact Form 7) that is only needed on the Contact page? Deactivate it on all other pages. The TTFB (Time to First Byte) will thank you.
Verdict
Don't exaggerate. One plugin for cache, one for images, regular DB cleaning. Less is more.