# Checklist — TOP 11 free WordPress plugins 2026

**Site:** _________________________  
**Date:** _________________________  
**Installed by:** _________________________

> One function = one plugin. Check after install **and** staging test when possible.

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## Phase 0 — Before installing anything

- [ ] Full backup (files + DB) via UpdraftPlus or host
- [ ] Backup restore **tested** at least once
- [ ] Inventory current plugins (note SEO / cache / backup duplicates)
- [ ] Staging available for tests

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## Phase 1 — Foundations (recommended order)

- [ ] **1. UpdraftPlus** — scheduled auto backup (daily or weekly)
- [ ] **2. Wordfence Security** — firewall on, scan scheduled off-peak
- [ ] **3. Rank Math SEO** — setup wizard, XML sitemap, Search Console linked
- [ ] **4. Front cache** — LiteSpeed Cache *or* WP Super Cache (one only!)
- [ ] **5. Complianz** — EU cookie banner, scripts blocked before consent

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## Phase 2 — Content & measurement

- [ ] **6. Contact Form 7** — contact form + anti-spam (reCAPTCHA / Turnstile)
- [ ] **7. Site Kit by Google** — Analytics + Search Console connected
- [ ] **8. Redirection** — 301 rules if migration or URL restructure

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## Phase 3 — Volade extensions (free, no account)

- [ ] **9. Heartbeat Control Manager** — WooCommerce or Agency preset applied
- [ ] **10. Plugin Usage Detector** — Full audit scan, JSON export
- [ ] **11. PHP Compatibility Checker** — PHP 8.4/8.5 scan before host upgrade

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## Phase 4 — Post-install checks

- [ ] Single SEO plugin active (not Yoast + Rank Math)
- [ ] Single page cache active
- [ ] Single cookie manager active
- [ ] wp-admin: edit post + autosave OK
- [ ] Front: contact form + checkout if WooCommerce
- [ ] PageSpeed / Core Web Vitals baseline score: _______

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## WooCommerce bonus (if store)

- [ ] WooCommerce installed — **not** on pure brochure sites
- [ ] WooCommerce Heartbeat preset verified with cart test
- [ ] Factur-X / B2B compliance evaluated if FR pro clients

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## Notes & removed plugins

| Removed plugin | Reason | Date |
|----------------|--------|------|
| | | |
| | | |

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*Volade · volade.com/en/blog/top-11-plugins-wordpress-gratuits-2026*