This checklist defines the required WordPress plugins included in the baseline build and the purpose each plugin serves. Its goal is to prevent functional overlap, redundant tooling, and unnecessary complexity as the site evolves.
This page defines what plugins are used and why. Configuration details are handled separately.
Checklist Objective
Establish a minimal, intentional plugin set where each plugin has a clearly defined and documented role.
Preconditions
- WordPress Setup 02 — User Roles & Security Basics is completed and approved
- Softaculous — WP Manager Security Baseline Checks is completed and approved
- No themes or page builders are installed yet
Plugin Categories
- Security & Integrity: Baseline protection and validation
- SEO & Indexing: Visibility and search governance
- Performance & Caching: Page delivery and optimization
- Backups & Recovery: Site recovery and migration
- Analytics & Monitoring: Usage and behavior tracking
- Builder & Layout: Page building and structure
- Utilities: Administrative or maintenance tools
Checklist Steps — Define Required Plugins
- List required plugins by category.
- Identify plugins included in the Softaculous WordPress Set
- Exclude experimental or site‑specific tools
- Define the purpose of each plugin.
- Document the primary function the plugin serves
- Confirm no other plugin provides the same function
- Identify exclusions.
- Document plugins intentionally not used
- Avoid installing overlapping or redundant plugins
Governance Rules
- Each plugin must have a single, documented purpose
- No plugin is installed “just in case”
- New plugins require justification and review
- Plugin purpose map is reviewed during audits
Required Output
- List of required plugins documented
- Clear purpose assigned to each plugin
- No functional overlap or redundancy
- Plugin baseline ready for configuration
Pause & Lock
Once approved, the plugin purpose map becomes a locked input for plugin configuration and operational workflows.
Outputs from this checklist are required context for Plugin Baseline — Plugin Settings Application Checklist .