With increased internet accessibility and the growth of web applications such as WordPress (WP), it’s getting easier for many people around the world to transform their hobbies into careers.
Actually, by 2020, it is estimated that nearly 40% of the U.S workforce will consist of freelancers and independent contractors. Nowadays, people want to do what they love and ultimately make a living out of it. WordPress has proven to be a platform that supports this dream.
But besides the autonomy and flexibility that is synonymous with freelancers and independent contractors, they rarely have time on their side. A little holdup can jeopardize their entire schedule, resulting in missed deadlines, which is bad for business.
To avoid such a scenario, freelancers and independent contractors who use WP need to optimize their workflow – something that they can be accomplished by installing a range of efficiency-driven plugins. By having these add-ons in place, freelancers can cut down the time needed to execute simple activities, as well as automate most of the repetitive tasks.
However, deciding on which WordPress plugin to add to your website can be a bit overwhelming. We have assembled a list of 5 plugins that any freelancer and independent contractor who uses WP, will find useful.
But first, what is a WP plugin?
A WordPress plugin is simply a software component developed to add enhancing features to a WP site. It is standalone, hence can be installed on any WP site depending on whether the owner needs it.
More than 52, 000 plugins can be found at wordpress.org/plugins/. Users can narrow their search by category and add the features they like to their WordPress-powered sites. Note, some plugins have premium and free versions.
5 WordPress plugins to make a freelancer’s life easier
1. WP Forms
Creating WP forms is incredibly a detailed process, and freelancers usually end up wasting their precious time trying to get them to work properly. To minimize the difficulties linked to developing these forms, freelancers can simply install the WP Forms builder plugin.
The plugin simplifies the whole process of implementing forms, from subscription forms to payment forms, to contact forms and everything in between. This is achieved via the easy-to-use drag and drop interface that allows freelancers to customize and rearrange form fields in a systematic way.
The plugin also boasts of inbuilt form templates that freelancers can use right away. What’s more, forms from this plugin are responsive out-of-the-box; hence, freelancers can be guaranteed that their projects will be mobile-friendly.
2. eSignautre for WordPress by Foxit eSign aka eSign Genie
eSignature for WordPress by Foxit eSign aka eSign Genie is a dedicated WordPress e-signature plugin. It is extremely convenient for WP-based freelancers and independent contractors since it completes all the documents-signing needs directly from the WordPress dashboard.
Some notable features for eSignature for WordPress by Foxit eSign aka eSign Genie include:
- Integrates seamlessly with all WordPress sites
- Easily sign and send contracts from your website
- Lets you know when a contract is viewed
- Intuitive contract builder with a plethora of customs fields
- Extensive template library and custom branding
- Comprehensive audit trail
- Legally binding signatures
3. WP Project Manager
WP project manager helps freelancers to keep track of projects, directly from the dashboard. They can communicate with their clients on matters project, assign tasks to their remote teams, or even upload and share files. More so, freelancers can set a time limit for every task and help boost their team’s productivity by providing timer-based deadlines. A brilliant pick indeed!
Most notably, projects are displayed in a visually attractive manner via a calendar, making it difficult for users to miss any crucial appointment.
4. MailChimp
One of the most widely-used email-marketing platforms, MailChimp, makes the freelancer’s task of sending emails, managing subscribers, and tracking results easy. Millions of freelancers and independent contractors around the globe have adopted this plugin, owing to its flawless functionality and highly convenient features.
As you might be aware, creating an effective online presence requires freelancers to remain in constant contact with their existing and potential clients, and MailChimp WP plugin helps them in doing that. Available in both premium and free version, the plugin helps freelancers collect emails via its conspicuous subscriptions forms and then boosts their marketing efforts by sending targeted emails.
Lastly, the MailChimp WP plugin can be integrated easily with the existing tools in your website or blog, such as comment form, the checkout form, or contact form. Unquestionably, this is a treasure for every WP-based freelancer or independent contractor!
5. WP Review
WP Review is among the most feature-rich and powerful WP plugins that help freelancers create product reviews easily. These days, shoppers research products carefully before making a purchase, and reading reviews on various channels is a significant part of that research.
Thanks to WP review, even freelancers who don’t have any design or technical skills can now create attractive and information-rich reviews on their website. These reviews are useful in promoting the products or services they are selling.
Besides that, freelancers can also install WP review plugin on their WooCommerce sites, to replace the regular review feature. Customers find it easy to leave detailed reviews via this application, thus resulting in increased sales volume in the long-run.
WordPress Plugin updates
Remember, updating WP Plugins is vital to the security and effectiveness of a website or blog. Freelancers have to ensure that they update plugins regularly. However, they also ought to be careful about the plugins they add to their websites. Yes, plugins enhance a website’s functionality, but unnecessary installations can make the web pages to load slowly.
1
