Kadence offers some awesome lightweight plugins that are compatible with their framework and all child themes. Each plugin enhances specific aspects of website functionality, design, and performance. Let’s break down each one and which to use:
Kadence Free Plugins
These plugins are the foundation of your website and can be found in your WordPress repository: Plugins > Add New Plugin. If you use Kadence, these plugins must be used. However, once your starter theme (child theme) is installed, it can be deactivated but will still need updating.
Kadence Pro Plugins
These must be purchased from Kadence, downloaded to your PC, uploaded ‘Plugins > Add New Plugin‘ to your website in zip format, then activated.
Kadence Blocks:
Is a powerful plugin that extends the capabilities of the native WordPress block editor (Gutenberg). It adds a collection of customizable blocks to create complex and visually appealing layouts without needing a separate page builder.
Kadence Conversions:
Is a plugin designed to help users create conversion-optimized elements, such as pop-ups, slide-ins, banners, and other call-to-action elements.
Kadence Pro:
Is a premium add-on plugin that unlocks advanced features and customization options for the Kadence Theme. This plugin is designed for users who need more control and flexibility over their website’s appearance and functionality.
Kadence Simple Share:
Is a lightweight social sharing plugin that adds customizable social sharing buttons to your posts and pages.
Kadence Cloud:
Is a plugin for agencies, developers, or users managing multiple sites. It allows you to store, share, and reuse design elements like templates, blocks, sections, and entire page layouts across multiple websites.
Kadence Galleries:
Is a plugin that creates and displays image galleries with advanced options, such as lightbox features, masonry layouts, and grid customization.
Kadence AMP:
Is a plugin that helps optimize your site for Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), ensuring fast-loading pages for mobile users and improved performance in search engine results.
Kadence Custom Fonts:
Is a simple plugin that allows you to add and manage custom fonts on your WordPress site, extending beyond the Google Fonts library.
Kadence reCAPTCHA:
Is a security plugin that integrates Google reCAPTCHA into forms on your website to help protect your site from spam and bots.
Kadence Related Content:
Is a plugin that automatically displays related posts, pages, or custom post types to help increase user engagement and time on site.
Kadence Pricing Tables:
Is a plugin designed to create visually appealing and responsive pricing tables for showcasing product or service pricing plans.
Kadence ShopKit:
This plugin works alongside WooCommerce and offers many features that compliments Woo.
Kadence WooCommerce Elementor:
We do not recommend Elementor because it significantly slows down websites. This plugin integrates WooCommerce with the Elementor page builder, giving you more control over the design and layout of your WooCommerce store.
NOTE: As you can see, the list of Pro plugins is huge; granted, not all will be used, but the ones you will use as an everyday blogger will offer a tremendous upgrade to your website.
Essential Kadence Plugins To Use
The most essential free and pro plugins to consider having installed on your website are:
These plugins enhance your website’s functionality and extend WordPress’s capabilities to create optimized, user-friendly, and visually appealing websites. As said, some plugins are available for free, while others are only accessible when you purchase a Kadence Bundle.