Toolbox
Here are some of the best tools to run a professional website with WordPress.
theme
Divi
You don’t need tons of plugins to create a professional website with WordPress. All you need is a theme that has the ability to replace plugins’ jobs. With Divi, you don’t need to install a page builder plugin (Elementor, Brizy, Breakdance, etc.), form builder (WPForms, Contact Form 7, etc). You can achieve many things with a single WordPress product. Read this review to learn more.
plugins & services
Bloom
Bloom is a plugin that you can use to capture email addresses of your site visitors. You can display the email opt-in form in a popup, fly-in banner, and widget. It supports multiple trigger options such as exit intent, on click, after commenting, etc. It supports nearly all email marketing services. Bloom is included in the Elegant Themes subscription.
You can visit this post to learn how I use Bloom on this blog. Click the Download button to see the plugin in action. Bloom has built-in analytics feature to make it easy to monitor the performance of your forms.
Monarch
Monarch is a feature-rich social media share plugin. With the plugin, you can easily add social share buttons to some areas on your WordPress website. From posts, pages, homepage, to custom post types.
You can display the buttons beneath the content, in a popup, in a flyi-in bar, or in a sticky sidebar. Its built-in analytics feature makes it easy to monitor the performance of the plugin. Bloom is included in the Elegant Themes subscription.
Cost Calculator
Cost Calculator is a plugin that you can use to create an order form for your professional service. If you are a designer, for instance, you can create a form to make it easy for your clients to book your service.
The plugin allows you to accept global payments via PayPal and cards thanks to its built-in Stripe integration. You can also use the plugin to sell your products. Be it digital or physical.