For many Australian not-for-profit organisations, every dollar counts. When it comes to your website, it’s natural to look for free solutions to add new features. WordPress makes this easy with thousands of plugins available at no cost. But here’s the catch: those “quick fixes” can create serious problems for your site—and your organisation.
The problem with free plugins
Free plugins aren’t inherently bad, but many are:
- Developed by a single person with limited resources.
- Poorly coded, which can slow down your site or cause conflicts.
- Rarely updated, leaving security holes wide open.
- Unsupported, meaning if something breaks, you’re on your own.
Sometimes, these plugins are installed for something simple—like adding a button or inserting some tracking code—that we could have done with a single line of code. Instead, you end up with a bulky plugin that introduces unnecessary risk.
Why this Matters for your organisation
- Security risks: Outdated plugins are one of the most common ways hackers compromise WordPress sites.
- Privacy risks: Poorly coded plugins can expose sensitive data or fail to comply with Australian privacy standards.
- Performance issues: Extra plugins can slow down your site, hurting user experience and SEO.
- Maintenance costs: Fixing problems caused by bad plugins often costs more than doing it right the first time.
Best practice: Ask before you install
Before adding any plugin:
- Talk to us: We can often achieve the same result with lightweight, secure code.
- Check the plugin’s reputation: Look for regular updates, active support, and good reviews.
- Avoid “quick fixes”: As always, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Our recommendation
If you need a new feature, please ask us first. We’ll:
- Suggest the safest, most efficient solution.
- Keep your site fast, secure, and compliant.
- Save you time and money in the long run.
Final thoughts
Free plugins can seem like a budget-friendly shortcut, but they can lead to bigger problems. By working together and making informed choices, we can keep your website secure, reliable, and aligned with your mission.