With so many WordPress SEO plugins, choosing the best for your needs can feel like an uphill task. This is especially the case when performing a search for the very first time. Either way, this is one of those things that you can never risk skimping on since WordPress plugins are helpful.

However, choose the wrong plugin, and it will slow down your site, invite hackers and even cause a Google penalty. That's something you never want to do at any given time. Below are a few things to consider when choosing a WordPress plugin.

When looking forward to using a plugin for redirecting your website’s pages, you need to ensure WordPress vets it. While some paid plugins don’t have a free version, many of the most respected ones come with a paid version and a free version that’s vetted and included in the official WordPress plugin repository.

The mere fact that WordPress vets a free version assures that there is some quality control. WordPress will remove the download from its repository if an issue is discovered.

Just like you are fond of monitoring your ecommerce store to make changes if any, so does WordPress update its plugins. If the changelog indicates regular updates, then the WordPress plugin of choice is worth your time and money. You might not know this, but every plugin’s WordPress page notes when the plugin was last updated.

Some plugins are not updated because the functions they perform are relatively simple. But in general, this is a clear indication the plugin has been abandoned. So if you come across such as WordPress Plugins, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

We understand you are in dire need of a plugin that helps you add canonical link elements to your website. But choosing one for the sheer sake of it could prove costly in the end. So take your time and do your homework before you even think about optimizing your website content.

Fortunately, you can always examine what different WordPress plugins bring to the table before settling on one. So why not explore other WordPress SEO plugins here, after which you should determine what best fits your needs.