The WordPress ecosystem has evolved a lot since I first started working with it in 2013.
Back then, plugins were judged mainly by one question: “Does it work?”
That was enough. But today, in 2025, the expectations are completely different. Users are smarter. Standards are higher. And competition is everywhere.
Building a “good” plugin now isn’t just about solving a technical problem. It’s about creating an experience — from the first install to the last update.
Here’s what I believe truly matters today.
A good plugin solves one problem, and it solves it well. It doesn’t try to be everything for everyone. It’s focused, it’s clear, and it respects the user’s time.
It’s lightweight. People care about performance now more than ever. If your plugin slows down their site, it won’t last long, no matter how good the features are.
It plays nicely with Gutenberg. The Block Editor isn’t new anymore. It’s the default experience, and plugins that integrate naturally with it feel more modern, more trustworthy.
Privacy matters too. In 2025, no one wants hidden trackers, unnecessary data collection, or surprise privacy issues. A good plugin is built with privacy in mind from day one.
It looks and feels like WordPress. Clean UI. Predictable navigation. Thoughtful onboarding. No clutter, no overwhelming settings pages. Just something that feels natural and easy to use.
Support, even if minimal, is handled with care. Clear documentation, helpful FAQs, and simple responses can make all the difference. Most users don’t expect instant support — they just want to know you’re there.
Good plugins are marketed honestly. They don’t overpromise, exaggerate, or hide important details. They earn trust because they set the right expectations and then deliver on them.
And maybe most importantly, good plugins are built to last. They’re not a one-time launch. They’re maintained, improved, and cared for over time. In a world where so many tools get abandoned after the initial excitement fades, steady maintenance is a rare and valuable thing.
When I think about what makes a plugin good today, it really comes down to one thing: respect.
Respect for the user’s site, their time, their data, and their trust.
It’s not about adding more features.
It’s about building something that quietly works — and keeps working — without asking too much in return.
The WordPress ecosystem doesn’t need more plugins.
It needs better ones.
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