I used to wear my manual WordPress work like a badge of honor.
The customer needs a contact form? I would code it by hand. New user registrations? I would manually assign roles and send welcome emails.
SEO optimization? I went through each post individually, updated the SEO headline, optimized meta descriptions, and checked keyword density.
Then I realized something important. Working harder doesn’t make you a better WordPress expert. Working smarter does.
After spending far too many nights on repetitive tasks that could be done on their own, I decided to test every automation plugin I could find.
Twenty-three plugins later, I discovered something game-changing. The right tools not only save time, they also give me time for more important things.
Now my websites do SEO optimization automatically!
Additionally, forms route requests to the correct team members without my intervention. Processing and delivering files while e-commerce orders while I sleep.
The best part is that customer communication is automated through intelligent workflows.
In this article, I will introduce the 8 best automation plugins that changed the way I work with WordPress.
Instead of spending hours on repetitive tasks like setting up email marketing, building websites, and managing eCommerce, I focus on what actually makes businesses grow.
In short: I let the tools do the boring stuff while I worry about the strategy.
Key Takeaways:
- Best Overall Automation: Uncanny Automator connects all WordPress plugins instantly
- My recommendation for tight budgets: AutomatorWP offers powerful open source automation
- Best for Beginners: WPForms automates form workflows without setup complexity
How I test WordPress automation plugins
When testing automation plugins, I don’t care about fancy features that sound impressive in marketing copy. I care if they actually eliminate the repetitive work that eats up my day.
This is exactly what I’m looking for:
- Setup time – Can you get it up and running in less than 30 minutes? If I have to read a manual or watch tutorials to create my first automation, it fails this test.
- Learning curve – Does it make sense without needing a degree in computer science? The interface should feel natural and not like operating a spaceship control panel.
- Time saving – Does it actually eliminate repetitive tasks or just postpone them? I track how much time each plugin saves me per week on real customer projects.
- reliability – Does it work permanently without babysitting? Automation that breaks or needs constant tweaking isn’t automation at all.
- Easy integration – Does it work well with other WordPress tools you already use? The best plugins work seamlessly with your existing setup.
Every automation plugin on this list has passed these tests on actual client sites. No theoretical benefits or marketing promises. Just real results from someone who has been building WordPress sites for years.
Why trust IsItWP?
At IsItWP, we’ve been the go-to source for the WordPress community since 2009, helping over 2 million users choose better plugins and tools.
Unlike many review sites that never actually use the products, we maintain active accounts, run real customer websites, and offer ongoing WordPress consulting.
Additionally, we test every plugin on this list with real workflows, actual customer data, and real business scenarios.
When I say a plugin saves me hours, what I mean is that I’ve tracked the time savings across multiple projects and can show you exactly where those hours went.
The 8 plugins that save me hours
Now that you understand my testing process and how these plugins for WordPress ended up on my list, check out the comparison table to get a quick look at what to expect from the tools.
You can also click on the plugin name to jump to that section of the article.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s dive into the article.
1. Scary Automator ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Over 350 Triggers and Actions + Visual Builder | Best for: Connecting everything on your WordPress site
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $149/year
Scary Automator is the best automation plugin. Additionally, it is my favorite automation plugin.
Think of Uncanny Automator as the central nervous system of your WordPress site.
It uses a simple “recipe” system where you set up triggers (when something happens) and actions (what you want to happen next).
For example, if someone buys product A, Uncanny Automator can help you automatically enroll them in course B, then add them to Mailchimp list C, and finally send them a welcome email.
You don’t have to do anything yourself after the initial setup. Everything is automated using triggers from users and actions from the tool.
What makes this plugin so incredible is its huge library of connections. With over 210 plugin integrations, it works with almost every popular WordPress tool you already use.
For example, WooCommerce, LearnDash, BuddyPress, WPForms, and MemberPress can work together seamlessly through Uncanny Automator’s recipe system.
Apart from that, it is really easy to use as the visual interface makes complex workflows easy.
Instead of writing code or fiddling with complicated settings, you can simply drag and drop triggers and actions.
Plus, you can personalize everything with over 8,700 dynamic tokens. Usernames, purchase details, course progress, or any data from your website can automatically populate emails, create custom user experiences, or trigger specific actions.
I use this on membership sites where new users require specific role assignments based on their purchase.
What once required manual work now happens instantly. The best part is that with the forever free version you get unlimited recipes, which is generous compared to most automation tools.
►Advantages:
- Forever free core version with unlimited recipes and integrations
- Intuitive recipe system that makes complex automation simple
- Huge plugin library with over 210 WordPress integrations
- Excellent support with a 95% help desk satisfaction rating
►Disadvantages:
- Learning curve for complex multi-step workflows
- A Pro version is required for external app integrations
- Not a visual flow builder like some competitors
- Canadian customers pay additional sales tax
My verdict: If you want to automatically connect different parts of your WordPress site, Uncanny Automator is the easiest and most reliable way to do it. It’s perfect for membership sites, online course creation, and eCommerce stores where everything needs to work together.
Check out my review of Uncanny Automator here.
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $149/year
2. AutomatorWP ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Open source + 200+ integrations | Best for: Developers and budget-conscious users
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $149/year
I discovered it AutomatorWP when I needed the functionality of Uncanny Automator but wanted to customize everything.
This is because it is completely open source, meaning you can modify it, extend it, and create custom integrations. But even though AutomatorWP is more flexible, it requires a little more technical knowledge.
On the other hand, this automation plugin uses the same trigger action system as Uncanny Automator but with a modular approach.
So instead of paying everything upfront, you purchase individual add-ons for $29 each. This approach saves money if you only need specific integrations.
For example, you can buy PartnerWPWooCommerce, BuddyPress, BuddyBoss, Campaign Monitor and any of the other 200+ add-ons to add functionality.
Additionally, REST API support means you can connect external services with custom webhooks.
What I love about AutomatorWP is the solid free version available directly on WordPress.org. Unlike many competitors, you are not faced with any limitations when it comes to core functionality.
You get unlimited automations, comprehensive logging, and access to basic WordPress triggers and actions.
►Advantages:
- Robust free version available on WordPress.org
- Affordable modular price of $29 per add-on
- Open source flexibility for custom modifications
- Strong 4.8/5 star rating with an active community
►Disadvantages:
- Add-on dependency for most advanced features
- Less sophisticated user interface compared to premium competitors
- Smaller support team than commercial alternatives
- Feature management across multiple add-ons can get complex
My verdict: Perfect for developers and agencies who want automation flexibility without paying for features they don’t need. The open source approach and modular pricing make it ideal for custom projects and price-conscious users.
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $149/year
3. WPForms ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AI Form Builder + Intelligent Workflows | Best for: Automating customer communications
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $49.50/year
WPForms is my solution for automating WordPress forms.
I used to spend entire weekends manually sorting contact form submissions and routing them to different team members.
Now WPForms handles all the routing automatically based on what people actually need.
WPForms is not just the contact form plugin. It’s like having an intelligent assistant that understands your business processes.
First, AI-powered form creation allows me to describe what I need in plain English.
For example, as you can see in the screenshot below, I used the prompt “Create a contact form with the following fields…”.
The entire form structure was then created automatically, complete with the correct fields and logic.
While building WordPress forms with AI is great, Smart Workflow Automation is the feature that actually saves me valuable hours.
Instead of manually reading each submitted form and deciding where it goes, WPForms automatically routes entries based on the content.
In this case, support requests go to my support team’s inbox and sales requests go to the sales team.
While consultation requests are forwarded to the right department in a perfectly organized manner.
Additionally, Advanced Form Logic ensures that forms appear interactive rather than overwhelming.
Fields are shown and hidden based on user responses, so users only see what is relevant to them. When you couple this with the direct CRM integration, you can automatically sync form data with Mailchimp, HubSpot, and over 15 other services.
No more exporting CSV files or copying data between systems.
With more than 2,000 pre-built templates covering everything from event registration to payment processing, you’ll rarely have to create forms from scratch.
Additionally, the drag-and-drop form builder handles complex multi-step forms that previously required custom coding.
►Advantages:
- AI creates sophisticated forms through simple conversation prompts
- Intelligent workflow automation eliminates the need to sort data manually
- Direct CRM sync with 15+ popular marketing services
- Exceptional 5-star rating with truly beginner-friendly interface
►Disadvantages:
- Pro features require $199/year for full automation features
- The free version lacks conditional logic and advanced integrations
- Annual commitment only – no monthly payment options
- The basic plan limits templates to 6 versus 2,000+ in higher tiers
My verdict: If customer communications and lead management eat up your time, WPForms turns that chaos into organized automation. The AI form builder and intelligent redirection make it perfect for service companies that need professional customer onboarding processes.
Check out my detailed WPForms review here.
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $49.50/year
4. WP Webhooks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ultimate Integration Tool | Suitable for: Advanced users who need maximum flexibility
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $149/year
When I need to connect a WordPress site to a custom CRM that no other plugin supports, WP Webhooks always saves the day.
It’s like having a universal translator that lets WordPress communicate with absolutely any web service. Think of webhooks as instant messengers between different websites and apps.
See, when something happens on your WordPress site, such as a new user registration, WP Webhooks immediately sends that information to another service.
The magic lies in its flexibility. If a service can receive web data, WP Webhooks can communicate with it.
But I can’t mention WP Webhooks without talking about its Visual Flow Builder, which makes complex integrations surprisingly easy to manage.
Instead of writing code, drag and drop actions to create multi-step workflows. Do you need to send new WooCommerce orders to three different systems? Just connect the dots visually.
What sets WP Webhooks apart is its comprehensive approach.
With over 100 WordPress plugin integrations and advanced data mapping tools, you can transform information to exactly match the expectations of each service.
Additionally, enterprise security features like IP whitelists and custom headers ensure your automations remain secure.
►Advantages:
- Unmatched flexibility to connect to virtually any web service
- The Visual Flow Builder makes complex integrations manageable
- Excellent user reviews praising reliability and performance
- Self-hosted solution with unlimited usage and complete data control
►Disadvantages:
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users despite visual interfaces
- The interface is functional, but lacks polish compared to consumer-focused tools
- Advanced features require an understanding of APIs and web service concepts
- Complex pricing structure with multiple tiers and location restrictions
My verdict: Perfect for advanced users and developers who need to connect WordPress to custom systems or services that other plugins cannot achieve. Ultimate flexibility comes with a learning curve, but the results are worth it.
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $149/year
5. Zapier ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Over 8,000 app connections | Best for: Connecting WordPress to external tools
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $19.99/month
Zapier became essential when I realized that most of my clients’ business tools were based outside of WordPress.
While other plugins connect the best WordPress plugins, Zapier connects WordPress to the entire internet of business apps.
The beauty of Zapier is its huge library of integrations. With over 8,000 app connections, you can automate workflows between WordPress and virtually any business tool you use.
New blog post published? Automatically share it on Twitter, add it to your email newsletter, and update your project management system.
Additionally, the AI-powered Zap creation feature lets you describe workflows in plain language.
For example, you can tell it something like “When someone submits my contact form, add them to Mailchimp and create a task in Asana,” and it will create the automation for you.
However, the reality of Zapier’s pricing model is that it scales quickly. You start with 100 free tasks per month, but complex workflows quickly eat up the tasks.
A single multi-stage automation can contain 5-10 tasks and quickly reaches its limits. Therefore, I often look for Zapier alternatives when I want to make a client project more cost-effective.
►Advantages:
- Huge integration library with over 8,000 business applications
- No-code workflow creation powered by AI
- Reliable performance with industry-leading uptime
- Scales from small businesses to enterprise-level automation
►Disadvantages:
- As the volume of tasks increases, prices rise dramatically
- Complex workflows quickly consume multiple tasks
- Some WordPress features require additional plugins
- Heavy reliance on Zapier platform with limited export options
My verdict: Essential if your business uses a lot of non-WordPress tools, but pay careful attention to task usage. Ideal for connecting WordPress to your wider business ecosystem, although the costs can add up with heavy use.
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $19.99/month
6. All in one SEO ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Smart SEO Automation | Best for: Automating SEO implementation
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $49.50/year
AIOSEO transformed my SEO workflow after I got tired of manually optimizing every single post and page. Now it handles the repetitive SEO tasks automatically while I focus on creating great content.
First of all, the Smart XML Sitemaps feature automatically generates and submits updated sitemaps when I publish new content. So you no longer have to remember to update Google Search Console manually.
Additionally, TruSEO on-page analysis provides real-time optimization suggestions as I write, identifying issues before they become problems.
What saves me the most time is the AI Content Generator. It automatically creates SEO titles, meta descriptions, and even FAQ sections based on my content.
Instead of spending 15 minutes creating the perfect meta description for each post, I get AI-generated suggestions that I can use or refine.
The Internal Link Assistant is also brilliant.
It automatically suggests relevant internal linking opportunities, helping to improve search engine optimization without eliminating the need to manually search for related posts.
Additionally, automated schema markup ensures search engines understand my content better.
►Advantages:
- Comprehensive SEO toolkit with advanced automation features
- User-friendly interface with clear optimization instructions
- Performance-optimized code that doesn’t slow down websites
- AI-powered content generation for titles and meta descriptions
►Disadvantages:
- Advanced automation features require paid plans starting at $49.60/year
- Higher memory usage compared to some simple SEO plugins
- The extensive range of functions can initially overwhelm beginners
- Premium automation features hidden behind higher-tier plans
My verdict: Perfect for anyone who wants comprehensive SEO automation without the technical hassle. AI content generation and automated optimization suggestions make SEO implementation significantly faster and more consistent.
Check out the latest AIOSEO review here.
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $49.50/year
7. Seed Prod ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AI Website Builder + Lead Automation | Best for: Quick website creation with automation
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $39.50/year
Seed Prod is the best drag and drop page builder because it allows you to create any page in minutes.
The AI Website Builder created and copied an entire website of pages in just 60 seconds, which used to take me a whole day. That’s not all, SeedProd can also create AI images for your pages while creating your website.
The real time saver is that everything connects automatically.
With just a few clicks you can connect the best email marketing tools like MailChimp, ActiveCampaign and ConvertKit.
You can ensure lead capture forms are automatically synced with your email lists so new subscribers flow directly into your marketing workflows without manual imports.
I like how the drag-and-drop site builder completely eliminates theme conflicts since it works independently of your WordPress theme.
And with more than 200 professionally designed templates for various industries, you rarely have to start from scratch.
Automated page modes allow you to activate coming soon pages, maintenance pages, or 404 pages across your entire site with one click.
If you want to set up better converting landing pages, you can use the dynamic content management system.
It automatically updates pages based on user behavior and location, making each visitor’s experience more relevant without the need for manual customization work.
►Advantages:
- AI creates complete websites with professional design in 60 seconds
- No theme conflicts as it works independently of WordPress themes
- Built-in lead generation tools with automatic email marketing sync
- Performance optimized for fast loading and better conversion rates
►Disadvantages:
- Less sophisticated workflow automation compared to dedicated automation tools
- Annual subscription required to maintain access to Pro features
- Learning curve for advanced features like theme creation
- Heavy reliance on SeedProd infrastructure and service continuity
My verdict: SeedProd is great for small business owners and marketers who need professional sites quickly with basic automation. The AI builder and seamless email integration make it perfect for quick landing page creation and lead capture.
Check out my updated SeedProd review here.
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $39.50/year
8. Easy digital downloads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Complete eCommerce Automation | Best for: Digital product developers
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $99.50/year
Easy digital downloadsor EDD for short, eliminated the manual effort of running a digital product business.
Before EDD, I manually sent download links, tracked customer purchases, and managed subscription renewals.
Subscription billing automation handles recurring payments, renewal reminders, and subscription management automatically.
Now everything happens automatically while I focus on building better products.
The automated file delivery system securely sends unique download links immediately after purchase without the need for manual intervention.
Payment gateway automation then seamlessly handles Stripe, PayPal and Apple Pay processing.
All of this happens while automating customer management to create accounts, track purchase history, and manage profiles without manual data entry.
What’s special about Easy Digital Downloads is complete data ownership.
What I mean by this is that there are no transaction fees like other platforms and all customer information remains on your WordPress site.
At the end of the day, the detailed reporting system automatically generates sales analysis and customer insights. This means you always know how your business is performing, without the need for manual spreadsheets.
►Advantages:
- No transaction fees unlike platforms like Gumroad or Paddle
- Complete control over customer data and business information
- Unlimited scalability with no restrictions on products or transactions
- Extensive integration library with over 100 extensions for expanded functionality
►Disadvantages:
- Paid extensions and plans are required for advanced automation features
- Steeper learning curve compared to hosted solutions like Gumroad
- Self-hosted requirements mean you take care of security and maintenance
- Longer initial setup time compared to plug-and-play alternatives
My verdict: Perfect for digital product developers who want complete control over their eCommerce automation without ongoing transaction fees. The learning curve pays off with unlimited scaling and complete data ownership.
Check out my review of Easy Digital Downloads here.
Pricing: Free version available; Pro plans start at $99.50/year
This is my list of the best WordPress automation plugins. But if you remember, I mentioned that I tested 23 tools. So let’s take a look below at five automations that narrowly failed to rank.
Honorable Mentions: 5 More Automation WordPress Gems
WPConsent – Automation of data protection compliance
WPConsent handles the complex world of data protection compliance automatically and without legal problems. It scans your website for cookies, automatically categorizes them, and blocks tracking scripts until users give consent.
The intelligent geolocation feature only shows cookie banners to visitors from regions where they are required, e.g. B. GDPR areas. While seamlessly integrating with your existing analytics and marketing tools.
WPConsent is perfect for companies that need compliance automation without hiring a data protection lawyer.
Check out my WPConsent review here.
Click on Social Networks – Social media publishing automation
Click on Social Networks is an excellent tool for any WordPress site because it automatically helps you post to social media. It has a Revival Post feature that automatically reshares your older WordPress posts based on custom filters.
Additionally, one-click auto-publish pushes new content to multiple platforms when you click Publish.
For better branding, the template-based system creates consistent social media posts with dynamic variables. While team collaboration features automatically handle approval workflows.
ClickSocial is ideal for content creators who want a social media presence without manual posting.
Check out my ClickSocial review here.
OnePageGA – Analytics dashboard automation
OnePageGA Automatically transforms confusing Google Analytics data into clear, actionable dashboards in under 20 seconds.
It automatically generates 25+ pre-built reports covering everything from traffic sources to conversion funnels, with real-time data processing that updates as new information comes in.
Smart metric prioritization automatically highlights what matters most to your business type. OnePageGA is perfect for business owners who need analytical insights without becoming a data scientist.
Check out my detailed OnePageGA review here.
WP Code – Code management automation
WP Code automates the tedious process of managing custom code snippets on WordPress sites. Smart conditional logic automatically loads code based on user roles, page types, or device types.
While the auto-insert feature places snippets in the best places without conflicts. Additionally, the code generator automatically creates custom PHP, CSS, and JavaScript using simple forms.
My favorite feature is the private cloud library, which syncs snippets across multiple sites with version control. This is critical for any agency that manages multiple client locations.
Check out my WPCode review here.
TrustPulse – Social proof automation
TrustPulse is the best FOMO WordPress plugin. It automatically displays real-time social proof notifications to increase conversions without manual setup.
Additionally, it automatically tracks customer activities like purchases and sign-ups, then shows smart, targeted notifications to the right visitors at the best time.
Campaign automation integrates seamlessly with WordPress and WooCommerce, while built-in analytics automatically optimize the timing and frequency of notifications based on performance data.
TrustPulse is perfect for eCommerce websites looking to increase conversions through automated social proof.
Check out my TrustPulse review here.
That’s it for me. You now have a comprehensive list of the preferably Automation plugins for WordPress. The only question that remains is how to choose Right Automation plugin that meets your needs.
How to choose the right automation plugin
Choosing the perfect automation plugin depends on what is taking up the most time. Here’s how you can provide the right solution to your biggest pain points:
- To connect WordPress plugins together, Start with Scary Automator if you want the easiest setup. Or AutomatorWP if you are budget conscious and don’t mind a steeper learning curve. Both handle internal WordPress automation beautifully.
- For customer communication and lead management, WPForms dominates this space with AI form creation and intelligent workflow automation. Automatic routing and CRM integration eliminates the majority of manual customer communication work.
- For SEO implementation, All in one SEO automates the repetitive SEO tasks that eat up hours. AI content generation and automated optimization suggestions ensure consistent and fast SEO implementation.
- For integrating external apps Zapier wins for connecting WordPress to business applications outside of your website. While WP Webhooks handles advanced custom integrations that other tools cannot achieve.
- For quick site construction, Seed ProdThe AI website builder creates professional pages faster than any manual approach, with built-in lead capture automation.
- For selling digital products, Easy digital downloads automates the entire e-commerce process without transaction fees and gives you complete control over your digital product business.
By skill level:
By budget:
- Free options: All plugins offer free versions, but AutomatorWP And Scary Automator offer the greatest possible automation capability for free
- Best Value: AutomatorWPThanks to modular pricing, you only pay for the features you need
- Premium investment: WPForms And Scary Automator offer the most comprehensive automation for the price
That’s it from me today! If something is unclear, check out the frequently asked questions below.
FAQs: Best WordPress Automation Plugins
What is the difference between Uncanny Automator and AutomatorWP?
Both handle WordPress automation brilliantly, but Uncanny Automator offers a more sophisticated interface and better support, while AutomatorWP offers open source flexibility and modular pricing. Choose Uncanny Automator for ease of use, AutomatorWP for customization and budget control.
Do I need programming knowledge for these automation plugins?
None of the plugins in this list require any coding. They all use visual builders, drag-and-drop interfaces, or simple form-based setups. Even WP Webhooks, the most technical option, offers a visual flow builder for non-programmers.
Which plugin saves the most time?
It depends on your biggest time waster. Uncanny Automator saves most of your time when manually managing users and plugin interactions. WPForms wins for customer communication. When it comes to content optimization, all-in-one SEO dominates. Start with what addresses your biggest daily frustration.
Can I use multiple automation plugins together?
Absolutely and often recommended. Many users combine WPForms for customer communications, Uncanny Automator for internal WordPress automation, and Zapier for external app connections. Just avoid overlapping features to avoid conflicts.
Is it worth using the free versions?
Yes, especially for Uncanny Automator, AutomatorWP and WPForms. The free versions offer extensive automation options. Start for free, identify your most valuable automations, then upgrade when you need more advanced features.
How do I know if automation is working properly?
All of these plugins include logging and monitoring features. For the first week, check automation logs regularly and then set up email alerts for failed automations. Most problems occur during the initial setup, not during operation.
Final Verdict: Are Automation Tools Worth It?
Absolutely. The time I saved with these 8 plugins has been a game-changer. Tasks that once took entire afternoons are now done automatically while I sleep.
But here’s the thing: automation isn’t about being lazy!
It’s about focusing on the work that really matters. Instead of spending two hours manually processing form submissions, I use that time to create better content or serve customers more effectively.
The math is simple. If I save 5 hours per week on customer communication through WPForms, that’s 260 hours per year. At $50 per hour, the plugin pays for itself in the first week.
My advice is to start small. Choose the plugin that solves your biggest daily frustration. Then set up a simple automation, master it, and expand as you discover new opportunities.
If you want to automate even more in WordPress, check out this article about 7 incredible social media automation tools.
If you want to automate beyond WordPress, check out this list of the best Zapier alternatives.
Here are other articles you may want to read.
Ready to dive deeper into WordPress automation? These guides will help you master specific automation workflows and expand your toolkit even further.