Plugins - which ones do you need?
One of the biggest questions that comes up consistently is which plugins should I be using.
To celebrate the holidays I will be listing what I am currently using. Now a quick caveat
The plugins I am listing are what I am using right now. The plugins change constantly as new ones come and others stop getting supported. You do need to keep current because things change constantly in the WordPress world. (Why you should be subscribed to this blog
end of shameless plug.)
This will be delegated into two sections - Must Have, Nice To Have
Must Have
All In One SEO - Very functional plugin that really helps your blog rank better.
Google XML Site Map - Adding a sitemap is necessary to help your SEO.
Google Analyticator - Easily adds your Google Analytic code into your theme without any editing of the template. You need to be tracking and you can use other services but Google Analytics is a great free resource.
Simple Tags - Proper tagging can really allow you to improve your rankings. There are other tagging plugins that work also but this is my current choice.
Max Blogpress Ping Optimizer - Keeps you from over pinging when editing your posts.
WP Spam Free - One of the better anti spam plugins.
Nice To Have
All In One Bookmarking Button - Links directly to Socialmarker service and makes it easy for people to bookmark your blog on multiple services.
Commentluv - Pulls commenters last blog post as a link. Rewards your commenters.
Do Follow - Again a plugin that rewards your commenters with do follow links from their comments.
OnlyWire Autosubmitter - Automatically posts to Only Wire if you use their service and you should .
Pod Press - Great plugin to allow you to podcast easily from your blog.
Tweet My Blog - Automates Twitter with your blog. Allows you to import your latest from Twitter into your sidebar and posts to Twitter each time you post.
What Would Seth Godin Do - Allows you to invite new visitors to subscribe to your blog but disappears when they continue to visit.
WP Comment Remix - Allows you more control over comment display on your blog
WP Security Scan - Checks your settings and helps you keep your blog set up properly. Finds security items before they become problems.
WP tags to Technorati - Changes the tags from WordPress to links to Technorati
There are thousands of plugins available but hopefully this list will help you to find a solid list of plugins. I am sure that many of you have others you like and I may have left your favorite off the list. There are others on my other blogs that I use but limited this to what is here right now.
Also I am doing a special for readers of this blog only. I have set up a special page with a discount of over 20% to get me to install and set up your blog. Check it out at the special install page. There are only 8 spots available.
As always your questions and comments are welcomed.
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9 comments
Paul Livingston on November 28, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Wow, what a list!
Bookmarked again, thanks.
Paul Livingston´s last blog post..21 Simple Ways to Make More with any size list!
Joel Osborne on November 28, 2008 at 2:13 pm
What a fantastic plug-in list Mike!
I always tend to forget a few plug-ins when I set up a new blog, but now I can just come visit this post to make sure I have installed them all
Please keep us updated on any new plug-ins!
Joel Osborne
Joel Osborne´s last blog post..What Can Moving Teach You?
DA Riley on November 28, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the plugin info. I was using a couple that you suggested, but didn’t have the WP_Spam…
Thanks for your blog! Its always information I can use!
DA
Shelby Carr on November 28, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Excellent resource, Mike!
Thanks for helping with the plugin situation. I see that there are a couple that I need already.
Shelby
Shelby Carr´s last blog post..Finding A Profitable Niche
Fred Lotgering on November 28, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Mike what a great resource! 50% missing….
Only question I have that I thought that google sitemap was included in all-in-one-seo or is there benefit to have both included?
Running off now the get the rest installed….
Fred
Fred Lotgering´s last blog post..Get Traffic with Easy GiveAway Plan
Jeffrey Levesque on November 29, 2008 at 12:54 am
Hey Mike,
I maintain a folder on my hard-drive named “WPPlugins” that is continually updated and at the ready for a new install.
Thanks for the additional recommendations!
Regards,
Jeffrey Levesque
The Affiliate Mechanic
Jeffrey Levesque´s last blog post..Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Own Membership Site
John on November 29, 2008 at 5:32 am
oh no! you forgot some stats plugin! =)
statpress, cystats, etc.
John
Mike on November 29, 2008 at 9:33 am
@Jeffrey Levesque -
Mine is a bit big and has hundreds but that is because I test quite a few to see which work best. User a mindmap to keep track of which ones I currently use
Lonnie Minton on December 5, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Mike,
Thanks for the list. I will start checking them out.
Lonnie
Lonnie Minton´s last blog post..What are Private Label Rights?