One of the questions I often get from bloggers new to using WordPress is, “What plugins should I use?” Because it’s such a popular blog platform I thought I would share some of my favorites here on Cincinnati Women Bloggers. Here are 10 great plugins for getting started with WordPress.
1) Comment Luv ~ When readers leave a comment, a link to their most recent blog post is also displayed. This is a great way for you to see what they’re talking about on their blog.
2) Yet Another Related Posts ~ Displays a list of related blog posts at the end of each post. A great way to expose readers to additional content on the same topic.
3) Link Within ~ Similar to “Yet Another Related Posts” but more visual. The Link Within plugin displays related content along with images at the bottom of posts.
4) All in one SEO pack ~ Easy to use plugin that allows you to optimize your blog posts.
5) Google (XML) Sitemaps Generator for WordPress ~ Generate a special XML sitemap which helps search engines index your blog.
6) Print Friendly ~ When installed, this plugin enables readers to print a “printer friendly” version of your blog post. Great plugin for those of you who share recipes, write “how to” posts, etc.
7) Subscribe Remind ~ Adds a subtle reminder to readers to subscribe to your RSS feed at the end of blog posts.
8) TweetMeme ~ Adds an icon to your blog posts that allows readers to Tweet it to their Twitter followers.
9) Twitter for WordPress ~ Simple plugin for displaying your recent Tweets in your sidebar.
10) Sociable ~ Allows you to add links to various social booking marking sites after blog posts. Having these at the end of your post increase the chances that someone might ‘Stumble’ or ‘digg’ your post.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg as far as great plugins that are out there. What plugins are you using? Any you’d recommend? Any you think people should avoid?
~~ Shannan
PS. I would also recommend using the Akismet plugin for dealing with spam. It does a great job and filtering out comments from bots.
Filed under: Technology Tips | Tagged: Top Wordpress Plugins, Wordpress Plugins for beginners |
Cincinnati Women Bloggers 
One of the first ones I usually use is the ultimate google analytics plugin. Commentluv is a great plugin!
Good post! As someone who visits sites frequently on my blackberry (links thru from twitter) I appreciate the wp blogs that have the mobile plugin (blanking on the actual name).
Great post. I will have to save this for when I transfer to WordPress. I know it is the way to go, but I am just getting started.
Thanks for a great meeting today. Your commitment to helping other bloggers is such a gift!
:0)
Lisa
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by mommybits: RT @CinWomenBlogger: New on CWB: Ten Great Plugins for WordPress http://bit.ly/dAMv9N #savvyblogging…
Don’t forget:
Arkayne (“related posts” + a network of other bloggers you recommend)
WPtouch iPhone Theme (shows a modifed version for phones and mobile devices)
ShareThis: Share posts with others; based in Cincinnati.
Thanks so much for this info. I get overwhelmed by all the plugins. Already see a couple I want to add!
Thanks Julie I’m going to have to test out that related posts plugin. I see your blog and Michelle’s on their rotating images and I see you’re using it on your site. Cool looking plugin!
Thanks for adding to this list you guys!
Thanks for this post! I have a few plugins however, there are so many that I get lost in the list. I do have the comment luv except that it keeps saying that I need to add something else that I cannot seem to figure out so I will have to try again. I cannot wait to try the Print Friendly. The posts always look funny when I print them out so hopefully this will help.
Thanks again!
[…] Link: Ten Great Plugins for WordPress « Cincinnati Women Bloggers […]
You know it’s gone too far when a cool new plugin is as good as a new pair of shoes! Yep….I’m SO there!
Some really good suggestions here, and some more I want to check out!
As a commenting system, I’ve really liked Disqus. As a replacement to the built-in comments system that comes with WordPress, you’re able to import existing comments over there. It provides some threading and integration with Twitter and Facebook.
For podcasters, I believe the PowerPress plugin is the best one around.
Another one that I’ve loved is the TweetMeme Retweet plugin.
And for maintenance, get the WordPress Automatic Upgrade (walks you through the process), and WordPress Database Backup (emails you your WP database).
I agree with Daniel re: Disqus. I’m so much more likely to comment on blogs where I can just sign in with my Twitter ID.
I also love Tweet This, which allows you to to tweet blog posts automatically, shortens the URL, and lets you to choose how the tweet will be worded. Bonus: You can also choose to share on FB, Digg, StumbleUpon, Delicious…
digital marketing It’s just like you understand my head! You seem to know so much in regards to this, just like you composed the particular ebook from it or something like that. I’m sure that one could use a number of per-cent to electrical power the content household a tad, but rather than that will, that is superb web site. A wonderful study. I am going to certainly return.