WordPress Plugins You May Need

I have been asked many different times from new bloggers what plugins they should use.

I think a big part of it comes down to personal taste.  While there are some essentials many of them are just add-on plugins that make your readers experience on your blog better. Also plugins allows you to add social sharing elements to your blog.

I forget where I read it, but I did read in another blog that people like to share as long as it is easy for them to do it.

I tend to agree with that. I have a tendency to share stuff if buttons are clearly in my face.  Here is a a huge list of  wordpress plugins you might find useful.

WordPress Plugins List

Wp Super Cache

This plugin is a must have for two very important reasons. First, it makes your WP pages load lightning quick. If you’ve got a lot of graphics or big sites, this is critical to keeping your visitors from leaving too soon.

Second, it stores static versions of your site and uses a lot less CPU processing than if you just used WordPress by itself.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-super-cache/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.6 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-6-16

Average rating 4

Akismet

I don’t have to tell you what a pain in the backside spam comments are. Akisment stops them dead in their tracks. This is probably the one plugin that nobody should be without, especially if you plan on having a very popular blog and allowing comments by your visitors.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/akismet/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-23

Average rating 4

WpTouch Iphone Theme

With the Iphone being such a big thing today, this is a must have plugin. What it does essentially is this. If a person visits your site through an Iphone or some other mobile device, it displays a lighter version of the site specifically designed for mobile users.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wptouch/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-9

Average rating 4

WP DB Manager

Database management is something that not very many people give a second thought to but it’s critical to do, especially with all the hackers that are out there. This plugin has a lot of cool features in addition to backing up your database, including automatically emailing you a copy of your database each day.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-dbmanager/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Last Updated: 2009-6-8

Average rating 4

SEO Smart Links

This is such a cool plugin. If you’re not linking from one article on your WordPress blog to another, you should be. Well, this plugin interlinks keywords in your articles for you.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/seo-automatic-links/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.9.2

Last Updated: 2010-6-2

Average rating 4

WordPress Related Posts

This is a great little plugin for keeping people on your site. If they’re reading one of your articles, the best thing you can do is to put more articles in front of them to keep them going through your site. This plugin does just that.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-23-related-posts-plugin/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.8.4

Last Updated: 2010-6-22

Average rating 4

WP Postratings

This may not seem like much but this is a great way to get people to read your articles. With this plugin, people can rate your articles and then, if they’re rated high, other people will see the ratings and this can influence them to read your article. Subtle but brilliant.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-postratings/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Last Updated: 2009-6-13

Average rating 3.5

All In One SEO Pack

This is a must have. If you want your blog to be as SEO’d as humanly possible so that it climbs up the ranks, get this plugin. It may just be one of the most popular and widely used at WordPress.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/all-in-one-seo-pack/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-7-11

Average rating 4

Most Commented Widget

A simple but effective plugin. This one will show the most commented posts in a widget on your blog sidebar. This will gravitate visitors to that post in order to add their comments.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/most-commented/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.9.2

Last Updated: 2009-12-29

Average rating 4.5

Duplicate Content Cure

Quite simply, this handy little plugin tells the search engines not to index pages that have duplicate content.

This is a third party plugin so I have no stats for compatibility. You’ll have to check with the plugin’s creator.

http://www.seologs.com/downloads/duplicate-content-cure.zip

Google XML Sitemaps

In short, if you want your blog to be recognized by Google as quickly as possible, you MUST get this plugin. It generates a Google XML sitemap of your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-sitemap-generator/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.1 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-5-29

Average rating 4.5

No Self Pings

This very useful plugin will WordPress from pinging its own site. This is useful for when you want to link directly related articles in a multi part series.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/no-self-ping/

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2007-4-22

Average rating 4.5

Subscribe Me

This is a must have plugin if you want your visitors to share your content.

Essentially, what it does is it adds buttons to your blog that allows visitors to share your content on many social sites like Bloglines or Google Reader. This is a MUST have.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/sem-subscribe-me/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-3-5

Average rating 5

Bookmark Me

This is a simple plugin that adds social bookmarks buttons to posts and pages.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/bookmark-me/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.1 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.7.1

Last Updated: 2009-5-22

Average rating 4

NextGEN Gallery

Want to build a gallery of photos? This plugin does it with super cool ease. Just install and you’re done.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/nextgen-gallery/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-8

Average rating 4

All In One Adsense And YPN

Want Adsense on your blog? Just get it. You won’t regret it. You can customize how you want your ads to look 20 ways to Sunday. A must have for Adsense marketers.

http://www.linewbie.com/wordpress-plugins/all-in-one-adsense-and-ypn

Requires WordPress Version: 1.5 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-9

Average rating 3.5

OZH Admin Drop Down Menu

Want to make your administration a breeze? This plugin makes all admin links available in a neat CSS driven drop down menu. No more having to click on “Manage” and “Pages” to edit pages. Just get it!

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/ozh-admin-drop-down-menu/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 9.9

Last Updated: 2010-8-6

Average rating 4.5

WordPress Stats

Not a glamorous plugin, which explains the low rating, but too many people ignore this gem. It gives you concise stats with no additional load on your server. Just get it!

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/stats/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-10

Average rating 3

BuddyPress

Simple…build a social network. This is one of WordPress’ most highly rated plugins.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/buddypress/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-7-6

Average rating 5

Wickett Twitter Widget

This is a really cool plugin. If you’re into Twitter (and who isn’t?) this plugin displays tweets from your twitter account in the sidebar of your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wickett-twitter-widget/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2009-12-26

Average rating 4

Google Analytics For WordPress

The name says it all. If you use Google Analytics, get this plugin…period.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-analytics-for-wordpress/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-26

Average rating 4

Fast Secure Contact Form

Want your visitors to contact you and block all automated spammers? Get this plugin…PERIOD. One of their best.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/si-contact-form/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-6

Average rating 5

WordPress Importer

What this plugin does is it imports posts, pages, comments, custom fields, categories, and tags from a WordPress export file. Very useful.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-importer/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-5-20

Average rating 4

Smart YouTube

What this plugin does is it allows you to insert full featured YouTube videos into your post. Way cool!

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/smart-youtube/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-2

Average rating 4

Secure WordPress

Anybody who doesn’t have this is just plain nuts.
Here is a list of the things it takes care of.

ü removes error-information on login-page

ü adds index.php plugin-directory (virtual)

ü removes the wp-version, except in admin-area

ü removes Really Simple Discovery

ü removes Windows Live Writer

ü remove core update information for non-admins

ü remove plugin-update information for non-admins

ü remove theme-update informationfor non-admins (only WP 2.8 and higher)

ü hide wp-version in backend-dashboard for non-admins

ü Add string for use WP Scanner

ü Block bad queries

Just get it!

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/secure-wordpress/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.6 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-10

Average rating 5

WPML Multilingual CMS

Want to build WordPress sites for multiple languages? This plugin is pure genius.

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-6

Average rating 4.5

Lightbox 2

Want lightboxes for your WordPress pages? This is the plugin to get. Really cool.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/lightbox-2/

Requires WordPress Version: 1.5 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.9.2

Last Updated: 2010-2-10

Average rating 4

Favicons

Too many people ignore how much this plugin can help your site be more attractive to visitors. Favicons are very important for eye-catching sites.

Requires WordPress Version: 2 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.9.2

Last Updated: 2010-9-3

Average rating 5

Redirection

This is a VERY handy plugin. What it does is it handles 301 redirections and keeps track of 404 errors without the need for Apache .htaccess files.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/redirection/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-4

Average rating 4

Simple Tags

It’s not glamorous, but this must have plugin manages all your tags.

Here’s a list of what it brings to the table.

Administration

ü Tags suggestion from Yahoo! Term Extraction API, OpenCalais, Alchemy, Zemanta, Tag The Net, Local DB with AJAX request

ü Compatible with TinyMCE, FCKeditor, WYMeditor and QuickTags

ü tags management (rename, delete, merge, search and add tags, edit tags ID)

ü Edit mass tags (more than 50 posts once)

ü Auto link tags in post content

ü Auto tags !

ü Type-ahead input tags / Autocompletion Ajax

ü Click tags

ü Related tags !

ü Importer for embedded tags

ü Possibility to tag pages (not only posts) and include them inside the tags results

ü Embedded tags ([tags]tag1, tag2[/tags]) for compatibility with old plugins

ü Easy configuration ! (in WP admin)

Blog

ü Meta keywords generate from tags in your header’s blog

ü Technorati, Flickr and Delicious tags

ü Dynamic Tag Clouds with colors with Widgets (random order, etc)

ü Related content since common tags

ü Possibility to add related posts inside RSS

ü Extended the_tags function (outside the loop, technorati, etc)

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/simple-tags/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-6-17

Average rating 4

PodPress

Want to host a podcast? Get this plugin. In spite of the relatively low rating (what are people thinking?) this is a great little plugin if you can use it.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/podpress/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.4 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-25

Average rating 3

Maintenance Mode

The last thing you want, if your site is down for maintenance, is for visitors to find nothing there. This simple, but effective plugin, adds a splash page to your blog to let them know that it’s down for maintenance.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/maintenance-mode/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0-RC1

Last Updated: 2010-6-3

Average rating 4

Audio Player

Want to play MP3’s on your blog? Get this plugin.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/audio-player/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.2 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.9.2

Last Updated: 2010-1-27

Average rating 4

Breadcrumb NavXT

This is a really cool plugin. It shows the visitor to your blog the path that he took to get to where he is now.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/breadcrumb-navxt/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-24

Average rating 4.5

My Page Order

Does just that…allows you to set the page order in your blog through a drag and drop interface.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/my-page-order/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-6-19

Average rating 4.5

WP-Polls

Another plugin that does just what it says…allows you to add Ajax style polls to your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-polls/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Last Updated: 2009-6-10

Average rating 3.5

Keyword Statistics

For you article writers who are fanatical about keyword density, this plugin checks the keyword density of your posts. A must have for article writers.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/keyword-statistics/

Requires WordPress Version: 1.5 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-6

Average rating 5

Theme Test Drive

Want to test a new theme but don’t want visitors to see it if it screws up? This plugin will let you safely test drive a new theme while visitors use the default one. Very handy.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/theme-test-drive/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-2

Average rating 4

Blog Protector

Protects your content and images from being stolen.

Enough said.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/blog-protector/

Requires WordPress Version: 2 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-11

Average rating 4

Featured Content Gallery

Creates a customizable rotating image gallery anywhere on your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/featured-content-gallery/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.7.1

Last Updated: 2009-3-9

Average rating 3.5

WP-Table Reloaded

One of their highest rated plugins. Quite simply, it lets you manage tables on the backend without any knowledge of HTML…way cool.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-table-reloaded/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-5

Average rating 5

WordPress Video Plugin

What is cool about this plugin is that it works for MANY video sites…not just YouTube. Otherwise, just get the YouTube plugin if that’s all you need.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-video-plugin/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-7-20

Average rating 4.5

Blogger Importer

Not a highly rated plugin, probably because most people hate blogger, but if you have a blogger blog and want to import posts from it, you MUST have this plugin.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/blogger-importer/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-17

Average rating 3

S2Member

One of the most powerful plugins out there if you want to use your WordPress blog as a membership site.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/s2member/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-7

Average rating 4.5

Grand Flash Album Gallery

Want to do a Flash slideshow with ease? Get this plugin.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/flash-album-gallery/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-31

Average rating 4.5

Regenerate Thumbnails

This plugin allows you to automatically regenerate all thumbnails after changing the thumbnail sizes. A real time saver.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/regenerate-thumbnails/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-6-30

Average rating 5

Statcounter

Simple plugin that is quite useful. Generates real time visitor stats.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/official-statcounter-plugin-for-wordpress/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.2 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-4-8

Average rating 4

Skype Online Status

If you use Skype and want people to be able to get in touch with you through Skype, this plugin allows you to add customizable Skype buttons to your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/skype-online-status/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-4

Average rating 4.5

All In One Webmaster

If you care about submitting site maps to more than just Google, this plugin handles Ask, Bing, Alexa, Yahoo, Facebook & BlogCatalog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/all-in-one-webmaster/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-23

Average rating 5

Robots Meta

This simple plugin allows you to easily manage your robots tags and handle things like making your blog no follow. Very useful.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/robots-meta/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-4-4

Average rating 4

Link Cloaking Plugin

This is a MUST HAVE for affiliate marketers. It cloaks all your links easily and effortlessly.

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-15

Average rating 4.5

Mingle Forum

Want to add a forum to your WordPress blog? This plugin will do it easily.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/mingle-forum/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-3

Average rating 4

WP-UserOnline

Want to show how popular your blog is? This plugin will show how many users are online in real time.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-useronline/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-5-11

Average rating 4

No More Frames

This is a great little plugin to battle those sites that try to load your site into frames. Stops them cold.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/no-more-frames/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.0

Last Updated: 2010-9-1

Average rating 3.5

Banner Rotator FX

The most advanced banner rotator on the web…end of story.

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-9

Average rating 4.5

Search And Replace

Doesn’t seem like such a big deal until you realize that you have to search and replace a ton of content on your blog because a site name or URL changed. This plugin makes it a snap.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/search-and-replace/

Requires WordPress Version: 1.5 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-6-7

Average rating 4.5

Post Page Associator

This award winning plugin allows you to attach posts to a page. Very handy little plugin.

Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-7

Average rating 4.5

Dynamic Headers

This is such a cool plugin. It allows you to create dynamic header space on your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/dynamic-headers/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-29

Average rating 5

Get The Image

This is another really cool plugin. What it does is it creates an image representation of your blog…plus a lot more. You just have to get this one.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/get-the-image/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-7-17

Average rating 5

WordPress Stats Smiley Remover

This may not seem like a big deal, but it removes that stupid smiley face that WordPress Stats places in the footer of your web page. Makes it look more professional.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpresscom-stats-smiley-remover/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.0

Last Updated: 2010-9-4

Average rating 4.5

Category Order

This simple plugin allows you to manage the category order of your blog with a simple drag and drop interface.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/order-categories/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.5.1

Last Updated: 2008-5-30

Average rating 5

Scribe SEO

You really can’t appreciate this plugin unless you’re a copywriter or content writer. This plugin instructs you how to tweak your content to get better SE placement. You simply don’t want to be without this one.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/scribe/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8.4 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-1

Average rating 4

Login Lockdown

Simple plugin that locks a person out after a number of login attempts. Quite simply, you need this.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/login-lockdown/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.5 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.8.4

Last Updated: 2009-9-17

Average rating 4.5

WP-Insert

Quite simply, the most powerful ad management plugin that you can get.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-insert/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-23

Average rating 4

WP-Minify

This simple plugin compresses JS and CSS files to improve page load time.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-minify/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-6

Average rating 4.5

WP Page Numbers

This might seem so insignificant but it’s yet another plugin that will make your site look just a little more professional.

This plugin replaces the “next” and “previous” page text with actual page numbers. Very cool.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-page-numbers/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.8

Last Updated: 2009-7-5

Average rating 5

What Would Seth Godin Do

This plugin displays one welcome message to new visitors and a different message to returning visitors. Very useful little plugin for that personal blog touch.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/what-would-seth-godin-do/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-7-5

Average rating 4

WP Optimize

This plugin allows you to clean up your WordPress database and optimize it without needing phpMyAdmin

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-optimize/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.9.2

Last Updated: 2010-1-8

Average rating 5

More Fields

This is a very cool and useful plugin that allows you to add any number of extra fields to the Write/Edit page in Admin.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/more-fields/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-21

Average rating 4

Custom Sidebars

This plugin allows you to created your own widgetized areas and custom sidebars.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/custom-sidebars/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.01

Last Updated: 2010-9-6

Average rating 5

Article Directory

Want to turn your WordPress blog into an article directory? Get this plugin.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/article-directory/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0+

Last Updated: 2010-9-6

Average rating 4

YouTube

I wish they named this better. This is SUCH a cool plugin. What it does is it shows your most relevant YouTube videos related to the search criteria typed into the search box on your blog.

Requires WordPress Version: 2.0.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-6

Average rating 5

Lifestream

This is just a monster of a plugin, streaming your activity from 50 different sources to your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/lifestream/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-6-29

Average rating 4

WordPress Admin Bar

Does what it says. Creates an Admin bar at the top of your blog just like the one at the WordPress site itself. Very cool.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-admin-bar/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-18

Average rating 4.5

Countdown Timer

If you want a timer that will countdown certain events, like sales, this will do it.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/countdown-timer/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-4-13

Average rating 4

Plugin Central

Well, if you have a lot of plugins, you better get this one. What it does is it updates all plugins at once and can move plugins from one blog to another. Very, very useful.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/plugin-central/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.5 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-7-18

Average rating 5

Open In New Window Plugin

Wow, can you say cool? This plugin opens any links clicked in a new window keeping your blog open to the visitor.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/open-in-new-window-plugin/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.9.2

Last Updated: 2010-9-9

Average rating 4

Comment Rating

Does what it says. Allows visitors to rate other posters’ comments.

Requires WordPress Version: 2.3 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-10

Average rating 4.5

AnyFont

This plugin can use any custom or true type font to replace any font on your blog. Now THIS is cool.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/anyfont/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.5 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-22

Average rating 4

Search Meter

This plugin tracks what readers are searching for in your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/search-meter/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-7-9

Average rating 4

Google DOC Embedder

Okay, this is REALLY cool. This plugin allows you to embed Word DOC files, PDF files, Powerpoint Presentations and TIFF files on your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-document-embedder/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-5

Average rating 4

Job Manager

If you’re into this niche, this plugin manages job listings and job applications on your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/job-manager/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-9

Average rating 4.5

Zopim Live Chat

Want to add live chat to your blog? This plug does it.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/zopim-live-chat/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.9.2

Last Updated: 2010-9-9

Average rating 4

WP Google Weather

How many times have you wanted to know what the weather was but didn’t want to go to a weather site? Well, this plugin displays Google weather right on your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-google-weather/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-12

Average rating 4.5

PayPal Donations

Not enough people take advantage of PayPal donations. This plugin is great for managing those.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/paypal-donations/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-7-8

Average rating 4.5

PDF24 Article To PDF

Another really cool plugin that allows visitors to take any of your articles and convert them to PDFs on the fly.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/pdf24-post-to-pdf/

Requires WordPress Version: 1.5.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-2

Average rating 4

Quotes Collection

This cool little plugin allows you to show random quotes on your blog using Ajax’s random quote sidebar.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/quotes-collection/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.2 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-6-24

Average rating 4.5

Relevanssi

This is borderline Google cool. It basically replaces the default search functionality of your blog with a partial match search.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/relevanssi/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.5 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-11

Average rating 5

GigPress

This plugin is designed for musicians and performers. If that’s you, then you MUST get this plugin. Manages multiple artists with ease.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/gigpress/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-7-8

Average rating 5

Author Image

If you have guest authors on your blog, this plugin allows you to easily add author images.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/sem-author-image/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-2

Average rating 4.5

News Ticker FX

Want a news ticker? This is one of the most advanced ones on the web.

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-8

Average rating 5

ComicPress Manager

Are you using the ComicPress theme for your blog? Then this plugin is a MUST HAVE.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/comicpress-manager/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.9.1 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-20

Average rating 4.5

WP-Testimonials

Want to show testimonials on your blog and not have them look like crap? Then you need this plugin.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-testimonials/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.7 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-8-19

Average rating 3.5

WP Hide Dashboard

This is a very cool and useful plugin to improve the appearance of your blog.

What it does is it hides the dashboard menu, tools menu, personal options section and help link on the profile page from your blog subscribers when they are logged in.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-hide-dashboard/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-6-17

Average rating 5

Click To Call Me

How cool is this? This plugin allows your visitors to call you from anywhere in the world.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/click-to-call-me/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.9.2

Last Updated: 2010-6-17

Average rating 5

Mass Page Removal

Does what it says…removes multiple pages at once.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/mass-page-remover/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-7-13

Average rating 5

Watermark RELOADED

Simple plugin that adds watermarks to your uploaded images.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/watermark-reloaded/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.9 or higher

Compatible up to: 2.9.2

Last Updated: 2010-5-5

Average rating 4

AmazonPress

Quite simply, if you are an Amazon affiliate you MUST get this plugin.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/amazonpress/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.3.2 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.0

Last Updated: 2010-7-16

Average rating 5

WP-Property

If you’re into real estate, this is one plugin you’re probably going to want to have. It creates a directory of real estate and rental properties.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-property/

Requires WordPress Version: 3.0 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2010-9-9

Average rating 5

Suckerfish Dropdown Menu

For those of you who actually care about your visitors who have outdated browsers, this plugin provides support for those people so they don’t feel left out because they can’t view your blog.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/ryans-suckerfish-wordpress-dropdown-menu/

Requires WordPress Version: 2.8 or higher

Compatible up to: 3.0.1

Last Updated: 2009-7-31

Average rating 4

WordPress plugins Warning

Not all plugins play nice together. If you notice your blog slowing down or you keep getting new errors popping up deactivate your plugins one at a time and see which ones are causing issues for you.

I know when I started messing around with different plugins my blog got all bugged up on me so just be careful. It is a good idea to back up your wordpress regularly.  WordPress plugins can really spice up your blog so my advice is start using them. If you found this helpful comment and let me know or even better share it!!!